(January 5th, 2026)
Cristo Rey Richmond High School partnered with Fahrenheit Advisors to lead our search for a new Vice President of Advancement. Cristo Rey Richmond High School is delighted to announce the appointment of Cynthia Coleman, J.D., as our new Vice President of Advancement. Cynthia is a respected nonprofit leader with extensive experience in philanthropy, strategic planning, community partnerships, and mission-driven fundraising. She comes to Cristo Rey with a distinguished career dedicated to strengthening organizations that serve and uplift children, families, and those often underserved and unseen in our community.
Cynthia most recently served as Senior Director of Philanthropy at YWCA Richmond, where she led the advancement program, stewarded major donors and institutional funders, oversaw strategic communications initiatives, and played a critical leadership role in advancing the organization’s mission. During her tenure, she successfully guided significant growth in philanthropic support, managed a robust grant portfolio, and supported major campaigns that expanded organizational impact.
Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership and compliance roles at Altria/Philip Morris, where she led teams, managed complex initiatives, and built strong collaborative partnerships. Her breadth of experience provides her with a unique combination of legal insight, risk and compliance expertise, strategic leadership, and deep nonprofit development knowledge.
Cynthia is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law. Deeply rooted in community service, she currently serves as the current Chair of the Board of Trustees at Trinity Episcopal School, where she has held multiple leadership positions. Her personal values also align deeply with Cristo Rey’s mission. Having grown up with limited economic means, she credits caring adults, educators, and mentors with helping shape her success—and is passionate about ensuring the same opportunities exist for Cristo Rey students.
“I am excited to join the Cristo Rey family where we help build bright futures for our deserving young men and women,” Cynthia shared. “Providing access, opportunity, and educational excellence for students of limited economic means is work that transforms families and communities.”
We are thrilled to welcome Cynthia to the Cristo Rey Richmond community. Her leadership, strategic expertise, deep commitment to equity, and proven ability to build meaningful philanthropic partnerships will play a pivotal role in supporting our school’s growth, including expanding advancement initiatives, stewarding donor relationships, and helping shape the future of Cristo Rey Richmond.
Please join us in welcoming Cynthia Coleman to Cristo Rey Richmond!
