Rachel Decker Richelieu named Pitt’s vice chancellor for University Communications and Marketing

Rachel Decker Richelieu will lead University Communications and Marketing as its new vice chancellor, the University of Pittsburgh announced Thursday. A global communications and marketing executive, Richelieu brings decades of experience from her work in the public sector, aerospace and defense, and technology. She starts May 15.

“Her experience, drive and vision make Rachel the right leader at the right time,” said Kevin Washo, senior vice chancellor for university relations. “I’m positive that alongside our current team, Rachel will take communications and marketing at the University of Pittsburgh to new heights.”

In this role, Richelieu will develop communications and marketing strategies and practices that build understanding and support for the University’s mission and strengthen and improve outreach and engagement.

“I look forward to supporting the University of Pittsburgh’s tremendous momentum and continuing to raise Pitt's profile and reputation as a world-class research and innovation powerhouse that is tackling society-sized problems, as well as breaking down barriers, fostering innovative partnerships and entrepreneurship, and accelerating impact both regionally and around the world,” she said.

Richelieu has spent the last five years as director of strategic communications at MITRE, a nonprofit technology and research-and-development company that partners with and works across government, industry and academia to address global challenges. Before that, she was vice president of public relations and corporate communications for Strayer Education. Richelieu has also held leadership roles at Hewlett-Packard, BAE Systems and Pratt and Whitney.

Both prior to and following 9/11, Richelieu worked for the Pentagon Renovation Program and communicated the Pentagon’s public and media response following the terrorist attack and subsequent rebuilding. She also worked for the U.S. Department of Defense, hosting a ministerial of NATO Ministers of Defense, and the U.S. Department of State as operations program coordinator for the 2004 G8 Summit hosted in Sea Island, Georgia.

Richelieu earned an MBA at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in communications from George Mason University. She was hired at Pitt following a nationwide search.

Richelieu, an avid marathoner, will relocate to Pittsburgh with her husband and two daughters.

“I was drawn to Pitt because of its mission and purpose to advance learning, increase access to education, and thoughtfully engage and support faculty, staff, students and alumni, and the neighborhoods and communities Pitt serves,” Richelieu said.

University Communications and Marketing is a nearly 60-person unit working across Pitt’s five campuses to provide strategic communications and marketing services, consultation and support in design, media relations, photography, social media, video and web services. The office produces the University’s flagship news service, Pittwire, and alumni-focused Pitt Magazine.

Richelieu succeeds Acting Vice Chancellor Kate Ledger (EDUC ’06G), who has held five unique marketing roles across the University over almost two decades. She’s served as the office’s leader since August and will resume her role as assistant vice chancellor for marketing.

“With Kate as steward, University Communications and Marketing has excelled. You can see it in stronger relationships across the University and in the community,” Washo said. “We’re grateful for her leadership and continued dedication to advancing marketing efforts here at Pitt.”

Photography by PaperKite Photography