First Graduate® APPOINTS JOSÉ RIVAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Terri Forman elevated to Senior Director, Philanthropy & Marketing
First Graduate® Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of José Rivas as First Graduate’s next Executive Director. José brings 25+ years of experience in college access across several positions at University of California, Berkeley. José has a unique appreciation of college access; he’s a first-generation graduate who was inspired by caring educators to beat the odds.
José has a proven track record for program development and fundraising and a strong passion for serving low-income youth. Most recently, he was Executive Director of University of California, Berkeley’s College Prep program, which serves middle and high schools through six individual programs. José successfully grew the program to an annual budget of $5.5m.
He has a BA in Ethnic Studies from University of California, Berkeley and a MPA in Public Administration from California State University-Hayward.
José began his tenure on December 1st reporting to the First Graduate® Board of Directors.
In addition to José’s appointment, we’re pleased to announce the promotion of Terri Forman to the role of Senior Director, Philanthropy & Marketing. This newly-created role reflects her significant fundraising accomplishments and the opportunity to better connect marketing to student outcomes. The Board of Directors is grateful for Terri’s service as Interim Executive Director.
Finally, we’d like to acknowledge and thank Program Directors Ann Schnuer, Anthony Mickens, and Katie Tremper for their leadership during this transition. Anthony recently left First Graduate® to become Executive Director of The Seven Tepees Program; we wish him the best.
