Rich helped us, as a new school, dig deep to understand and fully flesh out our shared values, and then to integrate and live those values throughout the school. The shift takes time, but for us it has paid dividends over the years by creating a cohesive group of adults moving forward toward a shared educational vision.
- Tammy Finch, K-8 Director of The Expedition School - one of North Carolina’s continually, highest-rated public schools.
What is it about the school that attracted you? - How everyone wanted not only to create an excellent environment for the kids, but also for the adults…The opportunity to be involved in a wonderful school environment…I appreciated the school’s philosophy and values...The values.
Survey responses from staff members who were brought on together following Rich’s work with the school’s leader.
I put my heart and soul into the school, and I was concerned that, like so many other schools that lose a long-term leader, the turnover rate would soar and damage the program we had built together over so many years. … Rich’s guidance was completely successful. After I left, the turnover rate did not spike, and the framework remains in place years later.
- Mitch Stensland, retired principal of Chatham Central High School, North Carolina
A people-centric culture — one that truly nurtures students, families, and employees — is what sets a school system apart. Whether you are new to the superintendency or your board and team are ready to elevate your work, I encourage you to speak with Rich. Our experience with him was very positive, and we look forward to partnering with him and Gayle again.
- Dr. Markley, former superintendent of New Hanover County Schools and chair of North Carolina’s large school district leadership group.
For years, I, like Rich, have partnered with People Ink. Today, that framework is woven into the cultures of all five universities in the Texas Tech system. As a result, students, faculty, staff, future health practitioners, and graduates are thriving and growing in ways that were not possible before.
- Steve Sosland, retired Leader and Culture Development Vice Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System
Many programs, like ours, struggle to take root because schools aren’t ready for change, or conditions shift when leadership turns over. Rich’s approach can equip schools to build the structures, habits, and culture needed for lasting growth—so teachers can succeed, leaders can stay, and students can thrive year after year.
- Dr. Terry Roberts, long-time director of the National Paideia Center, one of the oldest school reform models in the United States
From leadership setting the example to ongoing training and support, we ensure that every staff member understands and incorporates our core values into their work, creating a culture of compassionate, patient-centered care.
Caswell County Family Medical Center reversed years of underperformance, provider turnover, and achieved an uncommon perfect score from HRSA. The North Carolina project followed a change in leadership and a referral from a partner school.
Teacher shortages and turnover are not just about pay, preparation, and pipelines—they reflect the culture. Schools thrive when communities unite around shared values, and leaders collaboratively build environments where those expectations come alive. I’ve seen this my whole career, and so has Rich—and he’s not just talking about it.
Dr. Charles Coble, an international authority on teacher preparation and development, and past Vice President of the Education Commission of the States
