Communities In Schools of Richmond (CIS) announced today that Adrienne Cole Johnson, MSW, has been selected as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Johnson will officially join the organization in July 2026, following the retirement of longtime President & CEO Dr. Harold Fitrer.
A respected leader across education, nonprofit, and public systems, Johnson brings more than 25 years of executive and senior leadership experience focused on advancing student success through integrated supports, community partnerships, and family engagement.
Johnson currently serves as Chief of Family and Community Engagement for Henrico County Public Schools, where she leads the division’s community school strategy and oversees a team of more than 60 staff working to connect students and families with wraparound supports including mental health services, basic needs assistance, and advocacy resources.
“Adrienne brings deep experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a clear commitment to students and families,” said David Ryan, Chair of the Communities In Schools of Richmond Board of Directors. “Her work strengthening community partnerships and expanding access to essential supports reflects the very heart of the CIS model. The board is confident that Adrienne will build on our strong foundation and lead CIS into its next chapter of impact.”
Johnson’s career spans leadership roles in education, nonprofit organizations, and government. Prior to her work in Henrico County Public Schools, she served in leadership positions at Peter Paul Development Center in Richmond, where she helped build a cross-sector network of partners supporting students and families across multiple program sites. Earlier in her career, she also held leadership roles in federal government and Richmond Public Schools.
Throughout her career, Johnson has focused on strengthening systems that remove barriers to student success and building partnerships that help communities thrive.
“The mission of Communities In Schools resonates deeply with me,” Johnson said. “I have seen firsthand how the CIS model transforms the lives of students and families by surrounding them with the relationships and resources they need to succeed. I am honored to join this extraordinary team and look forward to working alongside our schools, partners, and community to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Johnson’s selection comes during a milestone year for the organization. In 2026, Communities In Schools of Richmond celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of serving students and families across the region. Today, CIS site coordinators work inside schools to connect students with the academic, social, and emotional supports they need to stay in school and achieve in life.
Under the leadership of Dr. Harold Fitrer, CIS of Richmond expanded significantly—growing from a small grassroots program into a network serving thousands of students each year across Richmond and Henrico schools.
“Harold’s leadership for the last 18 years has resulted in CIS of Richmond being a trusted organization, both locally and nationally, that has had a meaningful impact on thousands of students in our community,” said Ryan. “His impact on our schools and student support systems will be enduring.”
Johnson holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University. She is an active civic leader and currently serves on several community boards and advisory groups across the Richmond region.
As CIS enters its fourth decade, Johnson will guide the organization’s continued focus on expanding student supports, strengthening school partnerships, and mobilizing the Richmond community around student success.
About Communities In Schools of Richmond
Communities In Schools of Richmond surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Working directly inside schools, CIS site coordinators connect students and families with caring relationships, essential resources, and opportunities that remove barriers to success. Each year CIS supports thousands of students across Richmond-area schools through integrated student supports that address attendance, behavior, and course performance.