Mike Richie, Ed.D.
About Company
Since joining Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) in 2018, Dr. Mike Richie has successfully led more than 80 executive leadership searches, serving as the lead consultant on over 75 of those engagements. In his role as Vice President and Senior Associate, Dr. Richie is recognized for his strategic leadership, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to identifying exceptional educational leaders. He brings innovative thinking and proven search expertise to every search, developing customized recruitment strategies and creative solutions that enable school boards to attract, assess, and select outstanding executive talent. His dedication to excellence and client service has earned the trust of school districts seeking visionary leadership to advance student achievement and organizational success.
With more than 40 years of experience in education—including 26 years as a superintendent—Dr. Richie has served in a variety of roles including teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent across small, medium, and large school districts. He is widely recognized as a visionary leader who inspires those around him to achieve success through strategic alignment, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improvement.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Richie has led transformative initiatives that have strengthened student achievement, expanded community and business partnerships, successfully guided referendum campaigns, and fostered positive, high-performing school cultures centered on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, Dr. Richie was named Superintendent of the Year in 2012 by the National Association of School Superintendents (NASS).
Dr. Richie is passionate about mentoring and supporting new superintendents and currently serves on the Executive Committee of NASS. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Viterbo University, where he taught courses in leadership, school law, educational politics, and community relations, preparing future principals and superintendents for success. Internationally, Dr. Richie has represented American education abroad, delivering multiple presentations in China on educational leadership and innovation.
Dr. Richie’s extensive leadership experience, proven track record of success, and unwavering commitment to public education make him a trusted advisor. Throughout his career, Dr. Richie has partnered with numerous school districts and Boards of Education, providing expert guidance in superintendent recruitment and selection, board governance, superintendent evaluation, executive leadership support, and the development of strong, collaborative superintendent–board relationships. He is highly regarded for helping governing boards establish effective governance practices, align around a shared vision, and build productive working relationships that support successful leadership transitions and sustained organizational excellence.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership, exceptional client service, and significant contributions to the firm, Dr. Richie was appointed Vice President of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) in 2022.
Below are links to Dr. Richie’s HYA search work/consulting engagements, reference letters and resume.
