Rico R. Reed is the Chief Partnerships Officer, supporting NASH’s overall member engagement strategy. In his role, Rico is creating connections with system members beyond the chancellor/presidential and provost level.

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education and K-12 education, Rico is a proven leader in developing partnerships and innovative communication and branding initiatives.

Prior to joining NASH, Rico held leadership positions at the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. In that role, he was responsible for responsible for developing, marketing, and promoting a consistent, positive, and accurate image of the Center to internal and external publics. He held primary responsibility for developing and nurturing relationships and agreements with external partners. His duties also included coordinating the Center’s efforts to develop and share pertinent resources, products, and events with constituents.
A skilled and dedicated educator, Rico has taught more than 40 classes at the college level, primarily in first-year and senior-year seminar courses.
Rico received an MLA in Liberal Arts from Winthrop University and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of South Carolina.