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Richard J. (Rick) Lessard has been the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) for the last 22 years. During that time, he has worked closely with the President, Provost and senior academic leaders to develop programming that has expanded the scope of the University to include 12 schools, over 100 programs, and enrollment reaching 7500 students.

Rick has an unwavering commitment to student success and has taken a leadership role on numerous academic and administrative strategic planning committees that focus on institutional effectiveness, program development, technology and facility master planning.

In addition to his work with academic affairs, Rick is responsible for planning and governance of all fiscal policies, including oversight of the University’s Endowment Fund, which has grown exponentially during his tenure.

He has also led the acquisition, master planning and construction of all building expansion projects for the last 22 years, including increasing MCPHS’s footprint from one building in one city to thirty buildings in three cities.

At a time when many higher education organizations are suffering from significant challenges, Rick’s contribution to the creation of an exceptionally strong academic and financial foundation will allow MCPHS to continue to capitalize on strategic opportunities.