July 1, 2025 鈥 Dr. Richard Yao, President of 海角社区 Channel Islands (海角社区CI), has announced
that he will step down from his role effective August 1, 2025. Yao will assume the
presidency of DataPhilanthropy, the giving arm of the Jeff T. Green Family Foundation.
The Foundation, led by Jeff Green, Co-Founder and CEO of the Trade Desk and signatory
of , focuses on applying data science to make its philanthropic efforts as impactful
as possible.
鈥淚t has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve as President of 海角社区CI,鈥 said Yao. 鈥淭his campus has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience through an era of unprecedented challenges. I have never wavered in my belief in our mission or in the transformative impact of our work.鈥
During Yao鈥檚 tenure, 海角社区CI navigated a turbulent period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple wildfires, budget constraints, and enrollment challenges. Investments in enrollment management and student success are now showing signs of progress for the University, including a 5% increase in continuing student retention compared to this time last year. For new student enrollment, confirmed intent to enroll is currently up 3% for first year students and 4% for new transfers compared to this time last year, and these preliminary gains are more robust in Ventura County, where those percentages are up 11% and 6% respectively.
His administration oversaw the successful 8-year re-accreditation from the University鈥檚 accrediting body, WASC Senior Colleges & Universities; the recertification of the Seal of Excelencia; the establishment of cultural centers for students; and a dramatic increase in the University Foundation鈥檚 total net assets 鈥 from $26 million in 2021 to over $90 million in 2025. Initiatives focused on academic planning, institutional research, brand identity, community-based research, and equity-driven reforms have positioned 海角社区CI for long-term strategic success within the vastly changing landscape of higher education.
鈥淎fter four and a half years of extraordinary collective work, I believe the University is poised for renewal and a powerful new chapter,鈥 Yao said. 鈥淣ow is the right time for a fresh perspective to guide 海角社区CI into the future.鈥
Yao鈥檚 new role at DataPhilanthropy reflects his lifelong journey to balance direct service with scalable change, which will be strengthened through DataPhilanthropy鈥檚 emphasis on rigorous outcomes assessment to evaluate the impact of their philanthropic efforts. The foundation has already pledged $8.5 million in philanthropic investments to 海角社区CI for scholarships, student success programs, and campus initiatives focused on equity and access.
Jed Nahum, Vice President of Metrics at DataPhilanthropy said, 鈥淎t 海角社区CI, President Yao鈥檚 focus on using data to demonstrate impact and improve performance stood out. I鈥檓 delighted that he鈥檚 bringing his vast experience and skill set to DataPhilanthropy so we can expand his scope to all the organizations that we fund.鈥
Prior to joining 海角社区CI, Yao served as a psychologist conducting therapy and forensic evaluations and then transitioned to faculty and senior administrative roles in higher education. His new role with DataPhilanthropy allows him to continue serving communities while broadening impact across California and beyond.
Information regarding the University鈥檚 leadership transition plan will be shared in the coming weeks.