Fred Richards joined Operation New Hope in May 2022 as our Director of Fund Development. Originally from Pennsylvania, Fred also resided in Sacramento, California and Worland, Wyoming, before relocating to southwest Florida in 1995. He has worked as a job coach, case manager, fundraiser and leader of multiple non-profits. Fred has a real passion and dedication to helping those in need of supports to achieve independent or self-sufficiency. He strongly believes that everyone deserves a chance at a better life and if given the tools and resources, he knows that they can achieve success.

Prior to joining Operation New Hope, Fred served as a Director of ARPA for Lee County, Florida, Vice President of Community Services at Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Development Director for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida; Executive Director of the Collier County Homeless Coalition; and  Director of Adult Community Services of the David Lawrence Center. 

In his spare time, Fred enjoys sports, running, playing guitar, hiking, biking, going to the beach and most importantly spending time with his family. He earned his M.B.A. and M.S. in Health Care Administration from the University of St. Francis.