CHARLOTTESVILLE — The Jefferson Council (TJC), a nonprofit alumni association formed to preserve the legacy of Thomas Jefferson and the free exchange of competing ideas at the University of Virginia, is pleased to announce exciting changes in executive leadership.
Sam Richardson joins TJC as executive director with over three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and IT messaging development for Fortune 500 companies. He received his doctorate from UVA and remains in the Charlottesville community where he will partner with TJC’s local members to engage with the broader University community.
Jim Bacon continues in a strong commitment to TJC’s mission, assuming a new role of contributing editor. Leaning into his experience as a top-drawer journalist, Jim will document and expose current events on Grounds so that UVA alumni, donors, students, and faculty are informed and equipped to take action.
“The Jefferson Council is so fortunate to build off the incredible momentum we’ve experienced under Jim Bacon’s leadership and expand our team to include Sam Richardson,” said TJC president Tom Neale. “Sam’s career is defined by a dedication to advancing civil dialogue and competing ideas while confirming long standing American values and cultural traditions. I look forward to partnering with him as we lead Mr. Jefferson’s University into a future of excellence and true intellectual diversity.”
“UVA is at a cultural crossroads,” said Sam Richardson, “and I am honored to be at the helm of an organization that is motivated to guide our beloved university through this moment with excellence and civility. Our members and partners are eager to lead, and I look forward to working alongside them to hold UVA administrators accountable and to champion the best ideas and traditions that make UVA exceptional.”
To learn more about The Jefferson Council, please visit https://thejeffersoncouncil.com/.