Announcing the Promotion of Ricky Austin to VP

The Aim Higher Foundation is pleased to announce the promotion of Ricky Austin to Vice President of Advancement and Operations. In this new role, Austin will lead key operational and development initiatives that advance the mission of the foundation. He will also oversee the strategy and implementation of the foundation’s scholarship programs and marketing and communications.

“It has been my privilege to work with Ricky these past three years and see firsthand the deep passion and commitment he has for our mission to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education,” said Jean Houghton, president of the Aim Higher Foundation.

“His tireless dedication to serving others is matched only by his talent and proficiency to transform ideas into reality. I look forward to working with Ricky in this new role as we grow to help even more children access the many benefits of a Catholic school.”

Since joining the Aim Higher Foundation in 2017, Austin has served as Director of Programs and Communications. He was responsible for the re-development of the organization’s tuition-assistance scholarship programs and the re-imagination of the Aim Higher Foundation brand.

“As the Aim Higher Foundation has grown, Ricky has been instrumental in expanding and elevating our scholarship programs through his partnerships with school leaders, creative problem solving, and persistent focus on the children we serve and their families,” said Sarah Schumacher, chair of the Aim Higher Foundation Board of Directors. “We are excited to work with Ricky in this new capacity.”

Austin has spent more than 15 years working for Catholic schools and the children they serve, first as a teacher and administrator and later with the nationally recognized Alliance for Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame and the Partnership Schools in New York City.

“It is a tremendous honor to work alongside and learn from Jean and our Board of Directors,” said Austin. “The Aim Higher Foundation’s recent growth is a testament to their exemplary leadership and selfless dedication. I am grateful for their recognition and steadfast support, and I am humbled by this opportunity to serve our mission as Vice President.”

About the Aim Higher Foundation
The Aim Higher Foundation provides student-based, tuition-assistance scholarships so that more children in the twelve-county Twin Cities metro area can experience the life-changing benefits of a Catholic education. Since 2017, the foundation has tripled the number of scholarships it awards to children from families with financial need, supporting nearly 2,000 students for the 2020-2021 school year.

­­August 17, 2020