I’m thrilled to introduce Tricia Ritchie, Chief Development Officer of ACT for Alexandria, Alexandria’s Community Foundation. She’s the one raising all the money needed to support ACT’s impactful work. As a member (and former co-chair) of the development committee I have had the pleasure of working closely with Tricia for the last several years. One of the things I like best about her is she’s strategic. She takes her fiduciary responsibilities seriously and it shows. Always thinking about what the donor wants and how that pairs with the nonprofit’s needs, Tricia works hard to realize the donor’s vision and maximize their impact.   

When we first met, I liked her immediately. She’s open and easy to talk to, like you’ve been good friends for years even though you just met yesterday. As a fundraiser you must be curious, an expert at actively listening, and excited about people. Tricia is all those things and more. It takes a certain type of person to go into fundraising. I have been in the fundraising world – either with my full foot in the door or just a toe – for over 20 years and I can tell you raising money at the level that Tricia does isn’t easy. But, when you have someone as sharp, genuine and caring as Tricia leading the way with an incredible mission like ACT for Alexandria’s behind her, you can raise critical funds. And she does. Every year. She’s a force for good and I’m proud to serve her.  

From Brookfield, Connecticut, Tricia shared, “I grew up in the same small town all my life. I went to William and Mary (her son is a student there now), and after I graduated I went home for two months…and made a plan to move to DC.”  An art history major, one of her first jobs was at the National Archives working on the cartoon collection. “I reached a point in my life where I couldn’t live on the salary I was making at the museum. My boss’s wife was involved in fundraising, and he saw a lot of similarities and encouraged me to try it.” And so it began.

She transitioned into fundraising at the National Archives Foundation and then worked at a few independent schools, and also consulted for many years after having her second child. But she always knew about ACT. “Brandi Yee (chief program officer at ACT) was my maid of honor in my 20s…another lifetime ago. I had experience applying for grants, participated in Spring2Action and was still consulting when I began working for ACT. Four and a half years later, I became the Chief Development Officer.” 

For those not familiar with ACT, for just shy of 20 years, the organization has been amplifying work in the community by bringing people and resources together. They catalyze change through strategic initiatives and philanthropy. As an intermediary, they harness collective impact to bring resources and funding to our city’s nonprofit sector, like: Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s Giving Day that annually raises over $2.5M for 185 nonprofits; programming to support economic well being, youth success and racial equity in our community; and other grant initiatives.

A perfect example of this strategic work is Think Ahead Alexandria, Alexandria’s first Legacy Giving program. Spearheaded by Tricia and Gene Steuerle, one of ACT’s founders, this initiative will encourage legacy gifts community-wide and bolster investment in the long-term financial sustainability of Alexandria’s nonprofits. If you’re interested in learning more about legacy planning or elevating the conversation in the community, please reach out to Tricia. You can also stop by and visit their office at the ALX Community waterfront.

As a member of Tricia’s team, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you to consider a gift to ACT for Alexandria. This is a special organization that is dear to me and the community. I hope you will support it with as big a donation as you can afford. Whether that’s $10 or $10,000 it makes a substantial difference. And thank you in advance for your generosity!

This holiday season, Tricia is looking forward to spending meaningful time with family, her daughter, and her son who will be home from college. Residents of Mount Vernon, they chose the area to have more space and because, “there’s something very appealing to my husband about mowing a yard.” Being within walking distance to the Mount Vernon Estate is an added bonus. And there is also a road trip to Florida in the cards to see more family! 

Not only can she raise funds, Tricia can rock a dress from The Hive with flair, check our her Street Style: 

ABOUT TRICIA

Neighborhood: Mount Vernon

Hometown: Brookfield, Connecticut

What would surprise people about you? I don’t mix fruit with my dessert because I want my dessert to be 100% unhealthy. Like chocolate, just chocolate.

Favorite book or movie: Impossible to single out one. I recently read Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – both beautifully woven stories.

Guilty Pleasure: K-dramas. They used to be my secret guilty pleasure but now they are so mainstream.

Latest binge-watch: Pachinko on Apple TV, based on the richly complex and hauntingly beautiful novel by Min Jin Lee. 

Bucket list travel destination: Sweden, otherwise known as my motherland.

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Comfortable, classic, polished.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Beige leather jacket.

Favorite trend: Wide-leg pants.

Beauty product you can’t live without: My gray eyebrow pencil – no one warned me that eyebrows disappear with age!

Boots or sneakers? Ankle boots.

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Walking on the river path with a friend.

Most fun way to stay active: I’m considering returning to fencing after 20 years now that my daughter is in the sport – it would be fun to do together! 

Wellness goal: To get stronger.

Want to try: Synchronized swimming.

Proudest wellness achievement: I walked 20+ miles overnight as part of the first-ever Out of Darkness Walk to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Living room.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix – we have family heirlooms that we have mixed with more contemporary pieces.

Last item bought for your home: Fabric to reupholster two chairs.

Favorite way to entertain: I love a good brunch!

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well-lived in with the hope of clutter-free.

Next planned purchase: New window treatments.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Alexandria Stylebook is my guide for all things good in Alexandria – destinations, design, style, wellness. Not to mention I love seeing and reading about wonderfully talented people in our community.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: I love Del Ray, especially during community celebrations or events like Art on the Avenue. 

Your go-to shop: Red Barn Mercantile

Best food spot: Ada’s on the River

Favorite local organization: ACT for Alexandria! I love working for an organization that supports Alexandria’s nonprofit ecosystem and works with partners to promote philanthropy and tackle our city’s most pressing challenges. 

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s Giving Day – last year $2.95M was raised for 180+ nonprofits. Spring2ACTion represents all that is best about our city – the generous spirit, the love of community, and the power of collective action. 

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