Lisa Richey brings more than two decades of experience advancing lifelong learning, healthy aging, and inclusive, age-friendly communities to her role as director of AgeAlive at Michigan State University. Since joining the program in 2023, she has helped sharpen its focus, expand its reach, and strengthen its alignment with MSU’s Age-Friendly University designation.
A passionate advocate for reframing how society understands aging, Richey leads with a focus on cross-sector collaboration, aligning efforts across campus and community, and advancing inclusive aging initiatives. Her approach integrates strategic planning, organizational development, and partnership building to promote well-being across the lifespan.
Richey oversees AgeAlive’s communications, outreach, donor engagement, and university and community partnerships. She also guides the program’s strategic direction, supervises staff, coordinates the advisory council, and leads funding strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.
She holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of Michigan and a graduate certificate in Organizational Communication for Leadership along with master’s level coursework in Strategic Communications. She co-developed Generations Connect and helped lead East Lansing’s successful Age-Friendly Community designation.