Charisse Richards brings over 25 years of infrastructure and operations excellence to The Rise Group, where her expertise in systems transformation and organizational development directly supports the mission of creating sustainable pathways out of incarceration. Her proven ability to modernize complex systems and drive institutional change makes her invaluable in scaling reintegration programs and ensuring operational sustainability.
Charisse's recent work consulting with the Arizona Department of Economic Security on their Client Portal and Modernization initiative demonstrates her ability to transform how government agencies serve vulnerable populations. This experience directly translates to supporting justice-impacted individuals who must navigate complex systems during reintegration.
Her tenure as Chief Information Officer for the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County provides unique insight into the criminal justice system from an operational perspective. This rare combination of technical expertise and justice system knowledge positions her to identify inefficiencies and create solutions that improve outcomes for justice-impacted individuals.
Charisse's leadership roles demonstrate her ability to build and scale complex operations:
These experiences translate directly to building the operational infrastructure needed to scale The Rise Group's impact across Arizona's criminal justice system.
Charisse is passionate about promoting "technology for good" in the IT sector, aligning perfectly with The Rise Group's mission to leverage innovative approaches for social transformation. Her expertise in digital solutions can enhance program delivery, data tracking, and participant engagement in reintegration services.
As Founder of Think Bright Studio, she has demonstrated commitment to serving underrepresented populations by providing digital tools and resources for black and neurodivergent women—experience that translates to understanding the unique technological needs of justice-impacted individuals.
Charisse's role as Global Co-Chair and Chair of Infrastructure Masons' Diversity and Inclusion Committee and recognition as an IM 100 Award recipient for Commitment to Diversity in Digital Infrastructure demonstrates her dedication to creating inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive.
Her partnerships with major organizations—Google, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Girl Scouts of America—to advocate for diversity in technology show her ability to build strategic alliances that amplify impact, a skill directly applicable to expanding The Rise Group's community partnerships.
Charisse's recognition as one of the TOP 5 Most Influential Women in the Data Center Industry (2018) and #9 of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Arizona (2022) reflects her proven ability to drive change at the highest levels. This influence provides The Rise Group with access to networks and resources that can significantly expand program reach and sustainability.
Her current service on the Board of Directors for Southwest Behavioral Health demonstrates deep understanding of the behavioral health challenges that often underlie justice involvement. This experience provides critical insight into the mental health and substance abuse services essential for successful reintegration.
Charisse brings unique capabilities that directly support The Rise Group's growth and impact:
Charisse's combination of technical expertise, government experience, and commitment to social impact positions her to help The Rise Group leverage technology and operational excellence to transform how Arizona approaches criminal justice and reintegration. Her leadership ensures that as The Rise Group scales its impact, it maintains the highest standards of operational excellence while innovating new approaches to reducing recidivism.
Her vision extends beyond traditional service delivery to creating integrated systems that connect justice-impacted individuals with comprehensive support networks, leveraging data and technology to optimize outcomes and demonstrate the effectiveness of transformation-centered approaches to criminal justice.
Charisse received her Masters in Business Adminstration from Arizona State University
