As Life After Hate marks the close of an incredible chapter, we, the Board of Directors, extend our deepest gratitude to our outgoing Executive Director, Patrick Riccards, for his visionary leadership and transformative contributions over the past two and a half years. Patrick’s tenure has been a time of tremendous growth, innovation, and impact.
Under his guidance, Life After Hate has firmly established itself as a national leader in the fight against violent extremism, setting a lasting standard for professionalism, transparency, and compassion in this vital work. Through his commitment to “compassion with accountability,” Patrick has elevated Life After Hate’s mission to help individuals disengage from lives of hate and reintegrate into society as constructive members of their communities.
Patrick’s strategic vision ensured our organization’s financial sustainability by transitioning from federal grant dependency to a model supported by private philanthropy. This achievement has secured a stable foundation for Life After Hate, enabling it to meet the rising demand for its services and to expand its reach into new and essential areas.
We celebrate the innovative initiatives launched during Patrick’s tenure, including The Daily Former podcast and digital community, the establishment of the Center for Exiting Violent Antisemitism, and groundbreaking work on the social platform Discord to counter non-violent extremist expressions. These efforts have cemented Life After Hate’s reputation as the premier disengagement program in the nation.
We also celebrate Patrick’s remarkable academic achievement in earning an Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC’s Rossier School of Education, highlighting his dedication to continued growth in organizational leadership and his ability to drive impactful change. Patrick’s leadership has left an indelible mark on our organization, our field of work, and society at large. The Board is proud of his accomplishments and excited to see where his journey takes him next, confident in the profound impact he will continue to make in the world.
As we look to the future, the Board remains steadfast in our commitment to building on the foundation laid during Patrick’s tenure. Patrick’s unwavering dedication to Life After Hate is exemplified by his decision to remain with the organization in a transitional role, ensuring stability and continuity as we search for our next Executive Director. We will continue to prioritize innovative programs, support our multidisciplinary team, and rise to meet the growing challenges of our mission.
To our supporters, donors, and partners: we thank you for standing with us, and we invite you to join us as we write the next chapter of Life After Hate’s story. Together, we will continue to build safer, more compassionate communities and create pathways of hope for those seeking to leave hate behind.
With gratitude and resolve,
The Board of Directors
Life After Hate
We have begun our Executive Director search. Please see the job description and apply here.
