Director
HCM Strategists, LLC
Austin,
TX
Biographical Sketch: With over 30 years of experience in higher education and state policy, Rachelle is skilled in analyzing evidence for decision-making, building coalitions of support, implementing programs, and fostering collaboration. In over a year with HCM, she has led or supported a host of projects related to affordability, transfer, strategic planning, and policy research.
Prior to joining HCM, Rachelle spent 15 years with the higher education agency in Washington State in roles spanning from state financial aid director to interim executive director. She led the development of an affordability framework to improve understanding of and advocate for affordability, created a statewide adult learner recruitment and support initiative, and launched the state’s first early commitment entitlement program, the College Bound Scholarship.
Previously, Rachelle spent 15 years on two- and four-year campuses working in college access (TRiO Upward Bound), admissions, and financial aid. She supported first-generation college students, enhanced transfer agreements, and contributed to accreditation, strategic planning, and faculty tenure review.