Richard L. Benbow, III

Richard is the Regional Vice President (Pacific West) of Western Governors University (WGU), the nation’s first and largest competency-based university. In this role, Richard combines his passion for innovation and information technology with his desire to serve others to provide access to affordable, high-quality education for underserved adult learners throughout the region. Richard leads a team responsible for executing strategy and operations to optimize student success utilizing the WGU platform and developing partnership relationships which drive value for employers and students.

Richard is a forward thinker that seeks to create strategic impact that creates public value for all stakeholders. He is known for  fostering a culture of experimentation, innovation and collaboration through the lens of putting the customer first and business performance. His distinguished career spans the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

His previous executive positions include Chief Officer, Government and Community Relations – UCLA; Senior Director, External and Government Affairs, West Region – Time Warner Cable; and Senior Manager, Los Angeles Franchise Administration, and Constituent Affairs department.

In the former position, Richard drove strategies and efforts for the advancement of UCLA through legislation, policy, regulation and relationship building. He identified opportunities for funding, partnership, and engagement.

In the executive position as a Senior Director with Time Warner Cable, Richard expanded the company’s brand across new communities and helped open doors for social impacting partnerships which resulted in improved business performance and enhanced brand reputation in the region.

In the latter position, Richard oversaw financial and technical audits of cable companies serving the city and helped improve community engagement and customer service solutions with operators.

Richard earned his MBA degree at the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business and an MA in Emerging Communication Technology Policy & Strategy from the University of Southern California. He completed a BS in Business Management and International Business from Howard University in Washington DC.

Richard most recently served on the Executive Boards for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Los Angeles Workforce Investment Board, and the Valley Industry Commerce Association.  Previous roles as a Board member include the Harbor City Boys and Girls Club and a former Advisory Board Member for Urban Media. In his free time, Richard assists aspiring young, college student-athletes, coaches youth basketball and football, and serves as a mentor.

Richard believes in simplicity in life and work. Focus on what is important and success reveals itself. Take care of your people, focus on the customer, and act on what is important.