With over seventeen years of experience managing digital advertising campaigns, Orchid Richardson is the Senior Vice President of Digital at Blavity Inc., where she leads the growth of Blavity360º’s Black and multicultural publisher network, increasing revenue for all its members. Her experience as an expert data solution architect and integrator has allowed her to lead initiatives within many prominent media companies, entertainment networks, and publications during her career. Orchid has worked for several other media companies, including BET Networks, Hearst Magazines Digital Media, and 33Across, Inc. At the IAB, Orchid served as the Senior Vice President of IAB’s Programmatic and Data Center (PDC), where she defined the strategic vision and executed the PDC Board of Directors’ agenda. Orchid also established industry-wide standards and business guidelines for the responsible use of data that enabled relevant, personalized, and privacy-compliant consumer experiences. Orchid led industry-wide training on The Data Centric-Organization, providing direction on how to break down a matrix organization through four key areas – people, partnerships, processes, and platforms.
Orchid is actively involved in advertising, having held leadership roles in key industry trade organizations, including Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement and Black MAKERS. Additionally, she is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is Vice President of the Metro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and the Westchester Chapter of Jack & Jill of America. Orchid also serves as a board member and fundraising chair of the Ujamaa Community Development Corporation, which has built over $100 million in affordable housing in Westchester County, New York. She is passionate about giving back and helping to unite the community.