U.S. Department of Education Announces Richard Lucas to Serve as Acting Chief Operating Officer of Federal Student Aid

The U.S. Department of Education (the Department) today announced that Richard Lucas will serve as the Acting Chief Operating Officer of Federal Student Aid. Mr. Lucas previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Federal Student Aid.

Federal Student Aid, a Performance-Based Organization (PBO), is responsible for managing the administrative and oversight functions of the programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Working closely with Under Secretary Nicholas Kent, Mr. Lucas will help implement key reforms established under President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act to deliver a truly exceptional federal student financial assistance experience.

"We are proud to appoint Richard Lucas to lead Federal Student Aid at this pivotal moment in student aid reforms," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act not only simplifies student loan repayment, but it creates key accountability measures that will ensure transparency and hold institutions accountable for poor student outcomes. As a dedicated public servant, we are confident that Mr. Lucas will be a key leader in successfully operationalizing these key reforms to better serve borrowers, students, families, and American taxpayers."

"It is an honor to re-join the Federal Student Aid team to lead transformative student aid reforms," said incoming Acting Chief Operating Officer Richard Lucas. "Our priority is simple: return to the fundamentals of accountability, transparency, and results. By honoring the promise of the PBO legislation, Federal Student Aid will deliver the reliable, student-centered service that America deserves."

Mr. Lucas will rejoin Federal Student Aid on November 17, 2025.

James Bergeron will continue at the Department as the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Education. As Acting Chief Operating Officer of Federal Student Aid, he led the agency through return to repayment and the strongest FAFSA rollout in history.

About Richard Lucas

Mr. Lucas is a first-generation college student, having arrived at the Department as a co-op student in the Office of Inspector General. His OIG career began as an auditor, advancing to legislative liaison, and criminal investigator. Mr. Lucas then transferred to Federal Student Aid, the newly formed PBO, where he ultimately was appointed Federal Student Aid's Chief Financial Officer. His work managing taxpayer funds and directing complect financial programs has earned recognition across all levels of the organization, culminating in the prestigious Presidential Rank Award in 2022.

In May 2024, Mr. Lucas was delegated the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary and Chief Financial Officer in the Office of Finance and Operations. There he advised senior officials on financial management, accounting, human capital, and grant management, while overseeing all financial activities and integrating key financial information with the Department's policies and objectives.

His educational background, with a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Maryland and a J.D. from American University, has underpinned his successful career in public service.

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