Ridge Schuyler graduated from the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia School of Law. Schuyler spent 10 years on Capitol Hill as chief of staff to US Congressman Rick Boucher (D-Va.) and as chief policy advisor to US Senator Charles S. Robb (D-Va.). In 2011, Schuyler published the Orange Dot Report, which analyzed and offered solutions for the economic struggles facing a considerable number of Charlottesville’s families. To continue that work, he founded and directs the Charlottesville Works Initiative, a partnership between the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and Piedmont Virginia Community College.   Schuyler is also the dean of Piedmont Virginia Community College’s new Community Self-Sufficiency Programs, which uses a peer network to identify people being left behind in our economy and provides the training and support they need.