Richard Lucas has been named Acting Chief Operating Officer of Federal Student Aid (FSA) at the U.S. Department of Education, according to an announcement made by the department on November 14, 2025. Lucas previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer at FSA.
Federal Student Aid is a Performance-Based Organization responsible for managing administrative and oversight duties related to programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. In his new role, Lucas will work with Under Secretary Nicholas Kent to implement reforms established under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which aims to improve federal student financial assistance.
“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.”
Lucas will begin his new role on November 17, 2025.
James Bergeron will remain with the Department as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Education after serving as Acting Chief Operating Officer of FSA during significant events such as the return to repayment period and what has been described as the strongest FAFSA rollout in history.
Lucas began his career at the Department as a co-op student in the Office of Inspector General (OIG), working first as an auditor before advancing to legislative liaison and criminal investigator roles. He later moved to FSA where he was appointed Chief Financial Officer and received recognition for his management of taxpayer funds and complex financial programs, including receiving the Presidential Rank Award in 2022.
In May 2024, Lucas was assigned duties as Assistant Secretary and Chief Financial Officer in the Office of Finance and Operations. In this capacity he advised senior officials on financial management issues while overseeing all financial activities within the Department.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Maryland and a law degree from American University.
