Judy Rudebusch Rich, EdD, CCC-SLP

Past President

Judy Rudebusch Rich, EdD, CCC-SLP, is currently a speech-language pathologist (SLP) as well as an education consultant and lecturer at The University of Texas at Dallas and a retired assistant superintendent for student services in a suburban school district in North Texas. She worked in public schools for 35 years as a campus SLP, program specialist for speech and language services, special education director, executive director, and assistant superintendent for student services. In this role, she provided school district leadership for state and federal programs in bilingual/ESL education, special education, gifted–talented education, Title I and other federal programs, adult education, services for at-risk students, resiliency programs, parent involvement, and community engagement. Dr. Rich participates in national and state initiatives to improve services in schools and is a frequent presenter at state and national workshops and conferences. 

Dr. Rich has a keen interest in the application of systems theory and best practice models for continuous improvement based on data-driven, team decision making. For more than 3 decades, she has applied continuous improvement models to school-based speech-language pathology in the following areas: using a workload approach, evidence-based and outcomes-based models for treatment, eligibility and dismissal guidelines, staffing and funding models for school-based speech-language pathology, addressing the shortage of SLPs in school settings, and preventing placement in special education through response to intervention (RTI) models. 

Dr. Rich, an ASHA Fellow, served as the ASHA Vice President for Finance (2015–2017). Other ASHA service includes Division 16 Steering Committee (2011–2013), School Finance Committee (2007–2009; chair in 2009), Ad Hoc Committee on Caseload/Workload in Schools (2000–2004), Clinical Specialty Board (1996–2000), and Legislative Council (1996–1998). She has been active on state association committees and task forces since 1994 and served as Vice President for Research and Development (2012–2014) and President (2014–2017) of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association.