Randy Gooch has joined the C2C team - the Tyronn Lue initiative - as its associate director of programs.

Kerri Ferrari, executive director of C2C, values Gooch’s lifelong commitment to the Mexico community and his decades of experience in education. A native of Mexico, Missouri, Gooch's appointment to this pivotal role is a testament to his deep-rooted connection to the community and his dedication to its betterment. With 26 years of service in the Missouri public school system, Gooch's decision to join C2C reflects his commitment to continue serving and uplifting his hometown. 

"Joining the C2C initiative enables me to further enrich our educational landscape," Gooch said. "I am privileged and enthusiastic about using my skills and expertise to cultivate a more resilient community for everyone in our area.” 

This initiative, inspired by Tyronn Lue's commitment to his hometown of Mexico, Missouri, is in partnership with Partners for Rural Impact (PRI), an organization deeply committed to, and experienced in, placed-based work and moving metrics for young people from cradle to career. "C2C, representing both "Cradle to Career & Commitment to Community," aims to create opportunities for young people, promote economic mobility and make improvements in the town for all residents. 

Ferrari highlighted that hiring Gooch reflects C2C's commitment to attracting top talent with professional expertise and a deep personal connection to the community's well-being. 

“Randy’s had a remarkable career and has been a dedicated educator,” Ferrari said. “For the last 26 years, he has been a tireless advocate for educational excellence in Mexico, and I am looking forward to working with him.” 

Gooch is the recipient of many awards such as Career Center of the Year (2017) and recognition for his unwavering support of Career and Technical Education at local, state, and national levels. In 2023, he was recognized by the Missouri Council of Career and Technical Administrators for his advocacy for Career and Technical Education at the local, state, and national levels. 

“His educational leadership and consulting work show a history of success across academic, business, and military domains,” Ferrari said. “Pair that with his passion for leadership, team building, and collaboration and we are excited about how he will add value to our organization as well as our community.” 

Gooch's connection to Mexico extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. He comes from a lineage deeply rooted in the community, as the son of Bob Gooch, who dedicated 28 years to serving the Mexico school district.

 "I have always strived to live up to my dad’s name," Gooch said. “His impact surpasses having a gym named after him; it's the countless lives he influenced as an educator and coach that truly matter. That's what I want to do too—make a real difference in the lives of kids in our community, just like he did.”

Gooch and his wife, Sara, have three daughters and are expecting their first grandchild soon. They are a legacy family in education in Mexico, Mo. Sarah is a tenured teacher at Mexico High School, their two oldest daughters are graduates of MHS, and their youngest daughter is a senior and will graduate this year. Ferrari emphasized that the Gooch family embodies a steadfast commitment to the community's educational prosperity, leaving a lasting impact on the students who pass through the halls of Mexico schools.