Previously, he managed an engineering consulting start-up in Manhattan, led a water supply project in Kipingi Kenya with Engineers Without Borders, responded to disasters with the American Red Cross in Greater New York, and commanded an Air Force rapid-response team that responds to humanitarian and other emergencies, setting up and operating airfields on short notice with minimal manpower and equipment. Rick has a BA in history and a BE in computer engineering from Stevens Tech, an MBA from the University of South Carolina, and a Masters in Military Studies from Marine Corps University. He has been on the board of Leadership Initiatives since 2014.