Rick has more than 30-years of non-profit work experience with wildlife organizations, museums and other 501(c)(3) organizations. With an undergraduate degree in biology (Colby College, ME) and early career as an Animal Curator (CT), he continued his wildlife work as an intern at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (U.K), veterinary technician (CT) and rehabilitator, educator and Executive Director of a wildlife center in New England.
Rick arrived in Portland in 1991 to serve as Education Program Coordinator for what became known as the Oregon Zoo. His work at the Zoo evolved to that of a fundraiser where he helped lead efforts to secure over $10 million in sponsorship and grant support of Zoo education, conservation and exhibition programs. Rick has served as a founding member and past president of the Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA). He has also trained non-profit staff and volunteers in grantsmanship at the local and national levels.
Rick currently volunteers as a GPA regional representative , serves on the board of the Uganda-based Kasese Wildlife Conservation Awareness Organization and works as a Development Manager for the Portland-based Adaptive Sports Northwest.