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Biography

Rick has retired from the University of Illinois after 21 years. During that time he served EDEN as chair, vice-chair, secretary and POC. He adapted the EDEN Ready Business course for small businesses, non-profits, and government entities. He facilitated training exercises for first responders, local government officials and employees, and Extension personnel. He also participated In the MY Pi program. He assisted U of I Extension personnel in responding to local disasters. And he worked with EDEN colleagues from other states to facilitate planning meetings for FEMA and EPA.

For 18-years Rick served as the volunteer Public Information Officer for the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency. In that role he spent a week on the ground as PIO for a tornado response in November 2013.

Rick received the Chancellor’s Academic Professional Excellence Award, the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association award and recognition from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.

Rick and his wife, Gisele, have relocated from Champaign to Highland Park, Illinois to be closer to the grandkids. He continues to work on special projects for the U of I.