Rick is a seasoned coach, board member, investor and philanthropist who is passionate about supporting companies, causes and people to help them achieve their short term objectives and long term missions.
He is known for his genuine leadership style, tremendous work ethic, direct communications style, drive for results, deep relationships, and his ability to GSD (get stuff done).
Since retiring as a senior executive at Cisco in 2019, Rick has successfully applied these core attributes as a board member, coach, investor and philanthropist across numerous tech companies and charitable causes.
Most notably, Rick invested in, and served on the boards of Ava Unified Security (cloud based physical security), Next DLP (AI based cyber security), and Disruptive Technologies (IOT sensors) – and participated in growing and ultimately selling these businesses to tech market leaders – Ava to Motorola Solutions in 2022, Next DLP to Fortinet in 2024 and Disruptive to Digi International in 2026.
Rick also served as an advisor to the board of Saviynt from 2019 through 2026, and supported their recent $700M funding round led by KKR, placing the company value at $3B.
Committed to giving back, Rick has been an active supporter of the V Foundation. There, he annually sponsors the Dick Vitale Gala, and also helped launch the Chicago Epicurean in 2024, raising over $4.1M for cancer research since its inception in 2024.
Currently, Rick serves on the boards of Neat Video (Collaboration) and CBTS (Systems Integrator) – and on the board of the V Foundation (Charity committed to Victory over Cancer through Cancer Research).
From 2010 to 2019, was a senior executive at Cisco Systems where he served as the Senior Vice President of Americas Partner Sales.
From 2005 to 2010, Rick was the President of publicly traded TANDBERG. There, he helped grow this business from $300M to $1B. This industry leading growth caught the attention of Cisco, and led to their acquisition of TANDBERG for $3.5B in 2010.
Early in his career, Rick progressed from “bag-carrying” sales roles into top sales leadership roles in the tech industry, after earning a management internship with AT&T, through Loyola University.
Rick resides in Naples, Florida, and is the proud dad of four grown children.