Rick started his career with Ford Motor Company as an engineer, was the Executive Vice President of a major Tier 1, NYSE-listed, automotive supplier for 14 years, and is now President and CEO of the Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association (GAMA), as well as a Director of the Southern Automotive Manufacturers Alliance (SAMA).

Rick is currently a Partner at Clements Bernard Walker PLLC – a law firm specializing in Intellectual Property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and related matters), and Trade Association Law.  He is a Registered Patent Attorney.  His specialties include various automotive technologies, as well as medical devices, industrial products, technology systems, trade associations, and corporate governance, among other related areas.

He is the author of numerous published articles on innovation, quality, and profitability.  In addition, Rick has been:

• Named one of the “Latest Generation of Atlanta CEOs and Power Brokers,” by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
• Awarded the NACD Directorship Certification® (NACD.DC) by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).  This is the premier Corporate Director designation available in the United States, and recognizes proficiency in corporate director matters and corporate governance.
• Named the “Automotive Leader of the Year” by the State of Georgia.
• The recipient of the prestigious International Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF).

He holds both undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees from the University of Detroit, a law degree from the University of Detroit, and completed The Executive Program at the University of Michigan, School of Business