Rick graduated from the University of Akron in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management. He was hired in July 1983 by the BWC Division of Safety and Hygiene and is an Industrial Hygienist. He successfully met the requirements set forth by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and became a Certified Safety Professional in 1995. As an Industrial Hygienist he conducts surveys to identify, evaluate, and control air and noise hazards in the workplace. He is also an instructor for the Division of Safety and Hygiene OCOSH Training Center.