He graduated from Macalester College Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude. He was also an International Rotary Graduate Fellow at St John’s College, Cambridge University. He is also a strong supporter of his alma mater, the University of Minnesota Law School, where he received his juris doctor cum laude.

In his legal career Rich was a litigator dealing with complex disputes in multiple venues in the US and around the world.

He helped lead the 9/11 World Trade Center litigation and reinsurance arbitration in New York. He also spearheaded the Bridgestone/Firestone Liberian Civil War litigation, TX and Liberia and the BankAmerica Securities litigation and reinsurance arbitration, CA and NY.

In addition to Eastern Congo Initiative, Rich also serves on the board of directors for Alight, formerly known as the American Refugee Committee; ORAM, the Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration; and Beneficial Returns (Credit Committee).

Rich is a “big tent” follower of Jesus and a member of the Colonial Church of Edina where he served on church council, missions board and as Moderator.

He has been married to the love of his life, Lynn, for 48 years. They are the proud parents of three and delighted grandparents of five, and currently reside in Minneapolis and San Francisco.