Ric is an accomplished executive leader with a successful career in electricity markets, engineering businesses, and critical infrastructure management in both the private and public sectors. He was with Westinghouse for 32 years rising to the position of President and COO where his duties spanned every facet of the energy cycle from fuel, manufacturing, plant design, construction, maintenance, and decommissioning. He led the company’s operational assets, including the majority of the company’s employees, six regulated sites and engineering centers located in the USA, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa; leading a 5,000+ workforce.

Upon retiring from Westinghouse, he joined the Tennessee Valley Authority in senior executive roles leading in both its generation and corporate areas. At TVA, he led strategies for the digital transformation of critical infrastructure, including multi-million-dollar capital projects, physical and cybersecurity protection and led the company’s supply chain, IT, and facilities operations. His accomplishments at TVA included support to commissioning of Watts Bar-2 (the most recent NPP in the US), SMR strategy for Clinch River site, launching major projects in new low-CO2 generation and transmission system expansion, all of which significantly reduced its carbon emissions by 50%. Ric has a proven track record and passion for developing diversity, he led TVA’s Diversity & Inclusion Executive Steering committee and oversaw growth in ERG effectiveness, diverse supplier utilization, and organizational culture actions.

Since his time at TVA, Ric has focused on philanthropic, consulting, educational and corporate board activities. From Nashville, Tenn. to Havana, Cuba to Abu Dhabi, UAE, he has worked on a common theme of coming alongside emerging leaders in developing initiatives to strengthen local capabilities and self-reliance. He has taught several classes at Vanderbilt University and serves as a non-executive director on several boards. He continues an active passion for learning earning professional board and technical certifications, having completed multiple rigorous programs. He holds a formal Director Certification® from NACD, designating professionalism in the boardroom, and several technical diplomas; most recently completing Stanford University’s curriculum on Energy Innovation & Emerging Technologies, which focuses on the integration of new low carbon, distributed and storage assets into electricity grids and the introduction of innovative technologies (e.g., AI, Machine learning, advanced materials).

Other accomplishments: BS & MS in Engineering (Univ of Florida/Univ of Pittsburgh); 2-yrs in Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University; Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers; awarded Outstanding Hispanic Businessman in Pittsburgh (2011) & Chattanooga (2015); Lead Director at Menper Group; Chair HOLA TN; Hairston Leadership Award (NA‐YGN in 2011).