Rick has over 30 years in the telecommunications and information systems industries and has worked at senior levels in several large Fortune 500 companies as well as the CEO of several small, early stage companies. He has taken two companies public on NASDAQ. Prior to becoming CEO and founder of Vonova Corporation, an Internet based international telecommunications carrier, Rick served in various senior management roles including: President of Bestline in Austin, TX, COO of MIDCOM Communications (IPO 1995); Senior Vice President and COO of WCT Communications (IPO 1992); CEO of ITEC; Senior Vice President of AT&E Corporation; and President of Sprint’s $450 million Midwest Division from 1986-1988. Prior to that, Rick worked with Xerox Corporation in both the copier and office systems businesses for 14 years where he helped launch new technologies such as the Ethernet, the Mouse and the Macintosh computer.A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Rick has been a Trustee of the University and on the Board of the NIU foundation. Rick is a member of the Board of Directors for four companies and two major civic organizations. He and his wife Barb live in Austin and have three grown children.