Rick is a former senior executive for the Department of Justice and an accomplished business development executive in the federal sector. He brings specialized knowledge of CBP, CIS, ICE, State and the airline industry, as well as real-world experience introducing new technologies and processes to solve complex border management problems worldwide. Rick works with Rainmaker's clients on federal sector business development and new product introduction. He helps clients develop their federal practice and serves as SME for security and biometric-focused programs. Rick is a pioneer in the field of biometrics and security. In 1998, he founded the International Biometric Industry Association and serves as Executive Director. Rick is the leading spokesman for the industry, has published numerous articles on the use of biometrics, has testified before Congress and worked closely with top U.S Executive Branch staff. As a senior advisor and PM, Rick has worked on projects to improve passenger security, and develop national identification technologies and anti-fraud strategies for governments in the USA, Argentina, Canada and Hong Kong. Prior to Rainmaker, Rick was Managing Director of the Air Transport Association of America. While at ATA, he used his understanding of how to apply new technologies to improve business processes, and led the design and implementation of automated passenger check-in, screening and inspection programs on behalf of the airline industry. He championed industry research on anti-fraud and anti-counterfeiting technologies, and the use of biometrics. Rick started his career with the INS where he worked for almost 20 years. As Associate Commissioner, Rick was responsible for a $350 million budget and 5500 employees. While at INS, he lead multilateral international working groups of senior officials to automate passenger security processes, counteract document fraud and expedite travelers. He established bilateral agreements and cooperative programs with foreign governments on air travel facilitation and negotiated key provisions on free trade and data exchange. He also planned, directed and implemented a complex $1.5 billion, 105-office startup program and executed related automation components, contracts, regulation and staffing requirements. From his executive-level tenure as Associate Commissioner of the INS, or work as top advisor to the Airline Industry and years of consulting for federal projects, Rick has been working in the federal arena for over 30 years.