Rick Starrs

Rick Starrs has a diverse work experience in various leadership positions. Rick is currently the Vice President of Research and Materiel at ERP International since June 2022. Prior to this, they served as a Member of the Board of Advisors at SurgiBox Inc. from November 2018. During their tenure, they contributed to making surgery safer for patients and providers.

From January 2016 to April 2022, Rick was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Veterans' Research & Education Foundations. Under their leadership, they successfully improved member satisfaction, increased operating revenue, and led a national initiative to enhance veteran access to clinical trials.

Before that, from March 2012 to May 2015, they served as the Chief of Staff/COO of the US Army Medical Research & Materiel Command, overseeing a global command with a large budget and personnel. Rick also held the role of Director of Resources from June 2010 to March 2012, where they implemented austerity measures following a significant budget reduction while maintaining performance targets.

Earlier in their career, Rick worked at the Office of The Surgeon General, US Army, as the Chief of Congressional Affairs from 2007 to 2010. Rick managed complex legislative policy issues, developed a congressional engagement strategy, and secured funding for new hospitals and warrior care facilities.

From 2002 to 2006, they served as a Legislative Liaison at the Headquarters Department of the Army, Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison, being responsible for health care, chemical weapons demilitarization, and chemical-biological defense matters. Rick also worked as a Medical Program Analyst during this time.

Rick Starrs has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Government from Georgetown University, which they obtained between 1985 and 1989. Rick later pursued an MBA in Management from The University of Texas at Austin, completing it between 1996 and 1998. In 2016, they attended Georgetown University again to complete a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate Program.