Champion. A New York State wrestling champion, Rich attended Lehigh University on a wrestling scholarship, graduating in 1980 with a BA degree in Journalism.* Director. Rich, along with his wife Faith, helped launch Calvary's Comfort Maternity Home on their native Long Island. They housed and counseled 35 young women as directors of the ministry over a four-year period, receiving the prestigious Pro Vita Award from Vice President Dan Quayle in 1990 in honor of their successful work. Pastor. Rich took the reins of Hampton Bays Assembly of God church in 1989, a congregation of 30 meeting in a rented hall. Within eight 8 years the church grew to 110, purchasing and renovating their own building. The church today continues to grow and thrive - and remains debt free. Leader. Rich spent 20 years in the coal hills of central Pennsylvania as pastor of Mountainside Church in Coal Township, working to revitalize his church while ministering to the diverse needs of the greater community. As an involved community volunteer, Rich has frequently served as a catalyst to bring other concerned citizens together, fostering a team culture to successfully launch new initiatives for better serving the poor. This has included spearheading a new chapter of Love INC and serving as its first Board Chairman. Author. Rich penned the popular devotional for Christian leaders, "Shepherds Balm," published in 2010.* This work has received strong reviews and has become a vital resource for many leaders both in and out of formal church circles.*Note: Rich currently has additional projects in the works, including 1) "Shepherds Balm 2," (the follow-up volume), as well as 2) "In the Hollow," the 366-Day Devotional featuring Rich's original nature photography.Specialties: Leadership and Team Coaching, Entrepreneurship, Non-profit and ministry leadership and public speaking, Book Collector and Seller, Church health and transformation, photography, mobilizing, writing.