Love Beyond
Rick Villa joined The Salvation Army on September 1, 2023 as Director of Social Services under Commanding Officer-Captain Kenny Jones. His professional background spans 39 years in public relations and most recently a 16-year career in Workforce Development with the local Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent agency. In addition, Rick served 6 years in management with the Communities In Schools affiliate agency operated by the Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent agency & 5 years in Disaster Response & Disaster Recovery for the Golden Crescent Long Term Recovery Group (GCLTRG). As GCLTRG Executive Director, Rick was successful in in securing grants with national/state/regional/local disaster recovery funders for-Hurricane Harvey disaster in the amount of ($1,804,854.88) and Winter Storm Uri disaster in the amount of ($461,904.32).
As Director of Social Services at The Salvation Army, Rick is charged with public relations, grant writing, fundraising, training development, disaster services and management of Men’s Emergency Shelter for homeless/displaced men. In addition, Rick oversees management of new Life Enrichment Center that concentrates on comprehensive case management services to the most vulnerable populations.
Rick served among the founding board of directors for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as board treasurer for non-profit/faith based Golden Crescent Long Term Recovery Group along with serving as board member of the Golden Crescent Workforce Development Board.
Rick and his spouse Gracie have been married 41 years and blessed with 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. Rick & his spouse are active members of Jerusalem Family Praise Center and active in various church ministries. Rick is among the founding members of “Uniting Hearts” Music Festival which hosts the only annual interfaith community event free to the general public. Rick sincerely believes “Service is the pathway to real significance. What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived.” (The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren)