Rick Planos is an accomplished leader known for his dynamic presence in both the for-profit and non-profit realms. Born outside Chicago, Rick is a third-generation Evanstonian. Rick’s academic journey took him from Evanston Township High School to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a marketing degree from the Gies College of Business. His career trajectory in retail leadership is marked by his adeptness in brand development, team building, and organizational management across the nation, significantly enhancing revenue and profitability. His impressive professional stint includes spearheading the Midwest and international expansion of Warner Bros. Studio Stores, overseeing operations for 110 Barnes & Noble stores, and managing pivotal projects for tech giants like Apple and Google. Along his career path, Rick enriched his expertise with a Master of Arts in Secondary Business Education and Computer Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, supplemented by a Graduate Certification, in 2023, in Non-Profit Leadership from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School.

Transitioning back to Evanston to provide full-time care for his mother amidst her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Rick channeled his free time into broadening his volunteer work, contributing to five non-profits concurrently over the past seven years. His dedication to Curt’s Café in Evanston stands out, where his efforts earned the prestigious Lifechanger award in 2023. Rick’s creative spirit shone brightly as a Wish Granter for Make-A-Wish Illinois earning the title of Most Creative Wish Granter in 2022.  At AARP Illinois, Rick’s lobbying and intergenerational focus led to him receiving the esteemed Ethel Percy Andrus Award for civic responsibility in 2024.

Rick’s mentorship endeavors include supporting America Needs You, Discovery Partners Institute, and Ageless Innovators, programs aimed at empowering first-generation college students and fostering intergenerational mentorship. Additionally, his role as an Executive Board Member and Development Chair for the Mary Crane Centers underscores his dedication to early childhood education for the underserved in Chicago.

Rick’s successful career and busy family life have seamlessly transitioned into an even more fulfilling third chapter, blending his professional acumen with the compassionate values instilled by his parents and grandparents, and enriched by the lessons from his children and grandsons. Rick embodies the ethos that it’s never too late to learn and make a meaningful impact in the world.