Rich was born in Alton, Illinois but has lived in the Atlanta, Georgia area since 1972. He is a graduate of Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas with a B.S. in Business Administration. He is President of R.L. Panyik & Associates, a Manufacturers’ Representative Agency, dealing in custom-engineered metal and plastic components.

Rich is a charter member of the Rotary Club of South Gwinnett and has served as Club President and various other positions in the Avenues of Service. His club has honored him with the Rotarian of the Year, Paul Harris Fellow, Will Watt and Hue Thomas Fellowships. On the District level, he has served a District 6910 Polio plus Chairman in 1987-88, District Conference Chairman in 1990-91, an Assistant Governor for 3 years and District Trainer in 1996-97. He was District Governor in 1999-2000.

In addition, he has participated on several Zone Institute Committees, Southland Breakfast Committee and was the Rotary International Membership Coordinator for Zone 34 in 2002-2003. Other activities include District 6910 Foundation Chair 2002-2005, District Trainer 2004-2006 and General Chair of the Zone Institute in 2006. He participated as a Training Leader at the International Assembly in San Diego in 2006 and 2007. Rich served as the Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (RRFC) in Zone 34 for The Rotary Foundation in 2007-2010.

Rich is a recipient of the Rotary International Service Above Self Award, The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award. He is a Major Donor and Bequest Society Member.

His current hobbies include cycling and Native American culture. Personal accomplishments include running the Atlanta and New York Marathons and the Bike Ride Across Georgia (BRAG). His most recent accomplishment was completing the 107 mile Ride To End Polio event in Tucson, AZ. Rich’s wife, Marla is a retired school teacher and a member of The Rotary Club of Loganville, GA. They have two children, Chris and Carrie and three grandchildren, Zachary, Zoie and Allie Jane.