Dr. Rich Hansen
U.S. Air Force
Director
About Me
Dr. Rich Hansen is a proud husband, grandfather, and Gold Star Father. He is a retired Air National Guard veteran with a distinguished 20-year military career, including 10 years of active duty and 10 years in the Air National Guard. He served at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in Myrtle Beach, SC, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ, and concluded his military service with the Michigan Air National Guard in Battle Creek, MI. He retired at the rank of Master Sergent E7.
Following his military career, Rich transitioned to the federal civilian workforce, joining the Defense Logistics Information Services (DLIS) in Battle Creek, MI. He began as a cataloger and trainer, eventually managing the training branch. Rich later advanced to the role of Deputy Division Director at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in Baltimore, MD, where he also served as an internal leadership coach, co-managed the Experienced Leaders program, and oversaw an employee career coaching initiative. Additionally, he designed and facilitated Organizational Development (OD) team activities and holds certifications in various assessments.
Rich earned his PhD in Organization and Management from Capella University. Beyond his professional achievements, he has been deeply involved in his community, coaching high school football, leading the local little league football program, officiating little league football, and umpiring both little league and high school baseball. He is also a peer mentor for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
Rich has been married to Emily for 42 years and is the proud father of two sons. His eldest, Richard Jr., has two sons of his own. His youngest, James A., served in the Air Force and was killed on September 15, 2010, at Joint Base Iraq. In his spare time Rich makes handmade pens and bowls. He has taken on a special personal project to make a pen for Gold Star men. Rich’s dedication to service, leadership, and community defines his remarkable life and career.