While at Louisiana State University, Richard was inducted into the honorary fraternity, Alpha Zeta.

In 1970, Richard began his career with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. In 1978, he transferred to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service.

During his tenure with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Richard served in Statesboro, Cedartown and Columbus. While serving as Extension Director he served as an adjunct faculty member of the UGA Fanning Leadership Center from 1990 until 1999.

Richard is no stranger to public service. Prior to being an elected State Representative for Georgia House District 131, (currently House District 134); Richard served as- h Interim City Manager for the Columbus Consolidated Government- December 15th, 1989 until March of 1990 h Columbus City Councilor- 1999 iV 2002. At-large post, serving one year as budget chair h Chattahoochee Valley Community Foundation, founding board member h Chattahoochee Valley Fair and Exposition, President h Columbus Downtown Rotary Club, member h First Baptist Church of Columbus, member.

Richard was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives on November 2nd, 2004 and sworn in on January 10th, 2005. Richard is currently serving his 8th term in the Georgia House of Representatives where he represents portions of Muscogee and Harris counties. His committee assignments include- h Chairman - Georgia House of Representatives Insurance Committee, 2011 to present h Chairman - Special Committee on Access to Quality Healthcare h Secretary - Rules h Member - Appropriations iV Higher Education h Member - Natural Resources and Environment h Member - Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Richard is on the Executive Committee of the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL).

Richard offers a unique combination of skills- Knowledge of subject matter, Industry knows and respects, Electable and is well respected by members of the Georgia General Assembly.