Rick Birt serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of SADD at a national level. As such, he is responsible for leading the organizational programming, outreach, development, and communication efforts, while leading the SADD National Staff. Working closely with the Board of Directors, Rick sets and implements the strategic direction for SADD, empowering the millions of students in which SADD serves. An expert in the matters of youth health and safety, Rick has authored several publications that feature SADD’s unique form of a peer-to-peer approach that is vital to creating lasting behavior change in youth. Rick also frequents major news outlets, where he provides perspective for parents on best practices for helping their teen succeed. A SADD alumnus himself, SADD has over a decade of prevention experience.

Previously, Rick held the position of Executive Vice President, Director of Strategic Partnership, and Development Officer for SADD. Before joining the SADD team, he led Midwest Operations as the Midwest Education Outreach Coordinator for Impact Teen Drivers. Rick is actively involved in the community and spends time giving back to the Washington, DC area. Prior to his move to the District, he spent six years on the Northwestern Local Schools Board of Education (Ohio) and serves on several local and national boards that work to make a change at the community level. Rick is a self-proclaimed dessert aficionado, who enjoys frequent travel adventures and a good Netflix binge.