Mr. Rick Mills has held senior leadership roles in public service, in the military and education, for over 35 years. Previously, Rick served as Superintendent of Manatee County Schools from March 2013 to May 2015.  Prior to his position in Manatee County, Rick was the Chief Executive Officer of Minneapolis Public Schools from July 2011 to March 2013. Rick served ten years in Chicago Public Schools in various educational leadership positions from July 2001 to July 2011.  His tenure included two years as Chief Area Officer (Area Superintendent) for 26 High Schools and three years as Area Instructional Officer for six military academy high schools.  While serving in Chicago, Rick was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley as Chair of the Chicago Memorial Day Parade and Weekend from 2009 to 2011.

Prior to his employment with Chicago Public Schools, Rick had a distinguished 25 years career in the United States Army where he served in a myriad of assignments to include: Cavalry Squadron Commander, Political-Military Officer at United States Central Command, Plans Officer at United Nations Jerusalem, Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy and Tank Company Commander, 2^nd Battalion 5^th Cavalry.  Rick retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in July 2001.  His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Ranger Tab and Parachutist Badge. Mr. Rick Mills also currently serves as the CEO of DroneAscent, LLC., which he founded in June 2016