As the President and Chairman of Illinois’ second largest utility, Richard has been a strong advocate and supporter of diversity inclusion through training, employee enrichment, community outreach and supplier development. Richard was the first Executive Sponsor of Ameren’s Network of Minority Employees (ANME)  and this year is collaborating with the diversity department to offer Ameren Illinois employees a series of presentations and panels emphasizing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Externally, Richard has served on more than 50 not-for-profit boards including the Mathews Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club, The Black Repertory Theatre, the Saint Louis Zoo and the Major Case Squad. Additionally, Richard has received numerous awards including the 2017 Heritage Award from the Illinois Legislative Sportsman Caucus, 2015 Outstanding Corporate Leadership Award from the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, and was named in Savoy Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America for 2016 & 2014.