Richard K. Grinnell

Born in Ireland, Rick Grinnell was adopted from a Dublin orphanage at age two by Tucsonans Betsy Verdugo Grinnell and J. Richard Grinnell. His birth mother gave him a chance of a better future, and his Mom Betsy, gave him the love, support and opportunity to make the most out of his life here in Tucson.

With an Irish passion as his engine, Grinnell has spent his career championing economic opportunities, public safety, responsible government spending and solutions to improve the quality of life for all citizens in his hometown of Tucson. Because he has worn many hats —as a business owner, employer, mentor, civic and community leader—Grinnell has a unique perspective and understanding of both the challenges and the hopes that Tucsonans are experiencing today. After 20 years “in the trenches,” Grinnell knows how to navigate through bureaucracy, develop common sense solutions and most important, how to take action.

Private Sector Experience

• Founder and president of Smart United Business Strategies (SUBS), a for-profit venture that fosters political interaction between State and Local government and the entrepreneurial community.
• Marketing executive (Metro Restaurants), business development consultant in retail, service, transportation, construction and hospitality industries.
• Employment specialist providing vocational training and placement for individuals with disabilities and working with business owners to help injured workers return to work.
• Small business owner.

Thousands of Volunteer Hours in Community Service

2010-Present		Board Member, Rio Nuevo Multi Purpose Facilities District
2008-Present		Secretary & Board Member, Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority
2001-2004-11		Volunteered with Arizona Mexico Commission/VAMOS Tucson and currently working with the Commission on international mining education programs.
2003-09		Co-Chair - Children’s Miracle Network Charity Golf Tournament
2002-07		Advisory Board Member – Big Brothers/Sisters - Tucson Arizona
1994-05		ST. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee - Member, President 2002, 03
2002-05		Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce - Local Government Committee
2002-03		Better Business Bureau - Board Member
2000-02		City of Tucson Budget Advisory Committee - Member
1999		Candidate, Tucson City Council, Won the Ward II, lost city wide vote by 3.5%
1997-99		Citizens Police Advisory Review Board - Voting Board Member
1996-98		ACJC - Crime Victims Compensation Fund - Voting Board Member
1993-98		Crime Victim Assistance League - Secretary Treasurer(96), Board Member
1996-97		Domestic Violence Commission - Commissioner
1994-97		Community Action Network-Neighborhood Safety, Co-Chair
1995		Candidate, Tucson City Council,Won the Ward II, lost city wide vote by 7%
1983-85&89		Little League coach, Sahauro Little League

Proven Track Record of Accomplishments

• Initiated, organized Move Tucson Forward, a SUBS effort.
• Continues to work with other dedicated professionals to re-establish the Rio Nuevo Multi Purpose Facilities District as a viable entity to benefit downtown Tucson.
• Continues to work with dedicated leaders to promote Spring Training, expand youth and amateur sports opportunities and bring back AAA Baseball.
• Lobbied with Pima County Sports and Tourism members to pass legislation and establish Authority.
• Lobbied with other business leaders to pass non-partisan elections (Tucson City Council is still contesting the legislation.)
• Lobbied with other supporters of Crime victims to pass legislation to toughen penalties for violent crime offenders.
• Lobbied and worked with other business leaders and organizations to establish more business ready regulations, State and Local.
• Integrated efforts of VAMOS business ventures with businesses in Sonora Mexico.
• Over 200 successful career placements of individuals with disabilities.
• Work to help develop Hispanic Youth Employment Plan to forward to Governor Symington.
• Coordinated and marketed fundraising events for Crime Victims and other charities.
• Designed and produced in conjunction with the Community Action Network, Community Resource Maps which provided information on social service organizations with emphasis on youth, public safety and victim services.

Up Close and Personal

• Step-father of 3, Brenda, Chad and Sarah. Grandfather of Lauren, 21, Adrian, 18, Breay ,15, Logan 14, Vincent, 11 and Kevin, 10. Great-grandfather of Aydin, 2.
• Attended Salpointe Catholic High School and degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
• Navy veteran with three tours of duty in Southeast.