Richard Passarelli is the Senior Advisor for Veteran Workforce Development and Integration at Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. In this role, he provides expert guidance on expanding employment pathways for veterans through partnerships with unions, employers, and training institutions. His work directly supports Dixon Center’s mission to connect veterans with meaningful careers that offer stability, purpose, and long-term success.
Since joining Dixon Center, following his service in the U.S. Navy and decades of leadership in the labor movement, he has developed and implemented nationally recognized workforce development programs. He is a respected voice in veteran employment and workforce integration, known for creating innovative, scalable solutions that help veterans transition successfully to civilian careers in communities across the country.
Rick enlisted in the United States Navy in 1982, where he was deployed for two tours of active duty, 1982-1985, and two-years active reserve duty, 1985-87. His deployments included serving in support of combat operations in Beirut Lebanon, and in the Western Pacific. During his service, Rick was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Battle “E” Ribbon, and the Navy Sea Service Deployment ribbon with silver star, 2nd award. Rick was also awarded a certificate of recognition from the Secretary of Defense for promoting peace and stability for this nation.
After military service, Rick started his career with Peoples Gas where he became a distribution laborer and Senior Pipe Fitter. Rick retired from Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 18007 with 32 years as Business Manager, National Executive Board member, and six years as the UWUA National Director of Veterans Affairs and Workforce Development.
During Ricks tenure at Peoples Gas and the UWUA, he founded the Utility Workers Military Assistance Program (UMAP) in 2011 in partnership with Peoples Gas Executive Team. This workforce development program has served and graduated over 1000 veterans across the United States and is proudly installed in three of the nation’s largest utility providers in Illinois, Michigan, and California.
Throughout his career, Rick has been recognized for his commitment and expertise in serving veterans and his families. His numerous civic awards include Dixon Center’s Michael “Mick” Yauger Point Man Award, Helmets to Hardhats Veterans in Excellence Award, and the American Legion Workforce Development Award.
Rick is a graduate of the Labor Resident Arbitration and Advocacy Academy, as well as Cornell University’s prestigious NLLI program. Rick is a retired committee member for Veterans in Energy, the Committee for Veterans in Workforce Innovation, and is chair of the Workforce Development Subcommittee for the AFL-CIO’s Union Veterans Council.
