Rick Hartzell is a celebrated leader, speaker, and sports professional whose life story embodies perseverance, integrity, and heart. Growing up on a family farm in rural north-central Iowa, Rick learned early the values of hard work, humility, and doing the “next right thing.” These values became the foundation for a remarkable career that has spanned athletics, leadership, and personal development.

With nearly 4,000 Division I men’s basketball games under his whistle, Rick has built a reputation as one of the most respected referees in collegiate sports. His journey from a small-town farm boy to one of the nation’s top sports officials reflects a lifetime of discipline, consistency, and excellence under pressure. Beyond officiating, he has served as an athlete, an athletic administrator, and a mentor to countless coaches, players, and aspiring leaders.

As the former Athletic Director at the University of Northern Iowa, Rick was named National Athletic Director of the Year in 2008, recognizing his outstanding leadership and transformative impact on collegiate athletics. He has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, honoring his professional achievements and commitment to excellence in sports and leadership. Currently, he serves as the Vice President for Athletics at Upper Iowa University, where his strategic vision continues to shape programs, empower athletes, and build a culture of integrity and success.

Rick is also the author of “Whistle in a Haystack: An Iowa Farmboy’s Views on Life’s Lessons and Leadership,” a book that captures his insights on perseverance, teamwork, and character. As a sought-after motivational speaker, he shares stories filled with humor, honesty, and heart helping audiences see that true leadership starts with personal responsibility, humility, and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.

At his core, Rick is a family man a devoted husband, father of four, and proud grandfather. Living in rural Cedar Falls, Iowa, with his wife Jill and sons Jackson and Jace, he continues to live out the same values that shaped his life: faith, family, and a commitment to excellence in all he does.