Meet Rick Starbard
I am a 56-year-old lifelong Lynn resident and a 1981 graduate of Lynn Tech’s Auto Body program. Two years after leaving Tech at the age of 19, I opened Rick’s Auto Body, now Rick’s Auto Collision, Inc. in Revere. I am proud to say Rick’s is thriving in its 38th year of business.
In 1996, at the prodding of then Lynn Tech Director, Al Malagrifa, I became a collision repair instructor at my alma mater. During this time, the Auto Collision Program at Tech reached new heights, going from an average program to a nationally recognized, state of the art, certified training program that exceeds the offerings of high priced technical colleges. I left my teaching position in 2010 to become more involved in the rapid growth of my business.
Even though I was out no longer teaching, I still had deep concerns that for the entire Lynn Public School system. With those concerns in mind, I successfully sought election to the Lynn School Committee and served six years in that position. My time on the school committee opened my eyes to what it takes to make our school systems thrive; handling $120 million budgets, working with city staff, as well as the families of students at all our school. I quickly became known for my pro-active community and constituent service. In 2016 I was elected as the Ward Two City Councilor and was re-elected to my second term in 2018 where I was appointed by the Council President to serve as Chairman of the Public Property Committee and the Recreational Cannabis Site Plan Committee. I also serve on the following City Council Committees: Budget, Economic and Workforce Development, Government Administration, Lynnway/Market St/Downtown, Ordinance and Rules, Personnel, Public Works, RFP, Ways and Means and the GE and Zoning Sub-Committees.
My commitment to the city extends far beyond elected office. In 2016, Mayor Kennedy appointed me to the Lynn Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) Board. I am a long-time member and past board member of the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce and currently serve as Chairman of their Government Affairs Committee. For the past ten years, I have served on the Board of Directors for the Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy (LYSOA) and including six years as Board President. Since 1990, I have been a board member of the Lynn Tech Alumni Association, currently serving as Treasurer as well as chairing their scholarship committee and co-chairing the golf tournament committee. I also serve on both the General and Program Advisory Boards at Lynn Tech. I have been a lifelong member of Christ United Methodist Church, now Grace United Methodist Church in Lynn, and currently serve on the board of trustees. In 2012, I was proudly inducted into the Lynn Tech Hall of Fame and in 2017, I was awarded the Lynn Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s award for my service to the Lynn community. I have been a generous financial supporter of many Lynn based organizations that benefit the citizens of Lynn and was recently named Sponsor of the Year by Arts After Hours.
During my career as a business owner, I have become heavily involved in automotive industry issues. I have served over 25 years on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Auto Body Association now the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP-MA) of Massachusetts, including six years as President. I am involved in several local and national initiatives and legislative movements to improve my industry and consumer protection. In 2015, Governor Charlie Baker appointed me to the Commonwealth’s Auto Damage Appraisers Licensing Board.
I have been married to my wife, Lois, for 34 years. Lois is a graduate of Lynn Classical High School and after a career in the insurance industry now works a special education paraprofessional at Sisson Elementary School. Together, we have two beautiful daughters who each graduated from Lynn English High School. Jessica who was recently married and a new Lynn homeowner, went on to attain her Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern and works in Boston. Stephanie graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2016 and recently returned from Ireland where she received her Masters Degree. I am thrilled to have the whole family back in Lynn.