PDG Richard B. (Rick) Benson

A third generation Rotarian, he joined the Westport (CT) Rotary Club 1989, served as club president 1994-95, 6 terms as an Assistant Gvernor, DG 2008-09, District Rotary Foundation Chair 2013-19,
Council on Legislation Rep 2016 and 2022, and is currently the Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator for 3 districts in metro NYC as well as D7980 District International Chair and District Grants Chair. A recipient of the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service and the Service Above Self Awards, he is a Paul Harris Society member, an Arch Klumpf Society member, and Bequest Society of the Rotary Foundation. He and his wife have participated in 2 National Polio Immunization trips – to Nigeria and India; he has also been on or lead humanitarian service trips to Haiti (2), Nicaragua (2), Guatemala, Kenya (3), Uganda, and Tanzania; and has attended 10 Rotary International Conventions.

Married to Totney Benson for 50 years, they have one son RB, age 37 living and working in NYC. Rick has a BA from Denison U, a BS from Carnegie-Mellon U., and an MBA from the Wharton School – U of PA. Professionally he has been a residential real estate developer/ luxury home builder since 1981. He has served 13 years on Town Boards and Commissions, 25 year United Way Volunteer, 25 year Scouter, Trustee of the local YMCA and Trustee of 2 different Congregational Churches. He served as a USNR Supply Officer in Vietnam, Japan, and Taiwan 1970-73. When not working or doing Rotary, he enjoys sailing, wilderness trout fly fishing, collecting antique American pewter, and drinking beer on their global travels. They also have a 12 month old chocolate Lab puppy named Schooner – who has even more energy than his father.