In March 2017, Westbound Communications lost a partner, friend, mentor, and an all-time, kick-ass team member. His name was Rick Miltenberger.
His professional accomplishments were great in number and impact, including a 2017 Best of Show Award at the PRSA Western District Conference and 2018 Silver Anvil Award, PRSA’s recognition of the best public relations campaigns of the year. He mentored dozens of young PR professionals over the course of his three decades in the profession, dedicating time in his schedule every month to meet with those he helped.
Rick will be remembered for many, many things: his relentless work ethic; his competitive drive; his focus on helping clients solve their challenges; his fun-loving spirit; his skill as a writer; his rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Boise State Broncos; his uncanny ability to eat more chips and salsa than anyone… ever; and so much more.
What we’ll most-remember is his being deeply devoted to his loving family Dana and Samantha, and his three sons Ryan, Tyler, and Cooper.
Rick was fond of saying that he’s “livin’ the dream.” And he certainly did just that.
We were privileged to share in his life well-lived. His spirit is inextricably woven through the fabric of our team. We miss him terribly. In honoring him here and in many places throughout our agency, we will carry him with us always.
Please take a moment to see for yourself just how special Rick was…
“Westbound’s diligence, professionalism, and expertise are just a few of the reasons our organization relies on their services. They are a true partner and one we’ll have for many years.”
Vice President, Marketing, The Word & Brown Companies
“The Westbound Communications team goes to extreme measures to genuinely understand the tiniest of details of their clients’ concerns and the communities in which they work.”
Director of Freeway Transportation, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
“Westbound works hard to understand and acknowledge the needs of their client and their client’s core constituencies. They are doing an outstanding job of bringing the ReadyOC campaign to life and increasing emergency preparedness.”
Commander, Santa Ana Police Department (Regional Homeland Security Liaison)
“Westbound is an exceptional, responsive partner that has helped the brands I’ve managed by delivering sound strategy and significantly expanding our community and media presence.”
Chief Marketing Officer
“Westbound is a great partner for us. Our organization moves at light speed, and they’re always right there with us. They represent the pinnacle of where service excellence and strategy come together.”