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Meet Your Neighbor: Rick Stater
By Callie Thomas
Perseverance and a buckle-down, never-give-up attitude are alive and well in 89074 resident Rick Stater, who not only strives to dedicate himself to his own profession, but also applies that same resolve to his work with local school children and the wounded warriors in our community.
Stater served in the military during Vietnam, where he became a chemical engineer and honed his skills in science, math and chemistry. His drive to succeed was encouraged not only in the armed forces, but also through his Midwestern upbringing, where parents and siblings stressed the value of good education and the importance of overcoming obstacles rather than letting them get the best of you. Stater seeks to instill that same strength in his team as Henderson Plant Manager of Tronox LLC, which produces electrolytic chemicals and high strength boron fibers used to create products such as alkaline batteries, sporting equipment and aircraft parts, along with other chemicals used in the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries
Rick makes every effort to stay involved in the community, both in his personal and professional lives. His support of underprivileged schools includes programs such as a robotics club, student mentoring, the Boys and Girls Club and several children’s athletic teams, not to mention his committed work with the Juvenile Diabetes organization. And if that doesn’t keep him busy enough, Rick also takes time out to lend a hand to his fellow veterans in the area. Stater feels that success in his work and the success of the community both depend on strong volunteer efforts. He took time out to talk with us about some of those endeavors and experiences.
What was your catalyst to become involved in charitable organizations within the community?
“My involvement in Leadership Henderson, where participants learn through interactive experiences such as simulations and panel discussions with experts and established community leaders, emphasizing personal responsibility, commitment, vision and leadership. That experience influenced me to do more than just donate. I first started by helping to create a Student Mentor Program for C.T. Sewell Elementary School because of my interest in education and emphasis on learning at a young age.”
What makes the Robotics Club at Robert L. Taylor Elementary School so special?
“They learn math, science and engineering by exploring and building robots as well as having some fun. Through Tronox LLC, we’ve made contributions to the school for the last three years to fund its robotics club, a program volunteer-run by the school”s former science teacher. In the program, children begin to understand mechanical engineering, software development, electronics concepts and robotics principles. Students learn that a large part of science is figuring out what doesn’t work. They learn that it’s part of the process and not to give up. ”
How have you assisted other kids in the community?
“We’ve provided equipment to the McCaw School of Mines, which was set up to help educate children in Nevada about mining and issues surrounding abandoned mine entrances. We also donate to the Boys and Girls Club and sponsor several little league and high school sports programs as well as semi-pro football leagues that several of our employees have been involved in.”
You’ve also made an effort to support other servicemen and women in the community. Tell us about “One Hero at a Time.”
“Tronox LLC has been involved in the program, which is put on by Motorcycle Trike Toys and helps wounded warriors who live in the community. We have been a proud sponsor for the past few years and have helped construct stages and structures needed to hold the event. Each year, one wounded warrior is chosen. Being a veteran myself, it is always an impactful, memorable experience and I personally enjoy being involved.”
What would you say are your proudest achievements?
“I’m most proud of my children and their successes as individuals. I’m proud of my diverse background, both my military and engineering experience. The military provided me with leadership opportunities at an early age and I enjoy taking the lead and being involved in all the charity events.”
