Ellis County Judge’s new chief of staff no stranger to politics

WAXAHACHIE – Ellis County Judge Todd Little named his new chief of staff back on Jan. 11 as quietly as his former chief of staff, Erik Test exited.

According to Little, late last year Test moved to a lateral position in the county’s purchasing department.

Incoming new staffer is retired U.S. Air Force veteran Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. Ricks.

The new chief retired from the United States Air Force in 2014 after he served in a number of duties including instructor pilot, director of operations, commander, and director of staff.

Ricks was also a staff officer at the Wing, Center, Numbered Air Force and Major Command levels, and he has experience in information operations, operational testing, and crisis action planning.

“I am proud to announce Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. Ricks as my chief of staff,” Little said of his decision to hire the U.S. Air Force veteran. 

“Just as he has served his country with honor and pride, I know he will continue this tradition as he serves the citizens of Ellis County.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ricks has also taken the time to continue his education with courses completed from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Institute as well as attending courses in National Response Framework, National Incident Management, and Incident Command System for Initial Response. 

Ricks has a Master of Business Administration from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, and a Bachelor of Science in Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I look forward to accomplishing great things together,” Little concluded of his new chief of staff.