Ritch Eich
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Throughout his lifetime, Ritch K. Eich’s reach has gone far beyond one community, industry, or state. As a business leader, author, tireless volunteer, and former military officer, Eich’s approach to life can be summed up in these words: “Let’s not rest on our laurels. Let’s make things better for all.”
Eich was born in San Francisco and raised in the Sacramento Val- ley’s Gold Rush community of Marysville. He is a fourth-generation Californian who worked in the peach orchards of Yuba and Sutter Counties every summer from his teen years through college. While at Sacramento State College, Eich lettered in varsity tennis and was a member of the Far Western Conference championship team; he also served as vice president of the student body and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Blue Key National Men’s Honorary, and he received the Associated Students Distinguished Service Award at graduation. With the Vietnam War raging during college, Eich enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a seaman recruit. He later rose steadily through the ranks and retired as a captain after serving more than twenty-eight years.
Eich received various commendations and medals, including a Meritorious Mast from the Commanding Officer of Marine Barracks while on duty at a major military brig, the Indiana National Guard Commendation Medal from the Adjutant General, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and the Navy’s Meritorious Service Medal, among others. He served overseas at NATO South, the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets, the Central Command, the Naval War College, and numerous other joint commands during his Naval Reserve career.
The U.S. Naval Academy recognized Eich for many years of service as a Blue and Gold Officer, recruiting outstanding young men and women to attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis. In addition, Eich served on the Service Academy Selection Committees for U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Dan Coats and Congressmen Dan Burton and Marvin Esch. He also enjoyed a successful civilian career in several industries including healthcare, public relations, and higher education. Eich’s peers often recognized Eich for his work ethic, sound judgment, goodwill, experience, and savvy.
Despite a busy executive management career, Eich has made time to teach once a year as an adjunct professor. He has taught courses in organizational behavior, leadership, marketing, and strategic planning. He has lectured at the University of Michigan; Eastern Michigan University; Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis; and California Lutheran University. He is a firm believer that managers and executives learn much from regular interactions with university students.
