Richard Lewis

Founder & Board Chair

RICHARD LEWIS is the FOUNDER AND CEO OF RTL NETWORKS INC., an award-winning, technology leader with an international presence in the government sectors, and the FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE RTL FOUNDATION. Described as a High-Octane Technology Executive and Business STRATEGIST, Richard has driven and maintained industry-leading growth in the competitive emerging technology services markets, delivering growth and profitability without any outside investment capital. Richard’s coworkers, peers and board colleagues acknowledge him as an inspiring business executive; whose work is closely aligned with his core values of integrity, and community engagement. Richard is responsible for managing his company’s strategy, as well as its services and products portfolios, roadmaps, and lifecycles. Richard’s leadership has propelled the company from a basement office to a regional footprint, to a nationally recognized leader in the industry.

Email Info@RTL-Foundation.org

Throughout his career, Richard has been repeatedly recognized by industry powerhouses for his business savvy and civic impact. His has a multi-decade track record of spearheading market growth and expansion according to a defined strategy, while simultaneously and extensively supporting the community. His ability to devise and execute innovative strategies has been rewarded with his company’s exponential growth into a thriving international business capturing over $200M in total earnings.

Richard has been honored and humbled to have received dozens of awards for his business contributions, including: E&Y’S 2019 “ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR FOR THE MOUNTAIN DESERT REGION”; THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE’S “SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR IN PIKES PEAK REGION”; CISCO SYSTEM’S “BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR”; RANKED WITHIN BLACK ENTERPRISE MAGAZINE’S “TOP 100” LIST OF LARGEST BLACK-OWNED FIRMS IN THE USA; AND MULTIPLE ENTREES IN INC MAGAZINE’S ESTEEMED “500” AND “5000” LISTINGS.

After graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; Richard proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Air Force for ten years. A consummate learner, Richard went on to obtain a Master’s in Business Administration degree from William and Mary University and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science and Security Systems from Colorado Technical University.

As a passionate industry thought leader and corporate citizen, Richard is actively involved in the community and is well-known for his work to support education reform, small business growth, and veterans’ issues. He especially enjoys working with youth to improve access to learning opportunities and create a brighter tomorrow for the next generation. He enjoys mentoring, coaching, and guiding youth as they work to achieve their goals.

Professional Skills:

Richard’s leadership goes beyond day-to-day management; he crafts strategic roadmaps that position organizations to navigate complex challenges, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. His blend of ambition and practicality ensures that the organizations he leads are well-equipped to thrive in dynamic and evolving landscapes.

95 ^%

Strategic Leadership and Visionary Thinking

85 ^%

Non-Profit Development and Management

90 ^%

Community Building and Collaboration

Community Involvement:

Mr. Lewis, a former All-State high school football player, track and field high school All-American and College Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Champion, is now a vigilant advocate small business and community; providing his time, energy, and leadership as:
Commissioner, Governor’s Business Experiential-Learning Commission (BELC)
Board of Directors, Denver Branch of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank
Board of Directors, Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce
Board of Trustees, Denver Mile High United Way
Founder, Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Connect Leadership program
Former, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Colorado Youth at Risk
Former, Executive Board member of the Denver Council of the Boy Scouts of America
Former, Board of Directors, Colorado Forum
Former, Board of Directors, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
Former, Board of Directors, Denver Metro Sports Commission
Former, Board of Directors, Rocky Mountain PBS

Honors & Awards:

Richard Lewis has been recognized for his commitment to empowering minority-led non-profits, earning accolades for his leadership, innovation, and dedication to community development. His passion for creating lasting impact has been celebrated by various organizations within the non-profit and tech industries.

2016 | Top 50 Diversity Owned Businesses in Colorado (Rank 8)
2016 - Small Business Administration Rocky Mountain Region 8(a) Graduate of the Year
2014 - Black Enterprise magazine's Top 100 Largest Black Businesses
2013 | Inc. 5,000 The Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America
Inc. Magazine: listed as a top 500 company and 5 times listed as top 5000 company
2011 - 9News Business Leader of the Year
2011 - MLK Jr., Business Social Responsibility Award
2011 - Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce's David E. Bailey Small Business Advocate Award
2011 - Cisco Systems - Small Business Partner of the Year (Public Sector)
2008 - Minority Business Person of the Year, by the SBA (Colorado Region)
2008 - Minority Business Champion of the Year, by the SBA (Colorado Region)