Rick Klingler

Term:  Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2029

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest.  Liberty Lake has been my home since 2003, and this is a place where my family and I have truly planted our roots. My wife, Lauralee, teaches at Liberty Creek Elementary, and we’re incredibly proud of our two children. Our son, Conner, graduated from Western Washington University with a master’s degree in organic chemistry, and our daughter, Chloe, graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and education. Watching them grow into who they are today has only deepened my connection to this community and strengthened my commitment to helping it thrive.

Outside of work, I’m someone who loves a challenge and seeks out experiences that push me to grow. Each year, I take on a personal “misogi”— a goal that stretches me well beyond my comfort zone. I’ve walked the 250-mile Camino de Portuguese, hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim, and completed a 5,000-mile motorcycle ride along the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. I’m excited to see what new adventures await. 

When I’m not planning my next adventure, you’ll usually find me hiking, biking, backpacking, or staying active through daily exercise.  It’s how I stay grounded, energized, and focused.

Education Experience:

I earned my Bachelor of Nursing degree from the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education in Spokane, Washington. Wanting to broaden my impact and strengthen my leadership skills, I later went on to complete a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. This combination of clinical training and business education has shaped the way I approach problem-solving, strategic planning, and long-term decision-making in both my professional and community work.

Professional Experience:

I have more than two decades of leadership experience in healthcare and business development, blending my clinical background with strategic planning to help organizations grow. I began my career as a registered nurse, a nurse case manager, and later vice president of business development, roles that taught me compassion, clear communication, and collaboration — values that guide me every day as a City of Liberty Lake councilman. I strive to listen closely, respond thoughtfully, and keep our residents at the heart of every decision.

In my leadership roles, I focused on strengthening operations, improving efficiency, and building strong partnerships. That experience helps me evaluate city operations, spot opportunities for improvement, and work effectively with staff, fellow council members, and community partners.

I’ve always been drawn to challenges that require critical thinking and proactive problem-solving. Those skills are essential in my commitment to smart, balanced growth for Liberty Lake — planning for the future, protecting our infrastructure, and ensuring our policies serve both current and future residents.

My work on professional committees, industry publications, and national conference presentations strengthened my ability to communicate clearly, collaborate across perspectives, and advocate for thoughtful, data-driven solutions — qualities I bring to my role on the council.

My core values — integrity, accountability, collaboration, empathy, commitment, vision, and respect — shape how I lead and how I serve. As a councilman, they keep me grounded, transparent, and focused on making decisions that strengthen Liberty Lake for years to come.

Volunteer Experience:

I previously served as chair of the Premera Blue Cross Cares Committee, where I helped guide philanthropic giving and corporate social responsibility efforts. That work gave me a deeper understanding of how thoughtful investment and collaboration can strengthen communities, insight that continues to inform my approach to city decision-making.

I also chaired the Hoopfest Spokane First-Aid Services Committee, coordinating volunteers and medical resources to support one of the region’s largest community events. This experience taught me the value of planning, teamwork, and being prepared for the unexpected — skills that translate directly into effective public service.

Closer to home, I spent time volunteering in my wife’s classroom, supporting her students and seeing firsthand the dedication of our local educators. Those experiences reinforced how important strong schools, supportive families, and engaged community members are in building a vibrant, connected city.