Co-founder (Retired)

Rick is a pioneer in the computer hardware integration industry, co-founding his first company in 1977. Rick co-founded RAVE Computer Association in 1988 with three other business associates.  

Their collective middle names created the acronym, “RAVE”. 

From the beginning, RAVE Computer specialized in purpose-built, high performance computing. It has been a Defense contractor since 1992.  For many years, Mr. Darter helped lead the strategic direction of the company as the co-founder and CEO until he handed the reigns and sold the business to RAVE’s current owner and president, Stacey Ferguson.

Mr. Darter served as president of National Defense Industry Association (NDIA) – Michigan Chapter. He joined NDIA in 2012 and served in various capacities including Chair of the STEM and Finance committees and as Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Darter served on the Board of Directors for several non-profit organizations including Automation Alley. He organized and served as Chair of their Modeling, Simulation, Visualization, and Immersion committee.

Rick served as a Director and on the Policy Committee of the National Modeling and Simulation Coalition based in Virginia. NMSC is an affiliate of the National Modeling and Training Association. Mr. Darter was a founding member and Board Member of the RAVE CAVE at DC3S. RAVE CAVE was a cutting edge 3-D immersive center for automated virtual environments that promoted Modeling, Simulation and Visualization in education and industry before it closed in 2023 as immersive technology became more commonplace. Mr. Darter served for 17 years on the Zoning Board of his local community and enjoys staying connected to many local community and defense organizations.

Now retired, Rick serves RAVE in an advisory capacity.  He enjoys spending time on the waters of Michigan and Florida, and traveling with his wife. He is a sports pilot and powered parachute flight instructor.