Rick Wayman is a values-driven executive with two decades of experience navigating the intersection of international policy, business operations, and social impact. With a career defined by high-stakes leadership, ranging from the boardrooms of emerging startups to the halls of the United Nations, Rick specializes in transforming visionary concepts into scalable, globally recognized institutions.
Rick’s professional trajectory is anchored by a commitment to addressing existential risks through strategic cooperation. He served as a leader in the international coalition that negotiated the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, an achievement recognized with the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. This landmark victory was the result of unifying a diverse global network of activists, researchers, and government officials through disciplined strategic planning and a shared vision for humanitarian security.
Beyond treaty negotiations, Rick has a proven track record of managing complex international legal and advocacy campaigns. He led the global civil society movement supporting the Republic of the Marshall Islands in its historic nuclear disarmament cases at the International Court of Justice. In this role, he recruited and managed a collaboration of over 100 global NGOs, providing the organizational backbone and logistical support necessary for a multi-year effort in the world’s highest court.
In the climate sector, Rick has been a leading architect of integrity and accountability. As Co-Founder of the Carbon Removal Standards Initiative, he spearheaded the non-scientific pillars of the organization, which seeks to realize a future in which carbon removal benefits both the climate and the economy.
As President & CEO of the Foundation for Climate Restoration, Rick led a global expansion into 19 countries. He was a pioneer in integrating equity and justice frameworks into the emerging carbon removal industry, ensuring that as the sector grows, it remains grounded in social responsibility and inclusive governance.
Rick holds a Master’s degree in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management from the School for International Training and a B.S. in International Business and Operations Management from Marquette University. His background in international business provides a pragmatic edge to his mission-driven work, enabling him to speak the languages of both corporate finance and global diplomacy.
A long-time resident of Santa Barbara, Rick remains dedicated to fostering cross-sector partnerships that leverage the power of business as a force for global good and environmental restoration.