About Rick Woodworth

Rick's Civic Involvement on Marco Island

Since becoming a full-time Marco Island resident in 2017, Rick Woodworth has been deeply involved in local civic issues and community service. He has served multiple terms on the Waterways Advisory Committee, including as chairman, and was appointed to the City’s Audit Advisory Committee. He also volunteered to help the City’s Finance Director prepare more readable financial statements.

Through this service, Rick has gained firsthand knowledge of City operations, budgeting, infrastructure challenges and the important role advisory committees play in helping elected officials make better decisions.

Rick’s commitment to Marco Island’s waterways is especially central to his public service. As a founding Managing Member of Clean Marco Waters, LLC, he has helped lead a data-driven effort to protect Marco Island’s canal system and marine environment. His work has included independent water quality testing, engagement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and technical presentations supporting Advanced Wastewater Treatment.

That experience directly supports Rick’s priorities of clean water, transparent reporting and measurable results.

Education, Business Experience and Financial Leadership

Rick has spent more than 50 years working in real estate, business, finance, civic service and community advocacy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Pre-Law from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Rick’s professional career was built on solving real-world problems and managing major responsibilities. As President, Managing Director and Partner of The Habitat Company in Chicago, he helped grow the firm from a 3,000-unit operation into a portfolio of more than 32,000 residential units across multiple cities, with assets valued at more than $5 billion.

His work included property management, development, financing, rehabilitation, insurance, communications, retail operations and long-term asset planning. That experience directly supports his commitment to fiscal discipline, responsible growth and proactive infrastructure management on Marco Island.

Rick also understands the importance of public trust and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. He has served for more than 40 years as a Trustee and Executive Committee member of the Service Employees Local 1 Health, Welfare and Pension Funds in Chicago, helping oversee fully funded funds with combined assets exceeding $350 million.

That fiduciary experience has shaped his belief that government should make decisions transparently, base spending on need and long-term value, and provide residents with clear information before major financial commitments are made.

Why Rick Is Running

Rick Woodworth is running for Marco Island City Council because Marco Island is more than a place to live: for many residents, it is home. Rick believes that home must be protected with disciplined leadership, financial responsibility, clean water, strong infrastructure and long-term thinking so Marco Island remains a remarkable place to live for generations to come.

Rick is running to put residents and local businesses first, protect neighborhoods and resident quality of life, support fact-based financial decisions, demand transparency and help ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of the community.

He has no Marco Island business interests, development projects, contractor relationships or City-related clients, allowing him to serve independently and focus on the residents who call Marco Island home.

With decades of business leadership, financial oversight, civic involvement and clean-water advocacy, Rick Woodworth offers the experience and independence needed to help protect Marco Island’s future with honesty, accountability and long-term vision.