Ricky Ellis

Goals For Life Executive Director

 

Ricky Ellis has worked as a life skills counselor with Goals For Life since 1991. He is passionate about the youth in our community and provides them with skills to make better choices and promote good health.

 

Ricky played football at Cal State University Fullerton, where he graduated with a BS degree. He went on to play eight years of professional football, starting with the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League (NFL), followed by the British Columbia Lions (Canadian Football League) and the L.A. Express (United States Football League). Ricky retired from the Houston Oilers in 1985. During his playing days, Ricky was an All-Pro Tight End and was nominated for “Man of the Year” for his community service.

 

Ricky is a retired State Parole Agent, Specialist II, from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice. He has served Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for 25 years working with troubled juveniles from ages 8 to 25 years old. He was presented with “The Most Outstanding Parole Agent Award” from the California Volunteers in Parole, a group of lawyers throughout the state that work with parolees and parole agents to make life changing differences. Ricky was also awarded “Parole Agent of the Year” by the California Parole and Probation Association for his tireless efforts assisting parolees in transitioning back into the community.

 

Ricky is a recipient of the “Medal of Valor” from the Department of Youth Authority for his outstanding service to the public through the apprehension of violent criminals, confiscation of numerous weapons and illegal narcotics, as well as performing life threatening duties for 12 years while working with the Gang Information and Apprehension Unit.

 

Concurrently, Ricky has taught Criminal Justice courses at Mount San Antonio College. He is on the Goals For Life Advisory Board. He is the founder of AIMBIG (Athletes in Ministry - Believers in God), a spirit filled youth ministry that teaches life skills and positive alternatives. Ricky previously served as President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the NFL Players Association. He is also a member of the Lions Club. For the past three decades, Ricky has worked with charitable agencies and community service groups.