About
Rich has over 20 years of legal experience. He started his career in Chicago at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor. He quickly rose through the ranks to handle serious felony cases. He was singled out from his over 900 colleagues and was publicly recognized for his hard work and dedication. In 2007, he transitioned to private practice to start the law firm of Serio & Karwaczka, LLP. This broadened his legal knowledge to the civil side of the law tackling and advocating for his clients in a broad range of areas which included business formation, real estate, immigration, personal injury and family law. Also, he owned several pizza places in the Chicagoland area.
Although he was successful in his career and business ventures, in 2016, he made the biggest and best decision and moved to Cochise County. His love of service, the law, and his desire to always seek different challenges led him to the Public Defender's office as a deputy. Once again, Rich quickly established an excellent reputation in the legal community through his work ethic and personality. In 2019, he was promoted to a leadership role as the Public Defender.
In 2020, Rich was appointed as Cochise County Administrator. Currently, he is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the county and implementing the policies and programs approved by the Board of Supervisors. Richard credits any county successes as a team effort. Any win for the county and its residents includes extensive collaboration and work hours of elected leadership, department directors, and county employees. One of his favorite quotes is from Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”
Richard is a member of the Sierra Vista Sunrise Rotary, and volunteers his time and energy in various local non-profit efforts.
Richard is married to his wonderful wife, Adilene, and is a proud father to his amazing daughter, Yanitza.
