Rich Goszka is the Virginia/West Virginia Executive Director of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association (SSPBA). He brings more than 32 years of law enforcement experience to the organization, with an extensive background in criminal investigations, training, supervision, and law enforcement administration. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for the men and women of law enforcement.

 

Rich began his law enforcement career in 1990 before joining the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, now the Department of Wildlife Resources, in 1998. During his career in Virginia, he served in numerous roles, including Conservation Police Officer, Field Training Officer, Instructor, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. His experience included supervising complex investigations, developing agency policies, training officers, and managing law enforcement operations. He retired in 2023 after more than three decades of public service. His career achievements include receiving the Commonwealth Valor Award and the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association's Outstanding Service Award.

 

A longtime PBA member, Rich had an instrumental role in establishing the Virginia Conservation Police Chapter, which later expanded into the Virginia Natural Resources Police Chapter. He served as Vice President on the Virginia Division PBA board. Following his retirement, he continued his commitment to law enforcement by joining the SSPBA as a full-time staff representative in 2023. In that role, he represented members across Virginia and West Virginia, worked with elected officials, and advocated for legislation addressing law enforcement compensation, retirement benefits, collective bargaining, and officer protections. In 2026, he was appointed Virginia/West Virginia Executive Director, where he continues to work closely with chapter leadership and members to strengthen the organization's representation and legislative influence.

 

Rich holds an associate degree in criminal justice and received a Grassroots Lobbying & Advocacy Professional Certificate from the University of Richmond. He remains committed to ensuring that law enforcement officers have a strong voice in decisions affecting their careers, families, and futures.