About Rich
Who is Rich Zeck?
Rich grew up in Michigan, where he built a career in business and taught at Cornerstone University. Over a decade ago, he and his wife Michele made a deliberate choice to move to Pitt County—specifically to lead the Council on Aging and serve eastern North Carolina's seniors.
What started as a job became a calling. Rich and Michele put down roots, and Rich threw himself into the community—visiting 50 churches in 50 weeks, knocking on every door in Simpson, and building relationships across every background.
His philosophy is simple: God, Spouse, Family. Do what's right, not who's right. That's how he leads at home, at work, and in office.
I sat down with Democrats, African Americans, the elderly, hard line Republicans and disengaged voters. I increased turnout and unseated a mayor who had held the position for more than 20 years.— Rich Zeck
Mayor of Simpson, NC
In 2017, Rich had lived in North Carolina for just 18 months. He ran anyway—personally visiting every household in Simpson, sitting down with Democrats, Republicans, the elderly, and disengaged voters alike. He unseated an incumbent who had held the position for over 20 years.
The previous administration had left the town in financial disarray. Rich rebuilt the reserves, implemented fiscally conservative budgeting, and has been re-elected three more times. His ability to win across party lines isn't politics—it's proof that treating people with respect and dignity works.
- Rebuilt town reserves after previous mismanagement
- Expanded infrastructure for sustainable growth
- Represents Simpson on the ENC Alliance Board of Directors
- Four consecutive election victories since 2017
Pitt County Council on Aging
Rich relocated to Pitt County over 10 years ago specifically to lead the Council on Aging. Under his direction, the organization has transformed into one of the premier senior service providers in North Carolina.
During COVID-19, while other senior centers across the state shut down or reduced services, Rich's team never missed a single day of meal delivery. They raised $1.6 million for facility expansion during the height of the pandemic—opening a new facility ahead of schedule and under budget.
- Grew from 1 to 6 senior wellness centers across Pitt County
- 350-400 hot meals delivered daily through Meals on Wheels
- 850 seniors served each week across all programs
- Ernest Messer Award from NC Division of Aging (2020)
We are delivering a meal, but we are also delivering hope, encouragement, fellowship, and human contact. Senior hunger and isolation is a much more serious issue that confronts our community than people are aware of.— Rich Zeck
Awards & Recognition
NC Senior Center of the Year
2021
Ernest Messer Award
NC Division of Aging, 2020
Bishop Levi S. Murray Award
Outstanding Dedication & Commitment
What Colleagues Say
"Rich is a passionate, visionary leader with the ability to see the big picture while organizing operations and daily activities to reach the goal."
"Rich has a positive 'can do' attitude and is able to work well with people from many different backgrounds and experience levels."
"Rich is not only an excellent leader, but also has great teamwork skills. Rich is someone who has the best interests of the organization at heart, as well as the people in it."
Join Rich's Campaign
Help bring proven leadership to District 6.