Rick Kes is an assurance partner and health care senior industry analyst for RSM US LLP. He is a graduate of RSM’s prestigious industry eminence program, which positions him to understand, forecast, and communicate economic, business, and technology trends shaping the health care industry to best serve clients.
In his 16 years of experience at RSM, Rick has provided assurance and consultative services to health care payer and provider clients. His clients range from private equity-backed health care facilities to nonprofits to government-run health systems, and include hospitals, health systems, large internationally known health care providers, as well as smaller owner-operated skilled nursing facilities.
In 2018, Rick was selected for RSM’s cutting-edge industry eminence program which afforded him the opportunity to further hone his knowledge of the health care industry. As a senior analyst, his focus is on the future of health care, identifying technological advancements to improve health care delivery and operations. His recent work has centered on helping health care clients develop new ways of thinking around pandemic-related issues, including addressing the nursing shortage and establishing a framework for virtual work environments.
Rick also serves as RSM’s health care audit innovation leader focused on bringing new ways of delivering services to clients. He is a member of the audit innovation steering committee and participates in firm innovation challenges. He is instrumental in helping other RSM staff upskill to become more proficient in data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence.
Knowing that his clients are part of saving lives through innovations like disease prevention and vaccine development makes Rick appreciate his role in serving the industry. He is always learning from his experience working with clients, whether attending management meetings or understanding the back office. His relationships with clients drive him to read and research more every day to better understand how he can best help his clients.
The father of three boys, Rick is a part of the firm’s Family First employee network group that focuses on family challenges and promotes an inclusive, respectful workplace. His involvement with Family First is driven by a desire to help ensure that the RSM culture is flexible and engaging for professionals who have family responsibilities, whether that means children, aging parents, or a sibling with special needs.
Family has always been important to Rick. He grew up hearing stories about his Uncle Rick, for whom he was named and who passed away from leukemia at the age of 16. In his honor, Rick is active in the Pinky Swear Foundation, a Minnesota-based organization that provides financial and emotional support to families affected by childhood cancer. He currently serves on the board of directors as chair of the finance committee.
