Ricardo Ernesto Hubler

Ricardo “Ric” Hubler passed away while hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, fulfilling a dream he had spent more than a year thoughtfully planning. He died doing something that spoke deeply to who he was, curious, determined, adventurous, and always reaching for something meaningful.

Ric was 51 years old. He was born on May 15, 1974, in Toledo, Ohio, and graduated from Toledo High School in 1992, where he was Valedictorian and voted “Most Likely to Succeed”, an early reflection of his drive and promise. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Tulane University before completing the Global Partners MBA. Ric earned an MBA in International Business from Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business, with international study at the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne and COPPEAD UFRJ in Brazil. A proud member of Beta Gamma Sigma, he remained deeply committed throughout his life to global education and cross-cultural understanding.

Ric was equally dedicated to service and community leadership. Beginning in 2013, he served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Chinese Americans, Atlanta Chapter, including 2014-2018 as their President. In recognition of his impact and leadership, he was honored as one of Georgia’s “Most Influential Asians” by the Georgia Asian Times Awards.

A cherished friend, coworker, partner, and son, Ric had a presence that made every room warmer. Professionally, he was a respected leader and connector, known for his ability to bring people together with purpose, clarity, and kindness. In his role as Senior Director of Corporate Engagement at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Ric built and stewarded meaningful partnerships between industry and academia. He worked closely with corporate leaders to advance shared goals in talent development, research, branding, and student support, guided always by a belief in collaboration and people-first leadership.

Before Georgia Tech, Ric’s career reflected a truly global mindset. He spent a decade with the Metro Atlanta Chamber as Senior Director of Global Business Development, where he worked alongside business executives, governments, and international organizations to help companies expand into new markets. He was deeply respected for his ability to navigate complex global environments while building trust across cultures and borders.

Ric also held leadership roles at Aprio, serving as Director of International Services and acting as a global ambassador for the firm, and at Pointwest-US, where he focused on strengthening strategic client relationships and delivering thoughtful technology solutions. Earlier in his career, he worked at The Home Depot in internal audit and sourcing, where his analytical rigor and collaborative approach contributed to operational improvements and growth.

At one point, Ric stepped away from his professional life entirely to care for his mother during her battle with Alzheimer’s, a choice that spoke volumes about his character. Family always came first, and he approached this chapter with the same grace, dedication, and love that defined every part of his life.

Those who worked with Ric knew him as someone who listened deeply, led generously, and always showed up for others. He had a rare ability to balance professionalism with humanity, ambition with compassion. He was admired not only for his intellect and work ethic, but loved for his warmth, humor, and steady presence.

Outside of work, Ric embraced life fully. His decision to hike Kilimanjaro was not impulsive, it was intentional, reflective, and hopeful, much like the way he lived. He prepared for the journey with care and excitement, and it brought him immense joy to pursue a goal that had lived in his heart for so long.

Ric is survived by his beloved husband, Jeff; his mother, Rosalina Hubler; his brother, Will Hubler; sister-in-law, Addie; and nephews, Presley and Tate; along with many extended family members, friends, and colleagues who will feel his absence profoundly. He is also survived by his much-loved cat, Addison, a constant source of comfort and joy in his life. Ric was preceded in death by his father, Theodore “Ted” Hubler, and his brother, Wes.

Ric’s legacy lives on in the countless relationships he nurtured, the opportunities he created for others, and the love he shared so freely. He will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his quiet strength, and his unwavering kindness.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and LifeLine Animal Project. A celebration of Ric’s life will be held, with details to be shared soon.