In March 2009, Dr. Panelli graduated from A. T. Stills University, Arizona: School of Health Sciences, where he earned a Doctor of Audiology degree.
Governor Jim Gibbons appointed Dr. Panelli to serve on the Nevada State Hearing Aid Specialists Licensing Board in July 2007. He currently is the Board Chair.
Rich became a member of Liga International -The Flying Doctors of Mercy in 2004. He volunteered his professional services in six clinics for hearing impaired children in Sinaloa, Mexico, between November 2004 and June 2006. Rich continues his volunteer work in Reno. He supports many charitable organizations, including Rain Shadow Charter School, The Holland Project, The Evelyn Mount Foundation, and Koinonia Foster Homes.
Dr. Panelli holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a member of that organization. He also is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology.