WECA announces its next president

The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) Board of Directors announced it has selected Rob Richard to serve as the statewide association’s next president and CEO. Richard has been serving in a dual role as interim president and CEO, and vice president of government relations and external affairs, since August. He also serves as the executive director of the Federated Youth Foundation.

According to WECA Board Chair Dan Hillberry, “Rob has demonstrated his ability to be an exceptional leader with the knowledge and dedication necessary to lead our statewide as it continues to work on behalf of Wisconsin electric cooperatives and their members. While we knew we had an extremely strong candidate in-house, as a board, recognizing the critical importance of this position, we felt it was necessary to do our due diligence and conduct a nationwide search. After reviewing more than 100 applications, many of which were also from highly qualified candidates, we decided Richard was the best choice. With him at the helm, we are assured a streamlined transition and a continuity of operations, which is important as we work to ensure all electric cooperative members have access to safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.”

Richard grew up in southwestern Wisconsin and earned a degree from UW-Platteville. His experience includes time as a legislative staffer working in the office of former WECA President and CEO Steve Freese when Freese served as a representative in the Wisconsin State Assembly, as well as the offices of Representative Mark Gottlieb and Senator Scott Fitzgerald. He also worked in government affairs at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and at Circus World Museum. He joined WECA in January of 2019. Richard lives in Sauk City.

Rob Richard succeeds Steve Freese, who died August 28, following a battle with cancer.