Ritch is a lifelong, dedicated community leader, and strong advocate for working families. Raised in Evansdale, he graduated from Waterloo East High in 1979 and became a second-generation IBEW Journeyman Electrician. His career took him across the country, working on major projects, including high-rise buildings in Texas and nuclear power plants in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia, and Alabama. In 1991, he returned to Iowa with his family where he continued his career and deepened his commitment to the community.
Ritch dedicated decades to strengthening the local workforce, serving as Business Manager of IBEW Local Union 288 and later as Market Development Coordinator. His leadership helped stabilize and grow the union while ensuring responsible financial stewardship. He played a key role in the development and passage of Iowa’s Electrical Licensing and Inspection program, reinforcing his commitment to quality construction, economic growth, and worker protections.
Beyond his professional career, Ritch has been a steadfast volunteer and community advocate. He has served as President of the Waterloo Building Trades Council AFL-CIO for over 23 years, is a member of the Telecommunications Board for Waterloo Fiber Internet Utility, and served six years on the Iowa State Workforce Development Board. He has also been a dedicated volunteer for My Waterloo Days, the Iowa Irish Festival, and the Boy Scout electrical workday at Camp Ingawanis. His contributions to the community have been recognized with awards such as the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year and the Leonard Katoski Award for Volunteerism.
A longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, Ritch cherishes the day he married his wife, Marianne, there. With a blended family of five grown children and four grandchildren, he is committed to creating opportunities for future generations. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Ritch enjoys riding Iowa’s county roads on his Harleys, which has given him firsthand insight into the importance of maintaining rural infrastructure.
Now, as a Black Hawk County Supervisor, Ritch brings his hands-on leadership, problem-solving skills, and commitment to public service to county government. He believes in practical solutions, responsible fiscal management, and working collaboratively to make Black Hawk County a great place to live and work.
Ritch lives by a simple philosophy: “In a world full of problems, be part of the solution.” With the right tools, information, and teamwork, any job can get done—and he is here to get the job done for the people of Black Hawk County.