[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN RICHARDS

 Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize an 
outstanding leader from Missouri, Mr. John Richards. John is the CEO 
and general manager of Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative out of 
Marshfield, MO.
  In March 2023, John announced he would be retiring at the end of the 
year to close out a long and distinguished career of over 48 years with 
Sho-Me Power. He began his career with Sho-Me Power in September 1975 
as a supervisor trainee in their accounting department. Less than a 
year later, John was promoted to an accountant, and in 1979, he became 
the manager of finance, later referred to as chief financial officer, a 
position he would hold for 37 years. In 2016, John was appointed by 
Sho-Me Power's board of directors to become the Cooperative's fifth CEO 
and general manager.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On page S5424, November 8, 2023, in the third column, the 
following language appears: In March 2023, John announced he would 
be retiring at the end of the year to close out a long and 
distinguished career or over 48 years with Sho-Me Power.
  
  The online Record has been corrected to read: In March 2023, 
John announced he would be retiring at the end of the year to 
close out a long and distinguished career of over 48 years with 
Sho-Me Power.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  John graduated college in 1975 after studying accounting at Missouri 
Southern State College and University of Tulsa. He later received his 
master of business administration from Drury University in 1978. While 
in school, John interned for KAMO Power and was later hired on full-
time before moving to Sho-Me Power.
  John has been a resident of Springfield, MO, for several decades and 
is glad to call it home. He is involved in his community and has 
volunteered at his church for many years. He welcomes more 
opportunities for community engagement that retirement will offer. In 
his retirement, John most looks forward to spending more time with his 
four granddaughters, traveling with his wife, golfing, and ``not having 
to drive on I-44 every day.''


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On page S5424, November 8, 2023, in the third column, the 
following language appears: In his retirement, John most looks 
forward to spending more time with his three granddaughters, 
traveling with his wife, golfing, and ``not having to drive on I-
44 every day.''
  
  The online Record has been corrected to read: In his retirement, 
John most looks forward to spending more time with his four 
granddaughters, traveling with his wife, golfing, and ``not having 
to drive on I-44 every day.''


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  I applaud John for his 48 years of leadership, dedication, and 
selfless service to Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative, and I ask my 
Senate colleagues to join me in honoring his incredible career and wish 
him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________