Graham Richard

In March 2012, Graham was selected to be the Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Energy Economy (AEE). AEE is a national association of businesses working toward a prosperous future based on secure, clean, affordable energy. AEE and partner organizations are active in clean energy policy in over 27 states and with the federal government. AEE has offices in Washington, D.C., Boston, and home offices in San Francisco where Graham currently resides. After almost 6 years as CEO of AEE Graham is now leading the Clean Economy Collaborative. This is an initiative to help accelerate the Clean Economy in mid size US cities.

He served as the CEO of Advanced Energy Economy from March 2012 to January 2018. Graham is now leading the Clean Economy Collaborative which is a new initiative to help accelerate the clean economy in mid size cities and communities.

In 2007, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce honored Richard by naming him "Government Leader of the Year." During Mayor Richard's tenure, the City of Fort Wayne won national awards for the #1 Fleet Operation in the nation, and best Public Works and City Utilities Department in the country.

He did not seek re-election in the 2007 city election. He was succeeded by fellow Democrat Tom Henry.

He has received national awards for his technology leadership, including the Fiber-to-the-Home Council's 2005 Star Award for being a leader in broadband technology. He was recognized as one of the top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers by Government Technology Magazine for his significant contributions to the digital government movement. In addition, the Public Technology Institute awarded Mayor Richard with the 2006 Tech Leader Award. In September 2006, KillerApp magazine recognized then-Mayor Richard with the KillerApp Trailblazer Award for being a leader in broadband services. Graham was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Indiana University in 2010.

Graham has become a speaker at national conferences. In December 2005, the Brookings Institution hosted Mayor Richard for a presentation on "Fort Wayne: Wired and Inspired to Compete in the Flat World." Mayor Richard also addressed the Winter 2006 U.S. Conference of Mayors. Other Keynote addresses in 2008 include: The Broadband Properties Summit, DOD Lean Six Sigma Breakthrough Conference, Mayors’ Technology Summit, and Defense Business Agility Forum.

Graham Richard is an American politician and entrepreneur, and former mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, serve from 2000–2008.

Richard is a great proponent of Six Sigma management techniques, and in 2000, the City of Fort Wayne became the first city government to officially adopt the system.

Afterwards, he continued to be involved in both state and local affairs through his membership on several governmental advisory boards and community service agencies. Richard campaigned in 1999 on a platform of increasing the efficiency and responsiveness of local government.

He was narrowly elected in 1999 over Republican Linda Buskirk, but won his second election with 58% of the vote.

In 1976, Richard ran for Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, but lost to the incumbent, Harold H. Negley by 2.52%.

After losing several elections for state representative in the early 1970s, Richard was elected to the Indiana State Senate in 1974 and served until 1978.

Richard helped lead Fort Wayne to national recognition for high performance city services. Results included: lowest crime rate in over 25 years, saving taxpayers more than $31 million using business practices including Lean Six Sigma; and record breaking investments in downtown development, neighborhoods, and infrastructure while keeping property tax rates at one of the lowest levels since the 1960s. Potholes are filled in less than 4 hours instead of 4 days, permitting time has been slashed from 48 days to less than 10.

Graham Arthur Richard was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 1, 1947. He is one of five children, as well as the only son, of a Tokheim executive. His mother was known in the local arts community for her work with the Fort Wayne Ballet. Richard is a 1965 graduate of North Side High School and a 1969 graduate of Princeton University, where he received his B.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. After graduation, he taught at Bishop Dwenger High School.