Gov. Terry Branstad has appointed Dr. Michael Richards to fill the unexpired term of Pella Corp. Chairwoman Mary Andringa on the Iowa Board of Regents.

	Michael Richards

Richards, of West Des Moines, has served as chief medical officer of Iowa Health System, president and CEO of the Iowa Health Physician Foundation, and CEO of Iowa Physicians Clinic P.C., according to a release. He spent nearly 20 years as a physician in private practice, and completed staff assignments and served on committees at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, the Iowa Medical Society and Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

Richards also has been a close business associate of entrepreneur Gary Kirke, working with him in the fields of manufacturing, medical technology and the gaming industry. Richards currently is vice chairman and managing partner, with Kirke, of Quatro Composites, a carbon composite manufacturer with more than 230 employees based in Orange City. The company makes equipment for the aerospace and medical industry.

He previously served as president of Wild Rose Entertainment.

Richards earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and is a graduate of the University of Iowa School of Medicine. He is an active philanthropist and serves as a member of the Minnesota Children’s Hospital Foundation and as the past president of the Dowling Foundation.

His term on the Board of Regents runs through April 30, 2021. His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.