Board chair Rick Andritsch reflects on two decades at Rogers
04/20/22 05:40:pm
Twenty years later, the average daily census is more than 1,650 across more than 20 locations.
“That’s what moves me most,” Rick says of his experience at Rogers. “It gives me chills, and the fact that we still have waiting lists makes my heart heavy. Waiting lists reflect the great need for more treatment, which is why we continue to expand Rogers’ offerings.”
Rick first joined Rogers in 2002 as the chair of the Foundation Board’s Golf Committee. He served in that role until 2017, during which time he also was a director on the Foundation Board from 2004 to 2013.
He became a member of the System’s Board of Directors in 2015 and has served as chair for the last two years, which means he sits on all nine committees.
“I love the Mission of Rogers and with its location in my backyard is all the better,” Rick says.
Several years later, someone close to him was diagnosed with a mental health disorder and treated by Rogers.
“My mission and passion grew to a new level,” he says. “I was lucky and blessed to be knowledgeable about Rogers so we could recognize it before it got worse.”
Everyone on the Board, according to Rick, has a connection to behavioral health, and they all bring skillsets and talents.
He describes the role of the Board as guiding Rogers toward achieving its strategic plan and ensuring leaders are on a united path by asking tough questions. Reflecting on the past two decades with Rogers and what’s to come, Rick is pleased with the system-wide growth and upcoming expansion, the increase in donors, and our research endeavors.
He’s also happy that the stigma around behavioral health has lessened, with companies like his doing more to support their employees and insurance companies improving their mental health coverage.
“All of that is changing in the industry. All behavioral health systems in the country play a role, and Rogers is a leader,” Rick says. “That’s evolved since 2002. In 2022, we’re a major leader in behavioral health, which is exciting, and I’m proud to say I’m part of that growth.”
Rick’s areas of expertise
- Construction
- Real estate development
- Architecture/design
- Design-build
- Construction financing, bonding, and insurance
- Trouble-shooting building problems
- Company ownership, partner relations, and HR
- Sales training
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Mentoring
Get to know Rick
He and his wife, Stacie, have lived in Oconomowoc since 2003 and enjoy giving back to the community. In addition to Rogers, Rick has board experience with organizations including AGC of America, Waukesha YMCA, YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, Waukesha County Business Alliance, and the Village of Oconomowoc. Stacie is on the board of YMCA at Pabst Farms and Family Service of Waukesha.
They have two daughters: Samantha, a junior at College of Charleston in South Carolina who majors in Public Health, and Louise, a freshman at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Rick’s hobbies include fishing - especially fly fishing, hunting, working outdoors, and traveling.
“I love traveling and seeing new things,” he says, adding that Costa Rica, Portugal, Barcelona, and Vancouver are among his favorite destinations. “My wife and I want to retire early enough to hit as many places worldwide on our bucket list as we can.”
On the itinerary are Australia, New Zealand, and everywhere in Europe.
UPDATE: Rick's board term concluded in August 2022.
