NASCA Press Release: Richard Rydecki Announced as 2026 Government Operations Champion Award
For Immediate Release
October 9, 2026
Contact: Elizabeth Whitehouse, Executive Director, executivedirector@nasca.org
NASCA Press Release: Richard Rydecki Announced as 2026 Government Operations Champion Award
Madison, WI – The National Association of State Chief Administrators is proud to announce Richard Rydecki, Administrator of the Division of Enterprise Operations in the Wisconsin Department of Administration, as the 2026 NASCA Government Operations Champion Award recipient.
The Government Operations Champion was established to recognize an individual that champions the critical role of efficient, effective, equitable operations and demonstrates a passion that good government operations and programs will enhance the customer and citizen experience.
Rydecki joined the DOA in June 2022 as the Deputy Administrator of the Division of Enterprise Operations (DEO). Prior to that, he began his career in state service in 2011 as an Elections Specialist with the former Government Accountability Board. In his current role as DEO’s Administrator, Richard oversees 11 bureaus, programs and offices, which provide essential services and functions to the department, enterprise, and the State of Wisconsin,
Recognizing that effective government operations require teamwork, Rydecki ensures a strong, proactive collaboration with many essential partners, namely the Division of Legal Services. This partnership ensures that the Division of Enterprise Operations receives robust legal guidance on complex procurement matters, state contracting, and administrative rule drafting and interpretation, which ultimately minimizes risk and ensures compliance across all state operations.
He also manages complex statewide contracts and purchasing rules, and has championed enterprise policies that ensure transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of state resources across Wisconsin's procurement landscape. By overseeing the State Bureau of Procurement, he has strengthened shared agency services and improved operational efficiency. He serves on the Serve Wisconsin Board as the Designee for DOA, where he provides meaningful guidance for the state’s promotion of service, to allocate resources to programs that enrich lives and communities statewide through service and volunteerism.
Rydecki oversees a broad portfolio that directly enhances the citizen experience. His tenure is characterized by a dedication to cross-agency support and pursuit of efficient, equitable government programs. Even when faced with complex challenges, he maintains a positive attitude and his commitment to holistic government service is evident in his everyday interactions and program outputs.
Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld says that “Richard Rydecki exemplifies the spirit of the Government Operations Champion Award. His comprehensive approach to managing the Division of Enterprise Operations—balancing administrative policy with a deep commitment to community service—demonstrates a profound dedication to good government. He is a proven leader who consistently works to advance state government operations, making him highly deserving of this recognition.”
NASCA celebrates their selection, and we look forward to their continued work advancing excellence in state government operations.
Founded in 1976, NASCA is the nation’s only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving chief administrative officers or CAOs. NASCA provides a forum for state chief administrative officers to exchange information and learn new ideas from each other and private sector partners. NASCA engages states in transforming government operations through shared knowledge, operational excellence, and thought leadership.
For more information on NASCA, please visit NASCA.org.
