MADISON, WI. – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today announced that Vincent A. Rice has been named the organization’s vice president of the Sector Strategy Development Division.
Rice comes to WEDC from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), where he had been a program manager for the Division of Employment and Training since 2012. In that role, he evaluated the talent requirements of different industries and created targeted training programs to meet those needs. He also led efforts to improve collaboration and communication between business community and the agency, with a focus on improving processes and relationships across the state.
Previously, Rice served as division vice president and general manager for RMT Inc. (formerly a division of Alliant Energy Corp.) from 2006 to 2009; as a business director for the Aerospace Division of Honeywell International Inc. from 2001 to 2006; and as a product development manager and a product line manager for Corning Inc. from 1995 to 2001.
He also was the founder of Midwest Consulting Inc., a Madison-based firm that offered business consulting services to private equity firms and investors seeking opportunities in the aerospace sector.
Rice holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Hampton University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia. He also holds Six Sigma and Project Management Professional certifications.
“Vincent has a strong track record of working closely with businesses to help them strengthen their competitive positions and improve organizational performance,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization. “Vincent’s extensive experience with state government and the private sector uniquely positions him to lead WEDC’s efforts to develop strategies to ensure the state’s key industries are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing global economy.”
Rice will head WEDC’s Sector Strategy Development Division, which works with industry sector organizations, consortia, business associations, and regional economic development partners to develop ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Wisconsin’s core and rising sectors. The division regularly partners with and provides support to statewide industry organizations, including The Water Council, the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity, and the Mid-West Energy Research Consortium.