President Ron Rice has been an active member of IAPMO since 1987. Since that time, he has held almost every executive office in his home chapter of Minnesota, serving as chapter president, vice president, and treasurer. On a national level, Rice has served as vice president and treasurer of IAPMO; on the board of directors; and on the Audit, Bylaws, Executive, and Membership Committees.

Rice began his career in the piping industry more than thirty years ago as a journeyman pipefitter. He later accepted a position as mechanical inspector for the city of St. Paul, Minn., eventually advancing to the position of senior mechanical inspector. For the past seventeen years, Rice has been an instructor in the areas of Steam, Gas, and Refrigeration Code at the Pipefitters No. 455 Apprenticeship Program.

As a devoted member of IAPMO, Rice has always been a staunch supporter of the UPC and UMC. “No one person has all the answers to every problem that arises,” he said. “However, collectively, we have the knowledge and expertise to overcome any obstacle we come up against—especially the challenge of having our UPC and UMC gain influence both nationally and internationally.”

A passionate leader and devoted industry professional, Rice expressed his enthusiasm for his new office during his installation speech at IAPMO’s annual conference. “I knew this would be a great week when I checked into the hotel and got room 455—my own local,” he said. “I feel so fortunate for this opportunity and really want to use my time in office to serve you to the best of my ability.” He cited a favorite quote of his from Harry Truman, expressing that same optimism: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit!”

Rice and his wife Robin have been married for twenty-six years, and are tightly knit with their three children. Ronald Jr. (Buddy), 24, is a fourth year apprentice with Pipefitters Local No. 455 in St. Paul. Erin, 23, is currently working and attending college. Daniel, 18, is working as a support craft worker for Pipefitters Local No. 455 and is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing and hunting. When they can find time, the family enjoys fishing, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling at their lake cabin in northern Wisconsin.