Ric Telthorst
Missouri Telecommunications Industry Association

Ric Telthorst has served as president and chief executive officer of the Missouri Telecommunications Industry Association since January of 2000.  Telthorst is the association's primary liaison with the state Legislature, state regulatory agencies and other external stakeholder groups.  The association's membership includes more than 50 telecommunications providers serving Missourians across the state.

He previously was on the staff of the American Petroleum Institute, serving as that organization's executive director in Missouri for seven years.  He began his career in government affairs as a speechwriter for the speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives.

Telthorst is a 1977 graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and holds a master's degree in public administration from the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs at MU.