Robert D. Partridge

Inducted: 1983

Robert Partridge became executive vice president and general manager of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in 1968. He previously served in the Agricultural Adjustment Administration and the Rural Electrification Administration. He represented the cooperative community in legislative matters before Congress and presidential administrations. As head of NRECA, Partridge twice successfully countered bitter attacks on rural electric cooperatives, and helped his members secure legislation in 1973 that moved them from dependence on the U.S. Treasury for financing to a financing program based almost entirely on private sources. Throughout his distinguished career, and especially his 15 years as chief executive officer of NRECA, Partridge gave valuable leadership and support to all types of cooperatives.