Rob is married to wife Sarah with 4 children and is the founder of Adults Protecting the Innocence Of Children a non profit group focusing on protecting children from crimes of a sexual nature.
Professional:
Rob graduated from Richland High School in 1983, and by the age of 21 had started his first business. Rob is a licensed realtor and has owned several businesses over the past 20 years. He and his wife currently own and operate Welch Heating and Air Conditioning and Welch Enterprises, a commercial property rentals company.
Political Experience:
Rob was elected to the Richland City Council in 2001 and served as Mayor of Richland from 2004 thru 2007. Prior to being elected Rob served on the Richland City Economic Development Committee and the Utility Advisory Committee for 2 years.
Board of Directors, Commissions and Volunteering:
TRIDEC Board of Directors, WSU Tri-Cities Project Group, Home Builders Association Life Spike member and Board of Directors, Richland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Mid Columbia Small Business Award Judge in 2004 & 2005, Salvation Army Board of Directors, City of Richland Police and Fire Pension Boards
Achievements:
As Mayor, Richland was named the 2006 “best city in the state to do business in” as we maintained a historic low property tax increase of 3% over a four year period.
As a small business owner in our region, one of the highest levels of recognition you can receive is the Mid Columbia Small Business of the Year Award. Rob was recognized by his peers and the community by winning the Silver Award in 2002 and then the Gold Award in 2003.