Randy Larson plans to retire from MEUW on May 29

Posted: January 20, 2026

After more than four decades dedicated to electric line work, Randy Larson is retiring (again). His last day with MEUW is May 29. Randy joined MEUW in August 2018 after retiring from Chippewa Valley Technical College, where he served as the State of Wisconsin Apprenticeship Instructor for 26 years. He is the primary classroom instructor for MEUW's Job Training and Safety (JT&S) program. All total, he taught more than 500 apprentices to become journeyman lineworkers, with many of them continuing to learn from Randy through his MEUW role.  

MEUW President and CEO Tim Heinrich said, "For years I've been asked, 'What is MEUW going to do when Randy retires?' So when Randy pulled me aside after EOCE last week and told me his decision and timing, I realized it was the moment of truth. I also realized how fortunate MEUW has been to have someone with Randy's expertise, dedication, and passion representing us and all of our municipal utilities. Saying 'thank you' to Randy doesn't begin to express the impact he's had on so many."

More than a year ago, the MEUW Board of Directors began developing a playbook to ensure the association is prepared when business-critical positions and key employees like Randy step away from MEUW. That process included developing a set of key competencies and experience requirements needed to fully support the key employee's successor and ensure continuity of operations. MEUW Director of Safety Services and Operations Mike Czuprynko is already using the playbook in anticipation of hiring a new JT&S instructor when Don Harnisch begins a phased retirement in early April. Randy's decision means MEUW will be able to hire two new positions from the pool of qualified candidates. Among the critical requirements for the role is a journeyman's card as an electric lineworker. The position is currently posted here.   

"Randy is such a big part of MEUW's safety program and we congratulate him," Mike said. "We'll never be able to replace his knowledge and passion, but he's given us the time and opportunity to find the right person and make sure they get started on the right path to keeping MEUW's training as good as it's been in the years Randy has delivered it."

"The reality of Randy's retirement is still fresh," Tim added. "I'm hoping we can work out having Randy stay connected to MEUW as a consultant when needed. No matter what, we want to spend the next few months celebrating Randy and the tremendous legacy he leaves."

EOCE — the Electric Operations Conference & Expo, formerly known as the Joint Superintendents' Conference — includes the annual Apprentice Graduation banquet, honoring the newest journeyman line workers, meter technicians, and substation technicians. Every year, Randy has served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, offering words of wisdom and encouraging the next generation of utility workers to "work it safe." This year's banquet honored 67 graduates and was Randy's final one before retiring. 

"Randy kept his retirement private at the banquet because he didn't want to steal any of the graduates' limelight," Tim said. "Nevertheless, the folks who gather for EOCE deserve a chance to honor Randy and his career. We'll put together a celebration worthy of Randy's contributions for EOCE27 next January. I look forward to sharing the details when they're finalized."
 

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For more: Check out this recent article in MEUW's monthly newsletter about Randy's efforts to keep MEUW training fresh.