Tom Fotsch named 2026 Don Richards Leadership Award recipient by business alliance
Tom Fotsch, Chief Operating Officer of EmbedTek, was named the 2026 Don Richards Leadership Award recipient, according to a June 11 announcement from the Waukesha County Business Alliance. The award recognizes individuals for their vision, community impact, and ability to involve others in leadership within their communities.
Fotsch’s career includes significant contributions as a leader at EmbedTek, where he has played a key role in advancing innovation and operational growth at the manufacturing company. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Fotsch has dedicated substantial time to nonprofit organizations and charitable initiatives across the region. The Alliance said his belief that businesses and individuals have a responsibility to give back has guided decades of philanthropic engagement.
Fotsch is also active in regional economic development and public policy efforts. He serves on the Alliance’s Policy Board and contributed to launching the Waukesha County Center for Growth by serving on its Board of Directors and supporting its GROW Fund. His leadership extends to organizations focused on education, workforce development, and economic opportunity through board service, mentoring future leaders, fundraising support, and strategic guidance.
The Don Richards Leadership Award was established in honor of Don Richards—former publisher of The Milwaukee Business Journal and president of what is now known as the Alliance—to recognize those who demonstrate impactful vision for their communities. Recipients are selected based on measurable impact as well as involvement in collaborative leadership processes.
The Waukesha County Business Alliance works to strengthen the local economy by representing more than 1,200 member companies employing over 120,000 people in Waukesha County. Its focus includes advocacy for business interests across diverse industries along with initiatives aimed at economic growth through development programs and community engagement efforts, according to the official website.