The board of directors of the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute (WPRI) has elected Tom Howatt to be its new chairman.
Howatt has been a WPRI board member since 2006. He is chairman of the board of directors of Wausau Paper Corp. and served as the company’s president and chief executive officer from 2000 to 2011. He is also a past chairman of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the Wisconsin Paper Council and the Pulp & Paper Manufacturers Association.
“WPRI has long held a respected position in Wisconsin’s ongoing debate over public policies that best serve the long-term interests of its citizens,” said Howatt. “I look forward to continuing to support the Institute as it engages in research on issues related to economic prosperity and improved quality of life in Wisconsin.”
Howatt succeeds James Klauser, who served as WPRI chairman since 2006 and will continue to serve as a WPRI board member.
In addition to naming Howatt chairman, the WPRI Board of Directors reappointed Cate Dellin as vice chairman. Dellin is the president of the Camp 5 Museum Foundation in Laona, started a game farm at Heritage Acres Farm in Laona and is the founder of Knightsbridge Antiques in Winnetka, Ill.
The WPRI, established in 1987, is a conservative think tank.
