AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) today announced that Executive Director Arlene Wohlgemuth will retire in May 2016 after a long and distinguished career in public service and the conservative movement.
“Arlene Wohlgemuth’s leadership as executive director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation was instrumental in the transformation of a state institution into a national force,” said Brooke Rollins, President and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “Under her guidance, the Foundation went from small to large, and from success to extraordinary success. Arlene dedicated her life and career to securing the blessings of liberty and the promise of freedom for our children and grandchildren. Though we are saddened to see her leave, we know that she has earned her time with her own children and grandchildren. Her legacy will always be visible everywhere that Texans are prosperous and free.”
“Of my more than twenty-one years in Austin, including ten in the Texas House, I am most proud of my six years as the executive director of Texas Public Policy Foundation,” said Wohlgemuth. “Being a part of this organization as it grew from 16 to 50 staff, and moving into our new headquarters building, has been both fun and fulfilling. But the most meaningful part for me has been watching how our talented and dedicated staff have been able to promote the kinds of policies that have improved the lives of all Texans, increasing their liberty and opportunity for prosperity. My friend and colleague, Foundation President and CEO Brooke Rollins, has been there every step of the way — and as far as she has taken the Foundation since 2003 is just the beginning to where she will take it in the years to come. What a privilege to have worked with such a tremendous visionary and such a steadfast friend.”
Wohlgemuth first joined the Foundation in 2005 as a visiting research fellow, and then as a senior fellow. She was named executive director in 2010.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Wohlgemuth served 10 years as a state representative for district 58. During the 78th Texas Legislative session, she served as chairman of Appropriations Article II Subcommittee (Health and Human Services), vice-chairman of Calendars, CBO for Human Services, and member of the Select Committee for Health Care Expenditures. Wohlgemuth authored HB 2292, the sweeping reform of Health and Human Services which improved service delivery for the recipients, saving taxpayers more than $3.7B during its first five years.
Wohlgemuth also served as president of the Texas Conservative Coalition, chairman of the TCCRI Health and Human Services Task Force, and chairman of the TCCRI State Finance Task Force. She was twice named to Texas Monthly’s “Ten Best” List.
TPPF will begin a national search for Wohlgemuth’s successor immediately. The listing is available here: http://texaspolicy.com/evp
Brooke L. Rollins is president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The Honorable Arlene Wohlgemuth is executive director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit, free-market research institute based in Austin, Texas.