Richard Couch

Trustee

Richard Couch received a B.A. and advanced engineering degree from Dartmouth College. Following graduation, he founded Hypertherm, Inc. and today serves as Chairman Emeritus following 51 years as CEO and Chairman of the Board.

Hypertherm specializes in metal cutting equipment with 201 patents in plasma cutting and pollution control. Richard was the inventor on 42 of these patents. Under Richard’s leadership, Hypertherm received state and national recognition as a top employer, known for progressive benefits for associate wellbeing, shared ownership through an ESOP, and excellence in products and service.

Beyond Hypertherm, Richard served on the National Electrical Manufacturers Association Board of Governors, Ledyard National Bank founding member and Board of Directors from 1991 to 2017, Thayer School of Engineering Board of Advisors at Dartmouth College since 1992, New Hampshire Business and Industry Association Board of Directors and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Board of Directors. In 2001, Richard was elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering and served as Chair of the Academy’s Mechanical Engineering Peer Committee.

He and his wife, Barbara founded the Hypertherm HOPE Foundation and the Couch Family Foundation and are recognized as philanthropic leaders in their communities. In 2015, Richard and his wife, Barbara, jointly received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NH Business Industry Association.