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1999 Business Hall of Fame Laureate

Richard F. Teerlink

Richard F. Teerlink was appointed Chairman of the Board of Harley-Davidson, Inc. in May 1996. He was President and Chief Executive Officer from March 1989 until June 1997. His leadership is widely credited as the reason this fabled brand has regained market share and improved product quality so dramatically.

Teelink joined Harley-Davidson in August 1981 as Chief Financial Officer and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1982. In 1986, Teerlink helped guide the firm back to public ownership.

Prior to joining Harley-Davidson, Teerlink held key executive positions with Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, MI and RTE Corporation of Waukesha, WI.

He did his undergraduate work at Bradley University of Chicago in 1976. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

He serves on the Board of Directors of Firstar Bank Milwaukee and Johnson controls. He is also and active board member and participant in may business and community organizations.

Teerlink has been honored by many organizations, such as the Harvard Business School Alumni club of Wisconsin, the American Jewish Committee, the Association for Corporate Growth, as well as the Sales and Marketing Executive International.