Richard (Rick) Cheatum

Rick, originally from western Kansas, moved to Idaho in 1977 after being raised on a farm and earning a B.S. in broadcast journalism from the University of Kansas. His diverse career has included roles in radio, automobile sales, and credit unions, retiring in 2017 to focus on public service. Elected to the Pocatello City Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, he served as Council President in 2022 and 2023. His council assignments have included liaisons to the Pocatello Airport Commission, Bannock Transportation Planning Organization, Pocatello Development Authority, and several other local organizations. Additionally, Rick serves as a regional director of the Association of Idaho Cities, has been a Bannock County GOP precinct committeeman, and a past treasurer for the Bannock County GOP. His community involvement extends to roles such as past president of Portneuf Valley Partners and the Chamber Chiefs, and former board member and chair of Idaho Central Credit Union. His dedication has earned him accolades such as the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year and the Idaho State University College of Education Volunteer of the Year. An NRA life member, Rick is passionate about hunting, shooting, and reloading. Married to Debra for 32 years, he is a father to Nicole and stepfather to Tony.