Richard Geist

"Rick" Geist (November 21, 1944 – August 29, 2019) was an American politician who served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 79th District, first elected in 1978.

Prior to his election to the House, Geist worked as a senior manager with EADS, a civil engineering firm, in Altoona.

Geist was president of the High Speed Ground Transportation Association and the first chairman of the Pennsylvania High-Speed Intercity Rail Passenger Commission.

Geist was defeated by a member of the Tea Party in the primary on April 24, 2012, while seeking re-election to an anticipated 18th term.

Geist was a graduate of Altoona Area High School and an associate degree from Penn State University - College of Engineering.