Board Members

Walt Breitinger began his career as an environmental activist while studying biology at Valparaiso University in the mid 1960’s. While “thinking globally,” Breitinger began to “act locally” by playing a key role in Eco-Vote and Save the Dunes Council in the 1970’s; Duneland Recycling and People Against Hazardous Landfill Sites in the 1980’s; Duneland Sierra Club, Shirley Heinz Environmental Fund and Lakes Area Concerned Citizens in the 1990’s and by inspiring youth through coaching Valparaiso Science Olympiad teams and the Earth Awareness Club.

Nationally known for his demonstrations of alternative fuels, Breitinger also served on the board of the South Shore Clean Cities program. His family’s low-impact lifestyle has been featured in multiple news articles and inspired many to reduce consumption and pollution while increasing their commitment to health, education, and the environment. In 2003, Breitinger received the Indiana DNR Honorable Mention for Conservationist of the Year and in ’04 and ’06 the South Shore Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Champion Award. Breitinger has served as president of the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group, Inc. for the past 17 years and as a founding member of the Friends of Silver Lake. He currently sits on the board of the Mayor’s Pathway Committee, the Energy Task Force, Woodland Savanna Land Conservancy, the Advisory Board of the Shirley Heinz Environmental Land Trust, serves as board member and V.P. of the Porter County Recycling and Waste Reduction District, is an active member of the Indiana Lakes Management Society and newly appointed council member of Hoosier Environmental Council, and is a John Muir Member of the Sierra Club.

Breitinger’s national and international activities include rainforest preservation in Central America and lobbying for energy conservation initiatives. In 2018, Breitinger received the Izaak Walton League of America’s Hall of Fame award and was honored in congressional record by Congressman Pete Visclosky.  Under Breitinger’s leadership, the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group received the Outstanding Lake Association award from the Indiana Lakes Management Society in 2019.

Breitinger’s work-day occupation focuses on brokering, teaching and speculating in currencies,  grains, metals, and other natural resources as President of Breitinger & Sons, Commodity Futures Brokers. He lives with his highly supportive & tolerant wife, Cynthia, and has raised three sons in a non-air-conditioned historic home in downtown Valparaiso.

Contact email: breitin@frontier.com

Rich Herr has been a Porter County resident for over 40 years.  He attended Valparaiso Technical Institute and graduated with a degree in Electronics.  In the 1970’s, Rich served in the US Air Force.  In recent years, Rich as been a key member of Save Silver Lake Committee and was the Northwest Indiana representative of the Green Party.

Rich is respected and credited with installing the first major residential solar panel system in Valparaiso.  His alternative energy commitment has identified him as our communities’ best example of energy conservation giving Rich the reputation of practice what you preach.

Serving as Treasurer of The Woodland Savanna Land Conservancy, Rich has a dedicated interest in the environment. For over a decade, he has been with the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group and currently serves as Vice President.

I am a lifelong resident of Porter County, as were myparents. I graduated from Chesterton High School. I received my associate degree from Vincennes University, my bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University, and my master’s degree from Valparaiso University.

I served two years in the Navy during Viet Nam.

I served on the Porter County Council for eight years, as well as being President of the Council for several years being elected at large, representing the entire county. One of my proudest moments while serving on the Council was the acquisition of Sunset Hill Farm for a County Park. I was also involved in residential construction with my dad. My family and I started Magnificent Obsession, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and restaurant in a 1870’s building we restored. For a year I served as a purchasing agent for the State of Indiana, Department of Administration. I reviewed contracts and purchased items after making sure all specifications have been met. I left this job when my dad acquired Alzheimer’s. I served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Lakes Management Society for several years as well as being the Treasurer. I also serve on the board of the Burlington Beach Homeowners Association.

For approximately fourteen years I was Community Manager of Shorewood Forest which included maintaining beautiful Louse Lake. I finally thought about retirement, but that was not for me, I have worked for seven years at the Burlington Beach Family Express, which has been an awesome experience. Getting to know and visit so many individuals is the best part of the job. I currently serve as Chairperson of the Valparaiso Lakes Area Conservancy District. A job which involves me and other board members controlling erosion and sediment damage to our beautiful Chain of Lakes and the surrounding area, which is of the utmost importance to us all.