Rex Richards to Retire from Chamber Profession After 54 Years of Championing Business

Valpo Chamber honors Richards’ distinguished career and two decades of leadership in Valparaiso

The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce announces the retirement of President Rex Richards from the chamber profession after an extraordinary 54-year career dedicated to championing businesses and the communities they call home. Richards will move into the private sector, concluding a career that includes 20 years of leadership in Valparaiso, his longest tenure with any chamber.

A Hoosier native born in Anderson, Indiana, Richards attended Indiana University Bloomington, where he studied public speaking, political science, and economics. He began his career as a chamber president immediately after college in Jasper, Indiana, leading the city’s chamber with just one other staff member. He went on to serve as president of chambers in Logansport, Michigan City, Kansas City, East Chicago, and Sarasota, FL before bringing his leadership to Valparaiso. Each community benefited from his commitment to business, and each role added to the depth of experience he would bring to his 20 years at the Valpo Chamber.

His work ranged from the hands-on demands of a two-person office to the complexity of major chamber organizations. In Kansas City and Sarasota, the largest chambers of his career, each organization served nearly 3,000 members with staffs of more than 30. Across those settings, Richards remained committed to giving businesses a strong voice and bringing people together to help their communities thrive.

Over more than five decades, Richards has met with countless elected officials, political leaders and world leaders. Yet his career extends far beyond the prominence of those he has encountered. It is also found in the relationships he has built, the businesses he has championed and the communities he has served. His experience, dedication, and ability to connect with people have made him a valued business advocate throughout his career.

As Richards begins his next chapter, the Valpo Chamber celebrates a legacy that reaches well beyond its office walls. His 20 years in Valparaiso represent a lasting investment in the people and businesses that make this community special. The Chamber extends its gratitude for his leadership and for the energy, heart, and commitment he has brought to the profession for 54 years.

The Valpo Chamber will host a farewell celebration for Richards on November 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Journeyman Distillery in Valparaiso. The event will honor his remarkable career and offer an opportunity to thank him for his two decades of leadership and dedication to the Valparaiso business community.

Vanessa Lynch will succeed Richards as president of the Valpo Chamber, effective January 1, 2027. Her appointment marks the next chapter for the organization as it continues its work supporting local businesses and advancing the Valparaiso community.