The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce announced the retirement of President Rex Richards from the chamber profession after an extraordinary 54-year career, concluding his 20 years of leadership in Valparaiso. Richards, who will transition into the private sector, is to be honored at a farewell celebration hosted by the Valpo Chamber on November 19, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Journeyman Distillery in Valparaiso. Vanessa Lynch will succeed Richards as president of the Valpo Chamber, with her appointment effective January 1, 2027.
Richards' two decades in Valparaiso mark his longest tenure with any chamber throughout his extensive career. The Valpo Chamber recognized this period as a lasting investment in the people and businesses that contribute to the community. The Chamber noted Richards' commitment to championing businesses and the communities they call home across his 54 years in the profession. The Valpo Chamber extends its gratitude for his leadership and for the "energy, heart, and commitment he has brought to the profession." The farewell event on November 19 will offer an opportunity to thank him for his dedication to the Valparaiso business community.
A native Hoosier, born in Anderson, Indiana, Richards pursued studies in public speaking, political science, and economics at Indiana University Bloomington. He began his professional journey as a chamber president immediately after college, leading the chamber in Jasper, Indiana, with a staff of just one other person. His career subsequently included presidencies at chambers in Logansport, Michigan City, Kansas City, East Chicago, and Sarasota, Florida, before he brought his leadership to Valparaiso. These roles provided him with a broad range of experiences, from the hands-on demands of a two-person office to the complexities of major chamber organizations.
In Kansas City and Sarasota, for instance, the chambers he led each served nearly 3,000 members with staffs exceeding 30. Despite the varied settings, Richards consistently aimed to give businesses a strong voice and foster collaboration to help communities thrive. Over more than five decades, Richards engaged with numerous elected officials, political leaders, and world leaders. Beyond these encounters, his career is also defined by the relationships he built, the businesses he championed, and the communities he served, making him a valued business advocate.