Baerbel O’Haire:

A regular on the Forbes annual “Best-In-State Wealth Advisors” list, Baerbel O’Haire has served Vero Beach as a Merrill Wealth Management Advisor for 38 years and counting. A fourth generation Vero Beach family, the O’Haires reside on one of the first island home properties developed on the Indian River Lagoon, where they raised their three children. An avid water skier, Baerbel wants the Lagoon to be the best it can be as a public good for the community. Baerbel currently serves as the treasurer on the board of trustees for Riverside Theatre and has also served on the boards of Childcare Resources, Impact 100, and United Against Poverty. Daughter Sydney and son Conor have recently returned to Vero Beach to join The O’Haire Group, Merrill Lynch.

 

Sam Atwell:

Sam Atwell, recognized as a Yamaha “Best America Captain,” adeptly showcases the marvels of the Indian River Lagoon through his venture, Down Sea Charters. Beyond leading charters, he passionately advocates for conservation in Florida on a national scale. Notably, Atwell served as the host of Florida Sportsman Watermen, broadcasted on World Fishing Network and Sportsman Channel, utilizing this platform to ignite awareness and drive action on the critical challenges facing Florida’s prized waterways.

 

Judy Orcutt:

The President of the Clean Water Coalition and a vocal advocate for clean water in Indian River County, Judy Orcutt’s record includes serving on the Management Board of the IRL National Estuary Program, chairing the IRNA Lagoon Committee, and serving on the City of Vero Beach Utilities Advisory Board. As a Lagoon front resident since 1996, she has witnessed the Lagoon decline that she believes we can improve by all working together.

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Dale Sorensen:

Dale Sorensen needs no introduction in Vero Beach. Since 1978, he and his wife, Matilde, have built their eponymous real estate firm from a local boutique shop to the nationally recognized luxury powerhouse brand it is today. The former headmaster of St. Edward’s School, Sorensen’s commitment to Vero Beach arts, culture and philanthropic initiatives is unparalleled in our community. Dale and Matilde, along with their children Elizabeth, Leslie and Dale Jr., care deeply about preserving the Indian River Lagoon as a source of enjoyment for future homebuyers, as well as generations past, present and future.

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Joe Earman:

A lifelong resident, Joe Earman represents District 3 on the Indian River Board of County Commissioners. He began his career in various family businesses before going on to spend 35 years as a firefighter and paramedic, retiring as a captain in 2015. He serves as Vice-Chairman for the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) locally referred to as the “Lagoon Council” which is part of a network of 28 estuaries nationally administered by the EPA with a commitment to clean water and healthy marine ecosystems.

 

Heather Stapleton:

A graduate of Indiana University with triple majors in Environmental Studies, Political Science and French, Heather Stapleton began her career with a three-year stint in the Peace Corps. She has lived in Vero Beach for nearly two decades and has held executive positions at Vero Heritage, Inc. and the Environmental Learning Center. Currently a community engagement coordinator for One Lagoon (the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program), she channels her passion for the environment into fostering community connections and helping people live and be more lagoon friendly.

 

Mike Johannsen:

Mike Johannsen graduated from the U.S. Naval academy in the top 10% of his class before going on to serve his country for 26 years as a combat aircraft carrier pilot, followed by a 15-year career in national security. These days, rather than fighting foreign adversaries, Mike fights for clean water in Indian River County through leadership in various nonprofits as Chairman of the Indian River Neighborhood Association and a member of the Clean Water Coalition.