Larry Ritsert

Larry believes in the power of music, especially the power of music in community. His journey began in 4th grade band playing trumpet, which he continued into college. He still has friends he talks to regularly from that grade school band experience! Larry earned a degree in Secondary Ed from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and went on to teach 6th grade in downstate Illinois. He soon moved back to Chicago to help run a family business and earn an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. After 23 years, the business was sold (Econo-Car Rent-a Car, to Enterprise Rent-a-Car) and Larry began working with The Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) running their counseling center. He retired in 2017.

For all but three years, Larry has lived in Oak Park since 1977. He has a son and stepdaughter, both who played in the band at OPRF High School. His board experience includes Chicago Opera Theater’s Junior Board, Nielsen Chorale in Rockford, IL, and CATRALA (the Car and Truck Rental and Leasing Association trade organization), including two years as president. Locally, he served two six-year terms on the Heritage Chorale board, including four as president and six as vice president.