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Shedd Aquarium Executive VP Named to Great Lakes Advisory Board

By Justin Breen | March 14, 2013 12:21pm | Updated on March 14, 2013 9:39pm

SOUTH LOOP — Like many Chicagoans, Roger Germann sees Lake Michigan daily.

The South Loop resident lives blocks from the big lake, and his office at the Shedd Aquarium, where he's the executive vice president, is even closer.

"I understand the importance of Lake Michigan and of the Great Lakes, of the water that we drink every day," said Germann, 43, a University of Illinois at Chicago graduate.

So Germann was more than pleased to be named Wednesday as of one of the 18 members of Great Lakes Advisory Board.

The board, which will have its first meeting later this year, will work with the Environmental Protection Agency to support implementation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

"The Shedd Aquarium has stepped up its Great Lakes protection engagement under Roger's leadership, and he is a good selection for the Great Lakes Advisory Board," said Howard Learner, executive director for the Environmental Law & Policy Center.

The initiative, which President Barack Obama introduced in 2009, will help "clean up toxins, combat invasive species, protect watersheds and restore wetlands."

"I'm proud that the Great Lakes are in our backyard," Germann said. "Being a member of this board and bringing a Chicago perspective is important.

"As a member of the advisory board, I’m looking to further our City’s long-standing, strong commitment to keeping the Great Lakes great."

Germann, who was born at Holy Cross Hospital, grew up fishing in the Marquette Park lagoon and is a lifelong White Sox fan.

When he vacations around the world, he routinely wears Chicago attire.

"I think Chicago is the greatest city in the world," he said.