Four Under 40 Award Recipient: Meet Erich Heppner

Celebrating The Next Wave of Leaders in the Brainerd Lakes Area

Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce

Meet Erich Heppner, one of the recipients of the inaugural Four Under 40 Awards. These awards are hosted by the WAVE Young Professionals Network (a program by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce) and recognize four outstanding leaders between the ages of 18 and 39 who live and work in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Earlier this summer, over 100 nominations were received for the Four Under 40 Awards. An anonymous panel of judges reviewed and scored the submissions based on the following criteria: professional excellence, leadership, community involvement, and potential for future success. Erich Heppner rose to the top and was selected by the judging panel as one of the honored award winners.

Four Under 40: Erich Heppner

Director of Student Life

Central Lakes College

As the director of student life at Central Lakes College, Erich Heppner’s dedication to professional excellence is evident in his outstanding contributions to innovative programs and initiatives that are enhancing the student experience. Erich helped create the multicultural student center, which serves as a hub for students from diverse backgrounds to connect and find support. He’s also played a pivotal role in the expansion of extracurricular activities on campus. His efforts have increased student participation and created a more engaged and dynamic student body. Erich’s dedication to student well-being extends beyond academics and social connections. Erich was instrumental in establishing CLC’s food pantry and emergency fund, which provides essential support to students facing financial hardships.

Erich’s community involvement actively supporting local causes and organizations has made a positive impact. Erich serves on several volunteer boards, including the Innovative School Project Board, Crow Wing Energized, Lakes Area Food Rescue Board, and Second Harvest Foodbank Board.

Through his leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to both the students of CLC and our community, Erich is deserving of this award.

“Receiving this award speaks to the quality of folks in my life that have guided and mentored me through the early days of my career. The guidance of my beautiful wife, the leadership of my amazing student leaders, my terrific colleagues, and selfless community volunteers. This award is more theirs than mine—all I had to do was roll up my sleeves and help.”

Erich Heppner

Q&A with Erich

38.

Director of Student Life at Central Lakes College for 15 years.

At a local level, I am motivated to help eradicate hunger in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Through my involvement in the Crow Wing Food Shelf Coalition and Second Harvest Northland Food Bank, I have been able to help identify several key factors that, if implemented, would go a long way towards solving our hunger problem in the BLA. Professionally, I hope to continue taking steps forward at Central Lakes College to work with my colleagues to make CLC the best community college in the State of MN.

Breakfast at the Skillet in Brainerd.
Swimming at Pelican Lake Beach.
Lunch at the Old Milwaukee Club in Ideal Corners.
Cardboard Boat Race at Moonlight Bay in Crosslake.
Dinner at Mainstreet Ale House in Nisswa with dessert at the Chocolate Moose.

I love the King of Country, and my favorite George Strait song is Here For A Good Time. What I love about this song is the reminder that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. I aim to live each day like it’s my last by serving my Savior, my family, and others, all while having a good time doing it!

The Four Under 40 Awards Gala

An Awards Gala will celebrate Erich and the other Four Under 40 award recipients on September 19th at The Gathering Events Center in Crosslake. Of the four winners, one individual will be named the “Young Professional of the Year” and will receive additional recognition. The Young Professional of the Year will be announced live at the end of the Awards Gala.

With support from The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, our Philanthropic Sponsor, each Four Under 40 winner will receive $500 for the charity of their choice. The Young Professional of the Year will receive an additional $500 for their charity.

The public is invited to attend and celebrate the accomplishments of the award winners. You do not have to be a WAVE or Chamber member to attend. You also do not need to be under 40 to attend—all are welcome.