Michelle Sullivan
Lots 1826 & 1827
Current career setting: Chief Risk & Compliance Office, 25 years in finance, banking, and risk management.
Number of years an Association member: 22 Years
Previous VVA board or committee service: Finance & Campground Committees
Additional personal or family data you would like to share with membership: My husband and I have spent more than 30 years at the lake. Either through his family or with our own membership. We have had the awesome opportunity to watch our kids enjoy the lake growing up and now just this year, with our first grandchild, we now have 4 generations of memories at Lake Viking. We are looking forward to building our dream lake house in the next few years.
What qualities of Lake Viking led you to become a property owner? Lake Viking, as mentioned, has been a part of my entire family. Our family spends every weekend or more at the lake and appreciate the community, safety, and friendliness of a smaller lake community.
Describe aspects of your background that uniquely prepare you for board service.
I am currently a committee member for the finance and campground committees. I have been in leadership, compliance, and risk management for over 25 years. My previous leadership roles in the banking industry have led to reshaping risk operations & compliance from policies/procedures to technology innovation. My expertise includes regulatory compliance, banking compliance, operational risk management, extensive experience in policy management, financial controls, loss prevention, and Insurance risk programs. My leadership skills have been focused on developing strategy, using practical, innovative tools and integrated approaches to detect and prevent potential risks and liabilities. I believe my background would be beneficial in many ways.
What do you feel is the greatest challenge facing our association? The lake is growing fast, and we have to balance a reasonable budget. This will be a challenge while ensuring the lake doesn’t lose its original charm that brought so many to the lake.
What are the top two issues you want the board to focus on? I would like to see more community decisions as to what is best for the lake. Less division, more inclusiveness. In addition, we need to commit to keeping up with our fiduciary responsibilities in regard to what is best to preserve the lake today and into the future.
Describe your vision for Lake Viking. Preservation of the lake is my number one priority. To allow families now and in the future to build memories that are unforgettable.
Robert E. Walton
Lot 217
Current career setting: Retired
Number of years an Association member: 18 years
Previous VVA board or committee service: Lake Committee 4 yrs.; Restaurant Committee 6 mos.
Additional personal or family data you would like to share with membership: Growing up it was always a 1.5 hour trip to the nearest lake to camp and boat for the weekend. This incentivized me to find a lake where not only could I live full time but enjoy. My wife (Vikki) and I are full time residents at Lake Viking. We built our house and moved to the lake in early 2014.
What qualities of Lake Viking led you to become a property owner? In 2005, there were two “must haves” when looking at property — a paved road and the ability to own a personal dock.
Describe aspects of your background that uniquely prepare you for board service. I joined the workforce as a welder for a farm equipment manufacturer upon graduating from High School. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, I returned to my previous job and was soon promoted to “crew chief” and then weld shop supervisor. I moved into Middle Management as a Quality Group Leader in the Quality Department — a position I held for 27 years. I finished my career as a grain combine technician trainer (5 years) — a total of 50 years with one company. These positions provided me the opportunity to communicate with others, both one-on-one and in group settings.
What do you feel is the greatest challenge facing our association? Continued growth of our lake community while still maintaining the freedoms of lake living.
What are the top two issues you want the board to focus on? (1)Road improvement. Look into methods of smoothing the existing road surface. Research possible heavy roller equipment or surface grind before the next resurfacing begins. Expand resurfacing to side roads that connect to LVT. (2) Lake shore stabilization with attention to tributary flow.
Describe your vision for Lake Viking. Provide “small business” opportunities at Lake Viking and serve the growing lake community.
Tony Gronniger
Lot 2281
Current career setting: Retired
Number of years an Association member: 40+
Previous VVA board or committee service: Served on BOD for 3+ years, acted as interim Lake Manager summer of 2022 and am currently serving as 1st Vice President on the BOD. Volunteer member of the Lake Viking Volunteer Fire Department. Currently serving as Fire Chief. Member of Strategic Planning Committee, also served on ad hoc committees such as incorporation study.
Additional personal or family data you would like to share with membership: I am a second-generation property owner. Parents purchased lot in 1968. I have been a full-time resident for approximately 20 years.
What qualities of Lake Viking led you to become a property owner? My parents introduced me to the Lake with their purchase. This is a community close to the Greater Kansas City Area. It provides a place where a diverse population can come and enjoy the “Lake Life” in a rural setting providing great services. It is also a great place not only to enjoy as a weekend member, but also a great place to retire.
Describe aspects of your background that uniquely prepare you for board service. I have retired from the City of Independence MO Fire Department where I served as a Lead Mechanic with 32 years of service. I have also recently retired from the Missouri Department of Transportation. I have also served as School Board President of a private school and BOD member of a regional School Board.
What do you feel is the greatest challenge facing our association? Fiscal responsibility is always a challenge. I believe addressing our aging infrastructure will be one of our greatest challenges. Our community is 50+ years old and our road system, electrical systems, community areas are all showing their age. Our challenge will be to complete the necessary improvements and upgrades being mindful of all our members, both with improved lots as well as our members with unimproved properties.
What are the top two issues you want the board to focus on? Produce and implement a long-range plan for infrastructure repairs and maintenance. Ensure financial wellbeing of our Association by forward planning to insure adequate financial reserves while addressing member and association amenities.
Describe your vision for Lake Viking. I see Lake Viking as a place where a diverse population gather. Providing a fun and safe place for all.
