Matthew Ruhter

Senior Counsel & Director of Land Preservation

a man in a suit and tie standing in a park

Matt Ruhter supports Openlands as Senior Counsel & Director of Land Preservation where he work as Openlands’ attorney and oversees the preservation of lands. With over 10 years of experience in conservation and law, Matt brings expertise in real estate transactions, federal and state regulations, and natural resource protection. Before joining Openlands, he worked in the corporate and public sectors where he successfully protected nature at the international, national, and regional levels. Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecolgoy and a minor in Zoology from the University of Florida, a Masters in Biology from DePaul University, and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.

Favorite Place to Get Outside- Any and all natural corners of earth in every season and weather. Matt enjoys gardening, photography, art, music, fencing and family and is actively involved in Administer Justice, Illinois Indiana Bison Association, Ruhter Bison, and coaching his kid’s soccer team.

LinkedIn: Matthew Rhuter

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Jean Franczyk

See you at the 2026 Openlands Annual Luncheon!

Join us on Oct. 21 for “From the Ground Up,” honoring Jean M. Franczyk and featuring Dr. Tessa Francis as keynote.