Ohio State Association

As Exalted Ruler of Cantell Lodge No. 1417, I lead with purpose and serve with action. I revitalized our scholarship foundation, awarding six scholarships to graduating seniors, and expanded Veterans Affairs through a resource day and Vietnam veteran recognition. I proudly represented Ohio at the Co-Ed Summit and was honored as Exalted Ruler of the Year at the OSA Convention. I was also elected Chairman of Trustees for the Active Exalted Ruler Council (AERC). Under my leadership, we uplifted youth through athletics and literacy programs, supported breast cancer awareness with an annual walk, and strengthened our city through charitable giving. I modernized lodge operations, ensured compliance, and grew our brotherhood by initiating four new members and seven into the Northern District Council. Elkdom in action. Service in motion.

Michigan State Association

Bro. Beverly has served as the Exalted Ruler of Epicurian Lodge #674 since 2002 – 2005 and was elected 2023 – present and has increased their membership by 8 members. The Lodge has received the 2025 Elk Lodge of the Year, 2025 Elk of the Year, and 2025 Men of Merit awards.  We delivered 85 coats to Arthur Eddy Middle School.  Sponsored families during Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays and gave each family gift cards.  He became a member of Elks Lodge #147 in Danville Illinois, served as House Chairman, joined Council, Antlered Guard, PSP, and PGER while in Danville before relocating to Saginaw Michigan.  Since his relocation he served as Grand District Deputy, Grand Lodge Security Assistant to the Grand Treasurer and 1st Vice State President for Michigan State Association of Elks.

Louisiana State Association

Brother Dearbone was elected Exalted Ruler of Capital City Lodge 993 located in Baton Rouge Louisiana in 2024. He began his journey into Elkdom in 2023, he received his Past State Presidents Honors in June 2024. He was elected as the 1st Vice President of the Louisiana State Association of Elks, where Phillip L Whitty serves as State President. He is a proud graduate of Southern University Baton Rouge Campus where he was a member of the world-renowned Human Jukebox Marching Band, he is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, he earned his BA Degree in Mass Communication in 1993. While attending SU Jonathan made a MASON (A.F. & A.M.) he was later elected Worshipful Master to lead his local Lodge.

New Jersey State Association

 PGER Herbert Doyle IV joined Mohawk Lodge #307 in 2002. Crowned PGER King in 2022. Works hand and hand with Mohawk Temple 191 Herbert worked on multiple committees & has held multiple seats and belongs to multiple departments in the Order. Positions held within the Lodge, House Chairperson & Assistant, Inner Guard, Lecturing Knight, Herbert presently serves as Exalted Ruler of Mohawk Lodge #307 Since 2020. During his tenure he has, Rebuild the Culture of Elkdom, Increased Revenue & Membership, Created Accountability, Building Improvements, created youth day initiatives, started little league sponsorship program, Mentorship Program, Book Bag and Toy Drives, Community Cookouts & Events Herbert Served the City of Plainfield for 24yrs Providing EMS Services.

Florida State Association

Brother Elliott has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment, while leading its members in making significant and positive impacts throughout the community. As an Ex-officer in the military, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he served as Battalion Commander, Chief Medical Intelligence Officer and Chief Pharmacy Officer. His focus has been on serving others and fostering a collaborative environment. Under his leadership, Maceo has formed valuable partnerships with several local homeless organizations facilitating annual toy drives and food and clothing donations. He led Maceo #8 to become a Third-Party Voter Registration Organization in Florida. Prior to his tenure as Exalted Ruler, 5 members joined in the past 10 years. Two years into his leadership, 20 committed men have joined Maceo #8.

New England States and Eastern Canada State Association

Gary B. Hogan has been the foundation of Elkdom in the New Haven, CT community. As Exalted Ruler his commitment to the realm is unyielding. He promotes the virtues of benevolence and charity. While the physical Lodge is being newly constructed, our Lodge still thrives with community activities. He provides tangible resources from State grants and City resources to construct a new Lodge, host trainings, cultural events, self-improvement and healthcare services. Gary has established partnerships with other Non-Profit agencies in our community. Because of Gary’s hard work the Lodge has provided children’s reading readiness, Gala for Seniors, food recovery for families. His hard work, commitment and dedication to the Elk Order, he was celebrated at the NES&ECA State June 2025 Convention as "Elk of the Year". 

Pacific States Association

Exalted Ruler Johnson joined the William H. Patterson Elks Lodge #477. At that time, the lodge was experiencing challenges due to escalating violence in the surrounding community. Motivated by the belief that one must engage in solutions rather than merely voice complaints, he became an active participant in the Lodge’s revitalization. Now, over 38 years later, he remains a proud and dedicated member of the William H. Patterson Elks Lodge. Since 2021, he has again served as Exalted Ruler.  Throughout his tenure with the Lodge, Exalted Ruler Johnson has held numerous leadership roles, including Loyal Knight and Leading Knight, ultimately serving as Exalted Ruler for a total of 12 years. His leadership has resulted in significant milestones, including securing state and national historic registry status for the Lodge.

Kentucky State Association

Bro. Kenneth Newby assumed the role of Interim Exalted Ruler in June 2024 and was officially elected to the position in December 2024. He immediately acted by establishing a partnership with Arbor Youth, a local organization supporting homeless youth in Lexington. Through this collaboration, the Lodge began providing supplies, food, and volunteer support, transforming the Lodge into a safe place for Lexington’s youth.  He launched several impactful community programs, including Senior Citizens Bingo, Allegro Dance for children with Autism, and numerous partnerships aimed at uplifting members of the community.  Under his leadership, the Lodge has emerged as a positive and respected force in Lexington. His drive, humility, and unwavering passion for the Order have sparked a movement of service and unity that will resonate for generations to come.

Georgia State Association

Exalted Ruler Michael E. Johnson joined William H. Patterson Elks Lodge #477 in 1987. Motivated to help revitalize the Lodge amid community challenges, he became a committed leader and advocate for change. He has held multiple leadership positions. He currently serves as Convention Director for the Pacific States Association and is a respected member of the Grand Lodge Legal Team. Johnson’s accomplishments include securing historic registry status for the Lodge, achieving property tax exemption, and Lifetime Membership with the NAACP. He served three terms on the Phoenix City Council, including multiple terms as Vice Mayor, and retired as a homicide detective after 21 years with the Phoenix Police Department. As a community advocate, Johnson continues to lead with distinction and dedication.

North Carolina State Association

Jameel Williams, Exalted Ruler of Pride of Vance Elks Lodge #1263, Henderson, NC which he joined in 1997 and has been the Exalted Ruler for the past 14 years. He has been a member of Baxter Council #127 for 25 years and has served as the NCSA Beauty & Talent Director since 2014. He's been a member of the National Active Exalted Ruler Council for 12 years and now serves as the Antler Guard of the council. He has a great love for children and has worked in education for 37 years and now works as a Reach Associate and bus driver at Zeb Vance Elementary School. He assisted with the start of the youth group where they have 35 active children.