Modern Woodmen of America’s 45th National Convention took place June 22-24 in Orlando, Florida. Every four years, Modern Woodmen members across the country elect delegates to gather for a convention. This representative form of government is part of what makes Modern Woodmen unique as a fraternal financial services organization.
The organization welcomed nearly 200 member delegates, who:
- Reviewed Modern Woodmen’s bylaws and its financial and fraternal progress from 2022 to 2026.
- Elected the board of directors and other officers.
- Raised money for Miles To Go, an Orlando-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.
"The best thing about Modern Woodmen? Our members come from different walks of life and areas of the country, but we all share common bonds – financial security, quality family life and community impact,” says Modern Woodmen President and CEO Jerry Lyphout. “Not only do we make a better life for ourselves, but we make the nation a better place for everyone."
Elections
Those elected to Modern Woodmen’s board of directors include:
- Joseph A. Sztapka, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
- Lester L. Bohnert, East Moline, Illinois.
- Sandra L. Stosz, Falmouth, Massachusetts.
- Jackie R. Zachmeyer, Milan, Illinois.
- Thomas H. Harris, Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
- Bruce K. Baude, Carmel, Indiana.
- Todd D. Swanson, Bettendorf, Iowa.
Modern Woodmen’s President and CEO Jerald J. Lyphout, East Moline, Illinois, and National Secretary and Executive Vice President Shea E. Doyle, Bettendorf, Iowa, are appointed by the board of directors and, under the By-Laws, automatically serve as members of the board.
Additionally, the following were elected as officers for convention proceedings:
- Anthony W. High, Tompkinsville, Kentucky.
- Donald D. Wixom, Nampa, Idaho.
- Angela C. Hill, Starkville, Mississippi.
- Dwight W. Adamson, Olivehurst, California.
Donation and volunteer project for Miles To Go
At each national convention, Modern Woodmen invests in the host city by partnering with a local nonprofit. For this convention, the organization partnered with Miles To Go, which supports individuals experiencing homelessness in Florida.
Leading up to and during the event, members were encouraged to donate, with contributions matched by Modern Woodmen. Members helped raise an incredible $38,470, partially through a step challenge fundraiser.
In addition, members packed more than 900 bags by hand, valued at $27,000. The bags, filled with socks, a T-shirt, hygiene items (soap, toothpaste and deodorant), water, protein-rich snacks, first-aid supplies, sanitizer, and a personal note of encouragement, help deliver essential items and support to individuals experiencing homelessness.
“Our thanks to Modern Woodmen for their generosity of heart, time and record-breaking financial contribution to Miles To Go! Together, we packed more Miles To Go bags than ever before with any individual group,” said Miles To Go Founder and CEO Danielle Newbold. “Your commitment to service and philanthropy is awe-inspiring. We’re proud to partner with you and hope to continue this relationship for years to come.”
About Modern Woodmen
Inspired by pioneer woodmen of the era, Modern Woodmen of America was founded in 1883 to clear financial burdens – not trees. As a fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen’s products and programs support financial security, quality family life and community impact – the common bonds that unite our members nationwide.
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