Modern Woodmen of America’s 43rd National Convention in Orlando, Florida, was June 18-20. The event, held every four years, brings 190 member delegates together to review and vote on the fraternal financial services organization’s bylaws and elect the board of directors and other elective officers.
Elections
The following people were elected to Modern Woodmen’s Board of Directors:
- Robert C. Pollex, Perrysburg, Ohio.
- William D. “Bo” Keltner, Jackson, Tennessee.
- David B. Emrick, Davenport, Iowa.
- Lori A. Newberg, Lenexa, Kansas.
- Joseph A. Sztapka, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
- James E. Temperley, Bonita Springs, Florida.
- Lester L. Bohnert, East Moline, Illinois.
Modern Woodmen’s President and CEO (W. Kenny Massey, Le Claire, Iowa) and National Secretary (Jerald J. Lyphout, East Moline, Illinois) are appointed by the Board of Directors and, under the by-laws, are automatically members of the board.
The following people were elected as national elective officers for convention proceedings:
- Eugene A. Ortis, Alexandria, Louisiana. (Adviser)
- Anthony W. High, Tompkinsville, Kentucky. (Escort)
- Donald D. Wixom, Nampa, Idaho. (Watchman)
- John S. Moore, Starkville, Mississippi. (Sentry)
Quadrennial report
During the convention, Modern Woodmen President and CEO Kenny Massey shared details about Modern Woodmen’s financial and fraternal progress.
“Modern Woodmen is about people. It always has been, and it always will be,” said Massey. “Together, we are here for each other, for our families and for the communities we love.”
Jill Lain Weaver, Modern Woodmen’s chief fraternal officer, shared the organization’s fraternal efforts over the past four years.
“In the past four years, members logged nearly 2 million hours of volunteer service,” noted Weaver. “Our chapters and youth clubs are often the catalyst for organizations and community members coming together to make a difference in others’ lives.”
Capture the Magic, scavenger hunt with a purpose
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in an on-site scavenger hunt fundraiser, with proceeds from registration and T-shirt sales benefitting the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. The scavenger hunt, coordinated by Modern Woodmen’s home office staff and run through a mobile app, asked participants to answer trivia questions, scan QR codes, and take photos and videos during their visit. In total, $31,578 was raised to help the Coalition in its mission, which includes a $10,000 donation from Modern Woodmen’s board of directors.
About Modern Woodmen’s National Convention
As a member-owned, fraternal organization with a representative form of government, Modern Woodmen holds its quadrennial convention to serve as a legislative and governing body when in session.
Delegates are elected beginning at the local level. Modern Woodmen’s chapters across the U.S. select chapter member(s) to serve as delegates. From there, delegates attend elections at the county or district level, then at a state level. State delegates go on to attend and vote at the National Convention.
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