New Leadership New Roles

PERSONNEL UPDATE

by Joann Williams-Hoxha, Content Manager

Brennan J. Parken, 32°, Named Director of Membership

Effective January 1, 2021, Brother Brennan J. Parken, 32°, was named Director of Membership. Brother Parken will oversee NMJ membership recruitment and retention efforts at our Supreme Council headquarters.

“When we created the Membership department in 2017, we couldn’t have imagined how big the role was and exactly what it would look like in the future,” said Michael C. Russell, Executive Director. “With the membercentric approach to all we do, we can put Brennan on the road focusing on the membership experience throughout the jurisdiction. This position also frees George T. Taylor, 32°, to focus exclusively on Valley needs. George will now serve as Director of Valley Relations full time.”

Brother Parken first joined the Scottish Rite, NMJ staff as Member Services Coordinator in January 2020. He then assumed responsibilities as Assistant Director of Membership in April 2020. One of Brennan’s biggest accomplishments in his time on staff was leading the Virtual Reunion program, which brought in over 1,000 new members in the Fall 2020 season during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Said Sovereign Grand Commander, David A. Glattly, “Brennan’s leadership of our successful Virtual Reunion broadcasts showcased his many talents. There is no doubt he will develop vibrant programs for recruiting and retaining members, support them in their relationship with the NMJ, and communicate the value of membership in the Scottish Rite to worthy Master Masons looking to join.”

Richard Elliot, 33°, New Executive Director of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Richard Elliot, 33°

Brother Richard W. Elliot, 33°, has been named as the Executive Director of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, effective January 1, 2021. Illustrious Brother Elliot replaces Brother Bruce Work, 33°, who retired on November 30, 2020.

Brother Elliot will continue to enhance the use of our facilities and work hand in hand with the Charities department to develop exciting fundraising endeavors for the Masonic Museum and Library. He will also continue to strengthen educational and leadership programs "so that the world itself becomes closer to Freemasonry through our educated members," Elliot said.

Illustrious Brother Elliot brings great experience with him to this position, serving as an Active Member of the Supreme Council since 2003. He currently serves as Grand Minister of State and chairs the Supreme Council’s Building and Grounds Committee. Additionally, he served as chairman of the Leadership Committee for several years.

Brother Elliot recently retired after more than 30 years in the construction industry. He is a graduate of Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.

George T. Taylor IV, 32°, Director of Valley Relations

George T. Taylor, IV, 32°

Brother George T. Taylor IV, 32°, has been named Director of Valley Relations. George joined Supreme Council staff in 2017, first as Associate Director, then Director of Membership and Valley Relations. He immediately focused on strengthening the lines of communication between the Valley offices, presiding officers, and Supreme Council while simultaneously working on new membership and retention initiatives. As the programs expanded, it became apparent that the duties needed to be split.

In his new role as Director of Valley Relations, George will lead his team to focus on operational efficiencies in the Valleys, the Valley of Excellence program, leadership and training programs, and other resources to enhance Valley sustainability. George has also added Brother Bob Kefalas, 32° to the team as the Assistant Director of Valley Relations to assist with program implementation and follow-up.

“With all of the tools the Supreme Council is providing for the Valleys to use, I am excited about the opportunity to strengthen those relationships,” George said. “When our Valleys are successful, we all benefit.”