Highlights from Modern Woodmen's 44th National Convention

Modern Woodmen of America’s 44th National Convention took place June 20-22 in Aurora, Colorado. The fraternal financial services organization welcomed 191 member delegates to:

• Review Modern Woodmen’s bylaws and its financial and fraternal progress from 2018 to 2022.
• Elect the board of directors and other elective officers.
• Break a world record while raising awareness and money to support mental health.

Elections

Those elected to Modern Woodmen’s Board of Directors include:

• Lori A. Newberg, Lenexa, Kansas.
• Joseph A. Sztapka, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
• James E. Temperley, Bonita Springs, Florida.
• Lester L. Bohnert, East Moline, Illinois.
• Brett M. Van, Coal Valley, Illinois.
• Sam H. Kupresin, Bettendorf, Iowa.

Modern Woodmen’s President and CEO (W. Kenny Massey, Le Claire, Iowa) and National Secretary and Executive Vice President (Jerald J. Lyphout, East Moline, Illinois) are appointed by the Board of Directors and, under the bylaws, are automatically members of the board.

Additionally, the following were elected as officers for convention proceedings.

• Anthony W. High, Tompkinsville, Kentucky.
• Donald D. Wixom, Nampa, Idaho.
• Kristin B. Guthrie, Marion, Ohio.
• Angela C. Hill, Starkville, Mississippi.

Guinness World Record and donation to NAMI Colorado

On Tuesday, June 21, the Modern Woodmen convention attendees broke the Guinness World Record for longest chain of carabiners (hiking clips) by linking clips together in a 3,188-foot continuous chain. The activity supported Modern Woodmen’s brain health initiative, which seeks to raise awareness and support of mental health topics. Each carabiner color represented a different mental health focus, and all proceeds from the activity benefitted NAMI Colorado.

In total, $22,535 was raised to support NAMI Colorado’s mission of providing advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.