Day 5: Two elected to National office for first time
Throughout the day on Thursday, elections were held for officers of the National Grange, who will lead the Order through 2021. Following implementation in Vermont in 2018, this is the second year of a rules change that allows for suggestions for office, which are aimed to expedite the election process.
In the first ballot, Betsy Huber was elected to a third term as President/Master of the National Grange. Huber made history in Nebraska in 2015 by being elected as the first female President of the Order in its 150-year history. “Thank you for putting your faith in me,” Huber said in her acceptance, “I look forward to leading you for the next two years.” This will include the 2020 National Session in Huber’s home state of Pennsylvania.
Other officers re-elected to lead the National Grange are: Vice President/Overseer – Phil Prelli (CT), Executive Committee – Lynette Schaeffer (IL) and Steven Coye (NY), Lecturer – Christine Hamp (WA), Steward – Chip Narvel (DE), Assistant Steward – John Plank (IN), Chaplain – Barbara Borderieux (FL), Secretary – Judy Sherrod (TN), Gatekeeper – Christopher Johnston (MI), Ceres – Cindy Greer (CO), Pomona – Kay Stiles (MD), and Flora – Welina Shufeldt (OK).
There were two changes for the coming term in the following offices: Lady Assistant Steward – Karen Overstreet (TX) and Treasurer – Sherry Harriman (ME).In accepting her position, Overstreet stated “I don’t think you know how much of an honor and a pleasure this is. I accept, of course,” then she added, “I’d be delighted.”
Elections for the Assembly of Demeter were held at the annual Convocation and business meeting on Thursday evening. On the second ballot, Bruce Croucher (NY) was elected to another term as High Priest of Demeter. The other officers elected to the Assembly of Demeter were: Priest Archon – Roger Bostwick (KS) and, on the 6th ballot, Priestess Annalist – Martha Stefenoni.
James Owens, who has served as Priest Annalist for 8 years, thanked members of the Assembly for their trust in him over the past 8 years, but announced that he would not be seeking the office again. “It’s time for some change,” Owens said.
