National Grange Elects two to executive committee

by Samantha Wilkins
Senior Communications Fellow

On Thursday, November 14, at the 158th Annual National Grange Convention, delegates convened to make leadership decisions, resulting in two important elections for the Executive Committee. Susan Noah of Oregon was reelected, affirming the trust placed in her to serve another 2-year term. This marks Noah’s fourth term on the Executive Committee, having served since 2018.

Noah states that she is “Honored to accept this position for the next two years, and I look forward to helping guide the National Grange as we progress into the next chapter of the Grange.”

Additionally elected to the Executive Committee is Joseph Stefenoni of California, who was elected to assume the second seat. Stefenoni is the current President and CEO of the California State Grange and served the 158th National Grange Session as parliamentarian.

Stefenoni’s election marks a transition as he succeeds Brother Leroy Watson of New Hampshire, whose long-standing service and dedication to the Grange have left a lasting legacy. Watson has been a steadfast member of the Executive Committee since 2014, and his commitment to the Grange spans many years in various influential roles. The National Grange extends its deepest gratitude to Brother Watson for his unwavering dedication and countless contributions to the organization over the years. Before his time on the Executive Committee, Watson also served the National Grange as Legislative Director and Special Director for Trademark Protection and Brand Management.

Watson tells us, “I am honored to have served the National Grange as a member of the National Grange Executive Committee for the past 10 years. I am grateful for all of the support and encouragement I received from Grange members across the country during my tenure. Our National Grange has made substantial progress, including several years of nationwide net membership increases. Grange is strong, growing, and attracting new people with new ideas to our fraternity in most of our 1,400 local chapters representing rural communities across the nation. I am pleased to have played a small role in those accomplishments. The future of the Grange is bright! Esto Perpetua.”

The election of Brother Stefenoni, alongside the re-election of Susan Noah, signals the arrival of a new generation of leadership. This change brings renewed energy, ambition, and a shared commitment to serving the broader membership of the Grange while addressing the organization’s internal challenges. As the Grange continues to evolve, this new leadership team aims to honor the rich traditions of the past while embracing the opportunities and responsibilities of the future.

Stefenoni says, “I am truly honored to be elected to the Executive Committee of the National Grange. It’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of dedicated leaders like Brother Watson, whose service has set a strong foundation for our organization. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Grange members to capitalize on opportunities ahead and to build on our shared commitment to strengthen and grow our community. Together, we will continue to honor our traditions while bringing fresh perspectives to ensure the Grange thrives for generations to come.”

The National Grange Executive Committee elects two positions every year. Continuing to serve on the Board are Lynette Schaeffer (IL), who currently serves as Chairperson, and Buddy Overstreet (TX). The Executive Committee is tasked with protecting and guiding the National Grange, as well as having representation on the Grange Advocacy Board and the Grange Foundation Board of Trustees.