- State President – Susan Simonelli, PDDGER
- District Leader –John C. Harris, PSP
- District VP – Paul Diaz, PER
- District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler – Tom Carns, PER
State President 2021-2022
Susan “Suzi” Simonelli, PDDGER SECD
4325 SW Brookside Drive
Palm City, FL 34990
772-260-6865
persuzi66@gmail.com
Elk Resume
Background and Education
Susan “Suzi” Simonelli was born in Waterville Maine in 1966. She was educated in Maine Schools, Graduating from Thomas College with a Degree in Retail Management in 1986. Suzi married the Love of her life, Joey Simonelli on February 21st, 2009. Joey is also a PER, serving 2 terms as ER and is a Lodge Trustee. Suzi has one son, Tony Gordon, who is married, and he and his wife Megan are both Elks living in Wesley Chapel.
Work History
1986 – 1987 K-Mart Apparel Manager
1987-1992 – CVS Pharmacy, Assistant Store Manager
1991-1993 – All East Enterprises, Salesmen; before moving to Florida from Maine in August 1993.
1995-1997 – First National Bank – Shift Supervisor
Community Involvement
1 – Served 2 terms as PTA President (1999-2001) at sons’ elementary school, receiving The Martin County Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with the Public-School System.
2 – 1995 to Present – Participating in all phases of The Boy Scouts of America, from Den Mother to Assistant Scout Master, earned many top Scouting awards including The Sailfish District Award of Merit and the prestigious Council Silver Beaver Award. In July of 2005 traveled to The Grand Lodge Session held in Reno and was awarded The Marvin M. Lewis Award for dedication to both The Boy Scouts of America and The Order of Elks. Currently the Chartered Organizational Representative for the Lodge Scouting Units.
3 – President of Danforth Homeowners Association, 1996-1997
4 – Current Auxiliary Member of the Justin Wilson, Marine Corp League Detachment, #1045
Elks Involvement
1 – Elk for 16 years, Initiated on May 20th, 2002 into Stuart-Jensen Lodge # 1870.
2 – Held the office of Lodge Secretary, Leading Knight and served as Exalted Ruler (3 terms), and Lodge Trustee.
3 – Served as State Drug Trailer Manager for 5 years.
4 – Served as FSEA Officer Attendance Vice Chairman for 2011-12.
5 – Served as DVP for the SECD, 2012-13 and DDGER for 2013-14.
6 – Chaired and coordinated 2 presidential “demonstrations” for Sean Maguire, PSP and John Harris, PSP.
7 – State Chairman for the HATF under PSP Dan Tabor for 2014-15 and reached and surpassed his goal with raising $777,495.13.
8 – State Membership Chairman for 3 years – 2015-2018
9 – Served on the 2016 and 2017, FSEA Officer Training Staff on Membership.
10 – Currently serving a 6-year Term (in 5th year) on the FL Elks Youth Camp Board of Directors, currently serving a second year as President of the FEYC BOD.
11 – Served as State Chaplain, under PSP John Harris for 2016-17.
12 – Served on PSP John Harris’s Hospitality team (2016-17) with Joey.
13 – Current Lodge dviser for West St Lucie Elks #2823
14 – Currently serving on the Auditing Committee for Stuart-Jensen #1870.
15 – Current Membership District Chairman for the SECD
Elk Awards
1 – Citizen of the Year Award for 2004-05
2 – Lodge Officer of the Year for 2007-08
3 – Lodge Elk of the year, 2012-13.
4 – Bestowed Honorary Life Member of Stuart-Jensen Lodge in January 2012.
5 – FSEA Elk of the Year at the 2015 State Convention in Orlando, bestowed by PSP Dan Tabor.
John C. Harris
2805 Forest Run Drive
Melbourne, FL 32935-7121
(321) 544-0611
harrisjk@cfl.rr.com
John C. Harris (PSP, SECD Leader) was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on January 10, 1947. He graduated from Sarasota High in 1965 and attended colleges in Jacksonville and Orlando, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.
John married the love of his life Kay (whom he affectionately calls “Angel” in March 1986. Together they have two daughters, a son and six grandchildren. Unfortunately, Angel passed away in 2016.
John has been employed at the Kennedy Space Center since 1967. Previously he was with The Boeing Co. for 24 years where he worked with Computer Software Systems and wrote many of the software programs for the Power Modules used today on the Space Station. John was also employed by The United Space Alliance where he handled all of the Software Configuration Management processing for all shuttle launches. At PPS Info-Tec, he handled the Implementation, Deployment and Disaster Recovery procedures for the new Veterans Administrations Health Care Solutions. John also worked for Career Source Brevard, acting as a recruiter for all Kennedy Space Center employees laid off when the shuttle project was discontinued.
John’s 52-year affiliation with the Order of Elks began August 28, 1968, when he was initiated into The Sarasota Lodge # 1519. In April of 1983, he transferred to The Titusville Lodge # 2113. John’s service as an Officer took him through the Chairs, and he was elected Exalted Ruler for the Elk year 1994-1995. He has held many different District Chairmanships, was State Vice Chairman, then State Chairman of the Ladies Organizations Committee. He also served as Esquire and Auditor to The District Deputy. John was elected as the East Central District Vice President in 1999. That same year The Titusville Lodge elected him as an Honorary Life Member. In 2001-2002 John had the honor of serving The East Central District as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.
John served the FSEA as State Chaplain for the Elk in 2003-04 for State President Mike Phillips and 2004-05 for President Frank J. Palladini. He was elected Exalted Ruler of The Viera Lodge in 2007-2008 and elected to an Honorary Life Member of Viera #2817 that same year. In 2013 he was awarded his Life Membership. He was Appointed District Leader, by The Past State President’s Advisory Council, for the Southeast Central District in 2008. At the Mid-Year Convention in November 2014, John was endorsed as the VPAL for 2015-2016. In November 2015, at the Mid-Year Convention 2015, John was endorsed as State President for the Florida Elks Association by the Past State President Advisory Council.
John’s highest honor in Ritual came when he was selected to judge the Ritual Competition at the Grand Lodge Convention in Reno Nevada. He has been dedicated to his Lodge, the Ritual, the Florida State Elks Association, the Southeast Central District and our Great Order for many years. John has been a certified Ritual Judge since 1994. John is an avid bowler and has served as State Chairman/Director for the Florida State Bowling Tournament. He has attained the score of 300 six times and also has an 805 high series.
John leads by example, attending every SEC District function, DVP Visitation and Lodge Inspection. In doing so, he hopes to improve communications between The Lodges, its Officers and the membership. He also envisions the establishment of Policies that will be accepted by all and endure for years to come. John strongly believes that “Thinking ahead, instead of in the present, and not re-inventing the wheel should be a top priority.
Vice President SEC District 2021-2022
Paul Diaz, PER
7790 15th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32966
772-925-5014
pauldiaz1972@hotmail.com
Background and Education
Paul Diaz was born in Queens, New York in 1950. He was educated in New York Schools, Graduating from the State University College at Farmingdale with Associate Degrees in Criminology and Correctional Administration in 1972. Paul married his soulmate Patricia in 1972. Patricia passed away in 2019. Paul has two sons, Gregory who is married to Stephanie living in Glen Allen Virginia. They have two sons. Anthony who is married to Brooke living in Front Royal Virginia, and Alexander who still lives at home. Richard, Paul’s younger son, lives in Woodside New York and has a daughter Brooklynn.
Work History
1972-1981 Lafayette Radio, District Manager
1981-1984 Circuit City, Store Manager
1984-1986 Top Brass Enterprises, VP Western States
1987-1992 Newmark and Lewis, Store Manager
1992-2007 PC Richard and Son, Store Manager
Community Involvement
1988-1991 Little League Coach in Selden New York
2011-2016 Worked with the Veterans Council of Indian River County in establishing a store in the Indian River Mall for Veteran Services, a place for Veterans to meet as well as a place to sell veteran inspired merchandise. The store was operated with an all volunteer staff and is still operating to this day.
2014-present Toys for Tots volunteer, coordinating the toy drive at Vero Beach Elks Lodge # 1774 as well as running a collection route.
2015-present Associate member of the Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County in their work feeding and housing homeless veterans.
Elks Involvement
Elk for 30 years, initiated on April 24th, 1991 into the New Hyde Park- North Shore Lodge # 2107.
Held the office of Chaplain, Esquire, Loyal Knight, Leading Knight and served as Exalted Ruler and Lodge Trustee.
Initiated the Dictionary Project in Lodge # 2107 and served as Project Chairman until moving to Florida.
Demitted to Vero Beach Lodge # 1774 in 2015.
Held the office of Leading Knight and served as Exalted Ruler (2 times) and Lodge Trustee.
SECD District Chairman Elks Training 2017-2018, 2018-2019.
FSEA Vice Chairman Americanism 2019-2020.
SECD District Chairman Americanism 2020-2021.
Initiated the Dictionary Project in Vero Beach Lodge # 1774 and serve as Project Chairman 2016- present.
Lodge Auditing Committee 2020-2021.
Co-Chair for Lodge El Schneider Fund 2016- present.
Co-Chair for Queen of Hearts 2019- present.
Oversaw Lodge Mortgage Re-financing.
Oversaw Installation of Fire Sprinkler System.
Oversaw Roof Replacement and repairs from damage caused by Hurricane Irma.
Elk Awards
Bestowed Honorary Life Member of New Hyde Park- North Shore Lodge # 2107 in January 2009.
Officer of the Year, Vero Beach Lodge # 1774, 2016-2017.
Grand Exalted Ruler’s Outstanding Service Commendation as Co-Chair for the Dictionary Project, 2018-2019.
Elk of the Year, Vero Beach Lodge #1774, 2020-2021
District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler -SEC District 2021-2022
Thomas Carns, PER
4240 Deerwood Trail
Melbourne, FL 32934
(321) 604-5410
thomas_carns@yahoo.com
BACKGROUND
26 Year Veteran of the United States Air Force
Missile Maintenance Career Airman
Spacelift Craftsman
Launched over 5 Billion is government assets
Operational Test
Performed testing around the globe on various command systems for the United States Air Force
Estimated value of over $30 Billion
Junior Test Engineer at Northrop Grumman Corporation
Developing the latest manned aircraft technologies
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Master of Science in Project Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Bachelor of Science in Technical Management
Community College of the Air Force – Associate of Science in Electronics Systems Technology
Elks Experience
Joined the Elks organization in 2011 at the Merritt Island Elks. Enjoyed the lodge activities there until I found out that there was an Elks lodge less than 5 minutes from home.
Demitted to the Viera Elks in 2012.
2019 District Vice President South East Central District
State Chairman Ladies Organizations
District Esquire for the South East Central District
Viera Elks Lodge Americanism Chair
Viera Elks Lodge House Committee Chairman
Attend Florida State Elks Convention
Attend Grand Lodge Convention
Attend Florida State Elks Mid-Year Convention
Attend Florida State Elks Quarter
Raised over $6000 for local veterans organization
Run Viera Elks Lodge Website
2018 Florida Ladies of the Elks Vice Chairman
South East Central District Visitation Chairman
Viera Elks Auditing and Accounting Committee
Viera Elks Americanism Chair
Viera Elks government relations
Attend Elks National Convention San Antonio
Attend Florida State Elks Convention
Attend Florida State Elks Mid Year Convention
Attend Florida Ladies of the Elks Convention
District Visitation Chairman for three DVP visitations
Attend two district deputy clinics
Melbourne Viera Elks merger committee chairman
Provided JROTC medal to local winner at the Satellite HS banquet.
2017 Exalted Ruler Viera Elks
Attended Grand Lodge Convention in Reno, Nevada as a voting member
Attended Florida State Elks convention
Volunteered 2 hours to help with hospitality room
Attended two district deputy clinics
Advised Viera membership that the district clinics are for everyone not just for the lodge officers. There is a lot of useful information to be taken away from these meetings.
Attended two DVP visitations representing the Viera Elks membership.
Organized operation shoebox to provide deployed veterans care packages
Organized Veterans Day free meal to all Veterans
Provided the food at no cost to the lodge
Hosted welcome back party for the Ft. Pierce Elks after a youth camp visitation.
2016 Served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Trustee’s
Ensured lodge Air Conditioners were in top condition.
Performed cleanup after hurricane
Ensured lodges was taken care of
Hurricane shutters were properly stowed
Ensured shutters were properly put into storage.
