For the first time in its 50-year history, the Jefferson Elks Lodge #2306 will have a woman leading the organization as Exalted Ruler.

Greene County Medical Center Foundation Director Hollie Roberts will become the local lodge’s 49th Exalted Ruler, slated to take over from last year’s leader, Cliff Said, at a special ceremony on Saturday, March 22nd.

Roberts has been an active member for five years and will not only be the first woman voted to be Exalted Ruler but is also the first woman to progress through each chair in the lodge.  She has served as Lecturing Knight, Loyal Knight and Leading Knight.

Member Jerry Roberts says elected officers include Leading Knight Don Franey,  Loyal Knight Diane Gibson, Secretary Joyce Fister, Treasurer Jonathon Smith, Trustees John Russell, Eldon Cunningham, and Jim Spearman, and Tiler Russ Johnson.  He adds that appointed officers include Inner Guard Jim Hagar, Chaplin Bill Berger, and Esquire Les Fister.

Past Exalted Rulers will conduct the ceremony that starts at 7pm at the Jefferson Elks Lodge.  Refreshments and a reception will follow the ceremony and the public is invited to attend.