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Meet The Divan Members Charles Maddox Potentate Charles E. Maddox is an attorney for the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas. Prior to working for the Secretary of State, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for Texas, and was a budget analyst for the Legislative Budget Board of Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Master of Public Affairs each from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law, and a Master of Laws from Stetson University College of Law. He is admitted to the Bar in Texas, and every civilian federal court which has jurisdiction in and over the State of Texas. He, his wife Emily, and their daughter reside in the Austin Area. A proud eleventh generation Texan, Charles is a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and is an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy. Read More Ron Speaks High Priest and Prophet Born a Kentuckian, Ron is proud Texan by choice! He is a Vietnam Veteran and after 7 years of active-duty 1968-1975, he continued working for the US Air Force as a DOD Civilian from 1975-2003, with multiple duty stations around the globe. His last assignment was Chief of Aircraft & Missile Maintenance Training Management, Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB Utah. While stationed in Alaska, Ron was made a Master Mason at Tanana Lodge #3, became a 32°Scottish Rite Mason and a Noble of AL ASKA Shrine, all at Fairbanks, Alaska during Nov 1998 – June 1999. Later, during his Air Force time and after his 2003 retirement in Utah, he became York Rite Mason, served as Worshipful Master of George Washington Lodge #24, President of Ogden Shrine Club, President of EL Kalah Clowns, VP of the Ogden Temple Board, Finance Committee on the Salt Lake Shriners Hospital Board, Grand Pursuivant on the Grand Lodge of Utah. In 2002 Ron was appointed to Staff positions with EL Kalah Shrine, and was elected Oriental Guide, High Priest & Prophet and Assistant Rabban 2004-2006. Read More Sam Stimson Ph.D. Recorder Samuel Edward Stimson, PhD is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He was created a member of Ben Hur on 2/11/1983 and remained a member until he demitted on12/29/1989. At that time his job at Dell Computers required him to travel frequently to Asia and he had no time to devote to the fraternity. After retirement he returned to Ben Hur in January 2010 and has remained active ever since. He served as Marshal of the Provost Guard in 2013 and as State Marshal in 2015. He was elected to the post of Recorder in 2012 when he served for 2 years and then 1 year as High Priest and Prophet. He took a couple of years off and then returned as Recorder in 2018. He completed his Emeritus year in 2025. Read More Charlie Farnham Chief Rabban Charlie Farnham is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 1999 and was an active member of the Drum and Bugle Corps until its demise. He is currently a member of the Motley Brue and Golf Units. Charlie is a Past Potentate of Ben Hur, having served in that role in 2008. He is also a dual member of Hella Shriners in Dallas, Texas. Read More Ricki Pierce Oriental Guide Ricki Pierce is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 1991, is active in the Directors Staff, Trailblazers, Charioteers & Golf Units, also the Motorcycle Club and served as President of the Directors Staff in 2025. He was also a member of Ararat Shriners in Kansas City, Missouri. Read More Ricky Hayes Assistant Rabban Bio Information Goes Here Read More James Heineman PP Treasurer James Heineman is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 2017, and is active in the Travel Club, Motorcycle Club, Motley Brue Unit, and Directors Staff. Read More The Elected Shrine Leadership Board of Directors Potentate – This is, the Chairman of the Board. It is an elected position. The Nobles, who are members, vote annually, for their choice of Potentate. Chief Rabban – 1st Vice President. As with the Potentate, this is also an elected position. Assistant Rabban – 2nd Vice President. This is also an elected position. High Priest and Prophet – 3rd Vice President. Another elected position. Oriental Guide – 4th Vice President – Yet another elected position. Treasurer - Disburses funds for budgeted and approved expenses. Recorder - Serves as secretary to the board, and conducts day-to-day operations and much more. The elected Board of Directors is the management team.

Provost Guard Unit about us Main Contact & Email David Hoke Vicdog6573@gmail.com E-Mail Phone 512-786-3073 Location Ben Hur Shrine Meeting Days 2nd Thursday of the month 6:00 pm Purpose Website Facebook

Directors Staff Unit about us Main Contact & Email Chris Garner bhsdirectors@gmail.com E-Mail Phone 512-577-6893 Location Ben Hur Shrine Meeting Days Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the month 7:30 pm Purpose The Director’s Staff is a high-energy, hands-on unit within Ben Hur Shrine dedicated to having fun while advancing the mission of Shriners International. We’re a social and service-driven crew known for our strong camaraderie, love of the grill, and commitment to supporting the Shrine through action—not just words. From hosting the unforgettable 2nd Section of ceremonial events to firing up the pit for BBQs, fish fries, and community cookouts, we bring flavor and fun to everything we do. Whether we’re assisting the Potentate, supporting hospital benefit drives, or throwing great events at the Shrine Center, we do it with heart, humor, and a cold drink nearby. If you're looking for a brotherhood that mixes purpose with a good time, the Director’s Staff welcomes you. Website Facebook

SREKOJ Clowns Unit about us Main Contact & Email Anthony DeFrancisis adefrancisis1@gmail.com E-Mail Phone 903-343-2363 Location Ben Hur Shrine Meeting Days Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month 6:00 pm Purpose Website Facebook

Charioteers Unit about us Main Contact & Email Ricky Hayes hayuesre1@yahoo.com E-Mail Phone 512-914-7077 Location Ben Hur Shrine Blue room Meeting Days Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month 6:00 pm Purpose Website Facebook

Highland Lakes Shrine Club about us Main Contact & Email Ted Robertson ted_l_Robertson@yahoo.com E-Mail Phone 512-635-0631 Location China Kitchen, 705 1st Street Marble Falls, TX Meeting Days 2nd Thursday of the month 6:30 pm Purpose Website Facebook

The Motley Brue Unit about us Main Contact & Email David Tide Williams tidalwave@austin.rr.com E-Mail Phone 512-502-4399 Location Ben Hur Shrine Meeting Days 1st Saturday of February, May, August and October 10:00 am Purpose Website Facebook

< Back James Heineman PP Treasurer 2026 James Heineman is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 2017, and is active in the Travel Club, Motorcycle Club, Motley Brue Unit, and Directors Staff. He was raised in Nejma Lodge No. 897 in Saudi Arabia in 1998 where he served as Worshipful Master in 2001/02 He was also a member of the York Rite Bodies. James was born in Emerson, Nebraska. He attended “High School and United Electronics Trade School. After graduation, he worked as a Sr. Process Control Technician for Mobile Oil, Northern Illinois Gas, Texas City Refinery, Celanese Chemical, and Saudi Aramco, retiring in 2010. He is married to Janet and they currently reside in Buda, Texas. TBD TBD

Members of Shriners Website

< Back Sam Stimson Ph.D. Recorder 2026 Samuel Edward Stimson, PhD is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He was created a member of Ben Hur on 2/11/1983 and remained a member until he demitted on12/29/1989. At that time his job at Dell Computers required him to travel frequently to Asia and he had no time to devote to the fraternity. After retirement he returned to Ben Hur in January 2010 and has remained active ever since. He served as Marshal of the Provost Guard in 2013 and as State Marshal in 2015. He was elected to the post of Recorder in 2012 when he served for 2 years and then 1 year as High Priest and Prophet. He took a couple of years off and then returned as Recorder in 2018. He completed his Emeritus year in 2025. He was raised in Austin Lodge No. 12 in October 1976. Entered the line as Junior Steward in 1979 and then served as Worshipful Master in 1983-84. Sam was born in Asheville, N.C. He graduated from RJ Reynolds High School in 1959 and joined the USAF in 1960. He served honorably for 20 years, with tours in South East Asia from 1964 – 1966. His final duty assignment was as a Division Superintendent at the TAC NCO Academy holding the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. During that time He studied with the University of Maryland and finishing his BAAS at Southwest Texas State University. His MBA came later from St. Edwards University and much later while working in China his DBA from University of Phoenix. His PhD was awarded from his thesis on Quality Methodology and the Deployment of Automated Statistical Controls in Li Ion Battery Production Facilities. He is married to Jeannette May Stimson and they reside in Austin, Texas. recorder@benhurshrine.org (512) 796-4179