Meet The Divan Members
Charles Maddox
Chief Rabban
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.
Ron Speaks
Oriental Guide
Ronald K Speaks & Lady Debbie
Oriental Guide
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. Sadly, a family death made it necessary for Ron to resign in 2006 and relocate to Florida. Although his new location made it difficult to be involved with Shriners, he enjoyed many good times with the JF Swartsel Lodge and served in several positions.
After a two-year battle with cancer in 2011-2013, he reunited with his former high school sweetheart, Deborah Riddell, the gal with whom he used to flirt on a Kentucky school bus. She’s that wonderful Lady you all know as Debbie Speaks. After a couple of years dating and going back and forth - Florida to Texas, Debbie’s mother needed her back in Texas. In 2016, they packed up and moved to Texas. On February 28, 2017, the anniversary of our reacquainting, Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield of Georgetown said, “Ron, you may now kiss your bride.”
In addition to his duties as Oriental Guide, Ron will serve as Parade Marshal, assist the Divan in Fraternal and Hospital Fund Raising, and other assignments. Ron & Debbie look forward to serving the Ladies and Nobles of Ben Hur Shrine. May God Bless each of you.
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 approved funds
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.