John C. Harris (PDD, SECD Leader) was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio Jan. 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 called “Angel”) in March 1986. Together they have two daughters, a son and six grandchildren.

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 CareerSource Brevard, acting as a recruiter for all Kennedy Space Center employees laid off when the shuttle project was discontinued.

John’s 49-year affiliation with the Order of Elks began Aug. 28, 1968, when he was initiated into Sarasota Lodge #1519. In April 1983 he transferred to Titusville Lodge #2113. John’s service as an officer took him through the chairs, and he was elected Exalted Ruler for the 1994-1995 Elk year. He has held many different district chairmanships and was State Vice Chairman and 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, 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 in 2003-2004 for State President Mike Phillips and 2004-2005 for President Frank J. Palladini. He was elected Exalted Ruler of Viera Lodge in 2007-2008 and was elected as 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 Presidents Advisory Council for the Southeast Central District in 2008. At the midyear convention in November 2014, John was endorsed as the VPAL for 2015-2016. In November 2015 at the midyear convention, John was endorsed as State President for the Florida Elks Association by the Past State Presidents 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, Nev. 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. He 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, their 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 reinventing the wheel should be top priorities.”