2026 STATE OFFICER CANDIDATES
Candidates for Colorado Elks Association
Trustees and 3rd Vice President
Trustees and 3rd Vice President
THIRD VICE PRESIDENT
Robert Keyser, Littleton #1650
1: Why are you running for this office?
I am running because I believe our Association is strongest when every Lodge feels heard, supported, and valued. Throughout my years of service—from the Lodge level to District and State leadership—I have seen firsthand what dedicated volunteers can accomplish. I want to use that experience to help strengthen Colorado Elkdom by growing membership, improving communication, recognizing the incredible work our Lodges perform every day, and ensuring we leave a strong, financially stable Association for future generations.
2: What would be your number one goal to accomplish during your tenure over the next four years, and what specific skills and experiences do you have that will benefit the CEA as an officer (e.g., leadership experience, financial knowledge, team building, and conflict resolution)?
My number one goal over the next four years is to strengthen our Lodges and shine a brighter light on the amazing charitable work being performed by every Colorado Elks Lodge. Every Lodge is making a difference in its community, and every Lodge deserves to have that service recognized, celebrated, and shared. In addition, maintain the traditions of the Order, growing and retaining membership, practicing responsible financial stewardship, and improving communication across the state.
I have served as an Exalted Ruler, Lodge Trustee, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, CEA Trustee, and District and State Chairman.
I have led numerous Grand Lodge initiatives, such as Special Representative to Douglas County (Parker) #2873, the Veterans Treatment Court, and the Veterans Welcome Home program. I am the CEA Chairperson for CO National Guard and the CO Elks Camp. Locally, I co-chair the East Community Center Committee, where we provide program and event support that address the needs of our community and youth. Beyond the lodge, I sit on the Home Front Military Network Advisory Board and recently have been asked to represent the Elks as the Wreaths Across America's CO State House Coordinator.
I don't believe leadership is about having all the answers. If our Lodges become stronger because of the work we do together, then we've accomplished our mission.
3: If elected, what does a successful year look like for you?
A successful year means our Lodges feel supported, connected, and optimistic about the future.
What accomplishments would you like to be able to announce by the completion of the year? I would like to report measurable membership growth, stronger communication between Lodges and the Association, increased recognition of the outstanding charitable work happening throughout Colorado, and continued progress toward securing the long-term future of our Association through responsible financial planning and legacy projects like the Colorado Elks Camp. Most importantly, I want Lodges to say that their State Officers listened, were accessible, and helped them succeed.
4: How much time do you anticipate the responsibilities of being a Vice President will require?
I understand that serving as a Vice President is a significant commitment, and I am fully prepared to dedicate the time necessary to do the job well without losing focus on our veterans, community or youth. I expect it will require many evenings, weekends, travel across the state, and consistent communication with Lodges and Officers between meetings.
For me, this is not simply another title—it's an opportunity to serve, and I am prepared to make that commitment.
5: What level of support do you have from your family for taking on this role?
I am fortunate to have the full support of my family. They understand the importance of Elkdom and the satisfaction that comes from serving others. They know this position requires time and travel, and they encourage me to continue giving back in ways that strengthen our Lodges and our communities.
6: And on the lighter side, what is your favorite refreshing summer drink?
An Arnold Palmer with plenty of ice. It's simple, refreshing, and always tastes better after a hot day spent volunteering.
James Keyser, Colorado Springs #309
1: Why are you running for this office?
I am running because I care deeply about Elkdom and the people who make it strong. I
want to help build on our shared traditions, support our members, and contribute to the
continued growth and success of the organization.
I am running because I care deeply about Elkdom and the people who make it strong. I
want to help build on our shared traditions, support our members, and contribute to the
continued growth and success of the organization.
2: What would be your number one goal to accomplish during your tenure over the next
four years, and what specific skills and experiences do you have that will benefit the
CEA as an officer (e.g., leadership experience, financial knowledge, team building, and
conflict resolution)?
My number one goal would be to empower Lodges across the state with practical best
practices that help them govern their business with confidence, consistency, and
transparency.
I would focus on making governance training more accessible so that every Lodge has
the tools, guidance, and shared understanding needed to operate effectively.
This work calls for steady leadership, clear communication, team building, and the
ability to help people work through questions or concerns in a constructive way. I would
bring those qualities to the role while supporting the CEA’s mission and strengthening
Lodges throughout the state.
ability to help people work through questions or concerns in a constructive way. I would
bring those qualities to the role while supporting the CEA’s mission and strengthening
Lodges throughout the state.
3: If elected, what does a successful year look like for you? What accomplishments
would you like to be able to announce by the completion of the year?
A successful year would include meaningful improvements in how the CEA delivers
training, making it more accessible, practical, and effective for Lodges across the state.
would you like to be able to announce by the completion of the year?
A successful year would include meaningful improvements in how the CEA delivers
training, making it more accessible, practical, and effective for Lodges across the state.
4: How much time do you anticipate the responsibilities of being a Vice President will
require?
I anticipate dedicating whatever time is needed to meet the responsibilities outlined in
the CEA Policy Manual, support the priorities set by the State President, and ensure
CEA members feel heard and represented.
require?
I anticipate dedicating whatever time is needed to meet the responsibilities outlined in
the CEA Policy Manual, support the priorities set by the State President, and ensure
CEA members feel heard and represented.
5: What level of support do you have from your family for taking on this role?
I am fortunate to have the full support of my family as I take on this role. Their
encouragement gives me the confidence and flexibility to dedicate the time and energy
needed to serve effectively.
6: And on the lighter side, what is your favorite refreshing summer drink?
My favorite refreshing drink is an Arnold Palmer, which I enjoy nearly all year long.
My favorite refreshing drink is an Arnold Palmer, which I enjoy nearly all year long.
Steve Rysdam, Littleton #1650
1: Why are you running for this office?
I want to help our Lodges succeed. Because leadership changes annually, we often lose vital information, disrupt ongoing projects, and face misunderstandings. Since my time as a lodge officer, I have been dedicated to learning and educating others within the Order. This passion is reflected in my background in teaching, coaching Ritual, and leading the Elk and Officer training committee.
2: What would be your number one goal to accomplish during your tenure over the next four years, and what specific skills and experiences do you have that will benefit the CEA as an officer?
My primary goal is to make training available to every member. In today's communication age, we have numerous tools to distribute information, and the CEA should leverage them fully to offer education as part of our dues.
During my 31 years as a member, I recognized the critical need for education. My home lodge, Littleton Lodge, served as the beta site for the "leadership development committee" started by PSP Bob Schmitz. That team did excellent work, and we need to bring that level of mentorship back to the CEA. Many members have shared that they simply do not know how to manage tasks within their lodges. As the mentors and educators of the Order, it is the CEA's responsibility to support them.
3: If elected, what does a successful year look like for you? What accomplishments would you like to be able to announce by the completion of the year?
Success means ensuring that Lodge leadership receives the education required to conduct business effectively, without the barriers of scheduling conflicts or the cost of attending CEA quarterlies. Registration for state events should be free, and educational materials should be accessible through both real-time online classes and digital libraries. Our $5.00 CEA dues should cover the cost of educating our leaders.
4: How much time do you anticipate the responsibilities of being a Vice President will require?
Each Vice President is required to visit approximately 13 lodges across the state annually. I plan to visit during Lodge meetings to connect directly with the officers, who are highly engaged with the CEA. Along with attending other state-sponsored events, I anticipate this role will require fewer than 20 hours per week, varying by the week's schedule.
5: What level of support do you have from your family for taking on this role?
My wife, Maggie, and I are both long-time Elks and fully support each other's activities. We belong to different lodges to maximize our involvement. With our children grown, we enjoy traveling together to events.
6: And on the lighter side, what is your favorite refreshing summer drink?
Diet Mountain Dew, either straight or with Crown Royal.
I want to help our Lodges succeed. Because leadership changes annually, we often lose vital information, disrupt ongoing projects, and face misunderstandings. Since my time as a lodge officer, I have been dedicated to learning and educating others within the Order. This passion is reflected in my background in teaching, coaching Ritual, and leading the Elk and Officer training committee.
2: What would be your number one goal to accomplish during your tenure over the next four years, and what specific skills and experiences do you have that will benefit the CEA as an officer?
My primary goal is to make training available to every member. In today's communication age, we have numerous tools to distribute information, and the CEA should leverage them fully to offer education as part of our dues.
During my 31 years as a member, I recognized the critical need for education. My home lodge, Littleton Lodge, served as the beta site for the "leadership development committee" started by PSP Bob Schmitz. That team did excellent work, and we need to bring that level of mentorship back to the CEA. Many members have shared that they simply do not know how to manage tasks within their lodges. As the mentors and educators of the Order, it is the CEA's responsibility to support them.
3: If elected, what does a successful year look like for you? What accomplishments would you like to be able to announce by the completion of the year?
Success means ensuring that Lodge leadership receives the education required to conduct business effectively, without the barriers of scheduling conflicts or the cost of attending CEA quarterlies. Registration for state events should be free, and educational materials should be accessible through both real-time online classes and digital libraries. Our $5.00 CEA dues should cover the cost of educating our leaders.
4: How much time do you anticipate the responsibilities of being a Vice President will require?
Each Vice President is required to visit approximately 13 lodges across the state annually. I plan to visit during Lodge meetings to connect directly with the officers, who are highly engaged with the CEA. Along with attending other state-sponsored events, I anticipate this role will require fewer than 20 hours per week, varying by the week's schedule.
5: What level of support do you have from your family for taking on this role?
My wife, Maggie, and I are both long-time Elks and fully support each other's activities. We belong to different lodges to maximize our involvement. With our children grown, we enjoy traveling together to events.
6: And on the lighter side, what is your favorite refreshing summer drink?
Diet Mountain Dew, either straight or with Crown Royal.
TRUSTEE
Central Northwest District: Keith Butts, Arvada #2278
South District: Kyle Carpenter, Creede #506