State Leadership 2025 - 2026 - Michigan Elks Association

The following men and women have been chosen to lead our state. Please support them and help them guide our state.

State Presidents

State President - Michael Bartolotta

Port Huron Elks Lodge #343
Cell: 810-441-6098
sp@mielks.org

Michael “Mike” Bartolotta has devoted over 20 years to the Elks organization, leaving an enduring mark through his leadership and service at every level. His journey began in 2005 with Warren-Sterling Heights Lodge #2292, where he served on the House Committee and quickly advanced through the officer ranks as Lecturing Knight, Loyal Knight, and Leading Knight.
His dedication and leadership were recognized when he was elected Exalted Ruler for two consecutive terms (2010–2012). During his tenure, Mike fostered a culture of charitable giving, community service, and lodge unity.
Mike’s commitment extended beyond his lodge as he became a key leader in the Metro District. Since 2015, he has served on the District Gold Key Committee and held several leadership roles, including District Accident Prevention, Vice Chairman, and Vice President. His passion for member

safety and engagement was especially evident during his service as District Esquire.
In 2018–2019, Mike proudly served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, offering guidance and support to lodges across the district and promoting cooperation and excellence throughout Elkdom.
Recognizing his leadership, Mike was appointed to numerous statewide committees. Since 2019, he has served on the State New Lodge Development Committee, helping to establish and grow lodges throughout Michigan. He also played a key role in assisting Pontiac-Waterford Lodge #810 through a successful downsizing and relocation effort.
One of Mike’s most impactful accomplishments came as a Special Representative, when he facilitated the merger of Mt. Clemens Lodge #2124 with Warren-Sterling Heights Lodge #2292—resulting in the formation of Macomb Lodge #2292. This newly formed lodge quickly gained recognition for its charitable outreach and strong community presence in Macomb County.
At the state level, Mike was elected as a Michigan Elks Association (MEA) State Trustee in 2019 and served multiple terms as Chairman. Under his leadership, the MEA Trustees focused on fiscal responsibility, enhanced programming, and increased funding for both Grand Lodge and state initiatives.
Mike hails from the Port Huron Elks Lodge #343, where he is an Honorary Life Member and proudly continues his Elk journey. In 2025, he was elected to serve as State President of the Michigan Elks Association for the 2025–2026 fraternal year. Representing Port Huron Lodge, Mike brings vision, passion, and unity to lodges across the state—championing membership growth, veterans’ support, and drug awareness.
Dedicated to continuous learning, Mike has completed numerous Grand Lodge training programs—including Local Lodge Officer Training, Secretary Training, DDGER Certification, and the Trustees & House Committee Course—earning Honor Roll distinction in each.
Outside of Elkdom, Mike enjoys a fulfilling family life with his wife of over 30 years, Justina. Together, they are the proud parents of three daughters—Miranda (Jeff Hancock), Alyssa (Nick Chase), and Brieana (Kevin Burgos)—and joyful grandparents to Rosemary, Dean, Jade, Mariella, and Bella.
As Mike leads the Michigan Elks into the 2025–2026 fraternal year, his legacy of service, leadership, and commitment ensures that the values of Elkdom continue to thrive across the state.

1st Vice President - David Cashbaugh

Muskegon Lodge #274
Cell: 231-740-8046
1vp@mielks.org

I am a 3rd generation Elk, initiated by my father PER Dave Cashbaugh Sr. in 1991. I am a life member of Muskegon Lodge #274, having been an officer there all 33 years, including 5 times as Exalted Ruler and 10 years trustee chairman. I have served on numerous committees’ and run the Muskegon Lodge’s largest fund-raising event for many years, 2 special needs kids parties for our local special needs school every year. I run all of our family parties, Christmas, easter and 4th of July. I can often be found in the kitchen cooking or serving dinner at the lodge and consider myself a worker.

I have been active in the Northwest District for many years. I have been DVC, DVP and DDGER and the State NW District Trustee. I have been a chair for numerous state committees. I have a reputation for speaking my mind and standing up for what I believe is right.

I have a master’s degree in counseling psychology and have run my own business successfully for 30 years.

I have been married for 43 years to Patricia and have 4 children Ray (Mary), Brain (Amber), Matthew (Marci) and Amy (Zakk). I have 5 grandchildren, Casey, David, Emily, Nicholas and Makenzie and spend a lot of time with all. We are a very close-knit family.

I enjoy cruising, woodworking, olds cars, golfing, and bike riding in my spare time and giving back to my community.

I look forward to working with all of the Elks in the State, making new friends, and to help us get back to the basics, help use grow, and help move our organization forward to bigger and better things.

I would like to thank all of the people before me who tutored and mentored me and who helped me gain knowledge, understanding and desire to step up and serve the association and its members because “we’re better together”. Thank you to all for trusting and giving me the opportunity to serve this great association and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

God bless our veterans and the Great United States of America!

2nd Vice President - Eric Patmythes

Escanaba Lodge #354
Cell: 906-399-9879
2vp@mielks.org

Eric’s dedication to service and self development began early in life. As a youth, he was active in scouting where he attained the rank of Eagle scout. Upon graduating from Escanaba High School in 1995, Eric enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1999. His service to our country led him to the St. Louis area where he remained for over 17 years progressing both his education and career. His service to the Elks began in 2013 when he made the decision to relocate to his childhood home of Escanaba.

Eric was initiated into Escanaba Lodge #354 on October 26, 2013 . Less than 6 months later, he became an officer in the lodge accepting the position of Lodge Esquire. He took to the Elks like a sponge to water… studying the Constitution & Statutes, reading every manual he could

get his hands on, volunteering for numerous events and asking questions of all the knowledgeable members around him. His leadership skills and dedication to the organization were rewarded the following year when he was elected to his first stint as Exalted Ruler in 2015-2016. He also served his lodge as Exalted Ruler in 2017-2018. Over the past decade, Eric also served his lodge in the positions of Trustee, Leading Knight, Loyal Knight, Lecturing Knight and 3 years as Lodge Secretary.
Eric’s dedication to the Elks quickly led to his active participation in the Upper Peninsula District where he held the positions of Districe Vice Chairman and District Vice President. For multiple years, Eric chaired the district committees for the Elks National Foundation and Lodge Activities. Most recently, he also served the MEA as the U.P. District Commissioner for the Charitable Grant Fund (Gold Key). In 2022-2023, Eric was installed as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Upper Peninsula district, a position he cherished as it allowed him to use his knowledge of – and share his passion for – Elkdom with the lodges of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
In addition to his work with the MEA Charitable Grant Fund (Gold Key), Eric has served at the state leadership level in a role for which his passion runs exceptionally high… the Elks National Foundation. He performed the duties of MEA National Foundation chairman in 2024-2025.
Eric has worked in the Information Technology sector for 29 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in business administration. As an Elk, he’s continued to educate himself and gain knowledge through Grand Lodge courses. He has successfully completed courses for Local Lodge Officer Training, Board of Directors, Lodge Trustees & House Committee Training, Lodge Veterans Chair, Local Lodge Secretary Training, DDGER certification & ENF Chair (local, district & state) certifications.
Eric resides in Escanaba with his girlfriend, Jennie, her 3 children (Ava, Cole & Caden), 2 dogs and 2 birds. He enjoys golfing, working out, woodworking, home improvements and spending valuable time with family & friends. He’s also a sports fanatic and a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. Yes, he’s one of those Upper Peninsula Elk… please don’t hold it against him!
His dedication to the Elks organization, commitment to continuous improvement and leadership qualities have made him a valuable member to his lodge, his district, and to the members of the communities they serve. There is no doubt that impact will now extend throughout the great State of Michigan.