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 - Penny Geishert / (Ed)
Coldwater Lodge #1023
Cell: 517.617.7721
sp@mielks.org
Penny Geishert began her active history with the Elks in June of 1977 when she met Ed Geishert, Jr. Ed had just become the Inner Guard of Coldwater Lodge No. 1023, so she was by his side as he moved up in the chairs at the Lodge, working events and helping Ed memorize the Ritual of the Order. When she decided to join the Elks as a member in October of 1999, she became one of the first three women to join the Lodge. She became Lodge Secretary in January 2000, just three months after being initiated. She then served two terms as Exalted Ruler from 2006-2008. After two successful years as Exalted Ruler (2006 was our 100th Anniversary year with many celebrations), she was again installed as Lodge Secretary in 2008 and holds that office to this day.
She has held many different offices and chairmanships in the District, State and Grand Lodge. She was the District Secretary for 10 years, Co-Scholarship Chair for the District, State Elks Training Chairwoman for 3 years, and served for 6 years on the State Board of Trustees, finishing her tenure as Chairwoman of the Board. She held the office of DDGER in 2019-2020 for the Southeast District of Michigan.
Penny is a graduate of Western Michigan University where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with a triple minor in Sociology, Integrated Creative Arts and Elementary Education. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade for 28 years with the Coldwater Community Schools, then substitute taught for thirteen more years in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.
Penny has been married to Ed Geishert for 40 years. Ed and Penny have three grown children (Paul Geishert, Torey Russell, and Michael Geishert) and seven grandchildren.
1st Vice President - Michael HD Bowman
Tawas Area Elks Lodge #2525
Cell: 810.560.1249
1vp@mielks.org
Michael’s journey in Elkdom began as a member of the Port Huron Lodge #343, having joined on October 24, 1996. He is now a dedicated member of the Tawas Area Lodge #2525. Since his first year at the Tawas Area Lodge #2525 in 2012, he has shown exceptional commitment to the organization. His leadership skills were recognized when he served as the Exalted Ruler in 2016-2017, showcasing his ability to inspire and guide others. In 2015-2016, Michael’s talent in the Ritual competition earned him the prestigious title of All-American Leading Knight at the Grand Lodge. His passion for the Michigan Elks Charitable Grand Fund (Gold Key) is evident, as he has been an active member of the committee since 2014, eventually becoming the chairman in 2022. This dedication reflects his deep commitment to giving back to the community and
supporting charitable initiatives. In addition to his lodge responsibilities, Michael has also taken on various roles within the District, including serving as DVC and DVP, as well as holding the position of Northeast DDGER twice in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. He has contributed his expertise to the Leadership Development & Education Academy, further demonstrating his commitment to personal and professional growth within the organization. Outside of his Elks Lodge involvement, Michael’s passion lies in education. With 28 years of experience as a K-12 principal, he currently serves in this role at Hale Area Schools. His dedication to education is evident in his desire to be a part of the LDEA, where he can continue to contribute to the development of future leaders in the field. Michael is a proud father of three children and five grandchildren, each of whom brings joy and fulfillment to his life. His family values are evident in the relationships he has cultivated with his loved ones, and his commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond his professional and volunteer work. In summary, Michael’s exemplary leadership, dedication to charitable causes, passion for education, and commitment to family make him a valuable member of the Elks community. His contributions to the organization and beyond are truly commendable, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
2nd Vice President - Michael Bartolotta
Macomb Lodge #2292
Cell: 810-441-6098
2vp@mielks.org
Mike has dedicated over 19 years of his life to the Elks organization, making significant contributions at various levels. His journey began in 2006 when he joined the Warren-Sterling Heights Lodge #2292 as a member of the House Committee. Over time, he progressed through the ranks, assuming positions such as Lecturing Knight, Loyal Knight, and Leading Knight.
In recognition of his exceptional commitment, Mike was elected as the Exalted Ruler for the lodge in both 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. During his tenure, he demonstrated outstanding leadership and was instrumental in fostering a sense of community and charitable work within the lodge.
Expanding his influence beyond the local level, Mike actively
participated in the Metro District. He served as a member of the Metro District Gold Key Committee since 2015 and held positions including District Safety Officer, District Vice
Chairman, and District Vice President. His dedication to accident prevention and his role as Esquire showcased his commitment to ensuring the well-being of members.
In 2018/2019, Mike took on the responsibility of District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, further solidifying his impact within the Elks organization. He provided guidance and support to lodges within his district, promoting unity and cooperation among members.
Recognizing his expertise and dedication, Mike was appointed to various statewide committees. He has been a valuable member of the State New Lodge Development Committee since 2019, contributing to the growth and establishment of new lodges. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in assisting the Pontiac-Waterford Lodge #810 with downsizing and transitioning into a new facility.
One of Mike’s notable achievements as a Special Representative was successfully facilitating the merger of Mt. Clemens Lodge #2124 with Warren-Sterling Heights Lodge, resulting in the creation of Macomb Lodge #2292. The newly formed lodge has gained recognition for its philanthropic endeavors and community outreach programs in Macomb County.
Mike’s commitment to the Elks organization extended to statewide leadership roles. He was elected as a State Trustee in 2019 and assumed the position of Chairman in consecutive years. Under his guidance, the MEA Trustees prioritized fiscal responsibility, enhanced member programming, and increased funding for Grand Lodge and State initiatives.
To further enhance his knowledge and expertise, Mike has completed numerous Grand Lodge Courses, including Local Lodge Officer Training, Local Lodge Secretary Training, DDGER Certification, and Board of Directors, Lodge Trustees & House Committee Course. His dedication to continuous learning is evident as he has achieved Honor Roll status in each of these courses.
Outside of his Elks commitments, Mike enjoys a fulfilling personal life. He has been happily married to Justina for over 30 years, and together they have three married daughters, Jeff and Miranda Hancock, Nick and Alyssa Chase, and Kevin and Brieana Burgos. Their family has been blessed with four grandchildren, Rosemary, Dean, Mariella, and Bella, who bring immense joy and happiness to their lives.
Mike’s unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Elks organization have made a lasting impact on the community and the lives of its members. With his upcoming role as Vice President, there is no doubt that he will continue to inspire and lead with excellence.
State Officers
Co-Hosts of the President's Suite Michael & Justina Bartolotta
