Shriners Membership Team Welcomes New Recruitment Managers

Kevin Wright

Hailing from Las Vegas, Kevin Wright earned a bachelor's degree in business communications from Northern Arizona University, a master’s degree in higher education administration from Lewis & Clark College, and a doctor of education degree in organizational leadership from Northcentral University (now National University). He is a consultant, educator and association leader who partners with professional associations, nonprofits and educational organizations to design and implement strategies that strengthen membership engagement, leadership development, governance and culture. He has reached more than 100,000 learners across five continents through consulting, facilitation and executive education.

What are you excited about in your new role?

I'm excited to connect with other nobles in the Shrine, meet them where they're at and collaborate in ways to further sustain our brotherhood.

How will you be working with temples to increase recruitment?

First, I plan to listen and learn about what's been working and what's been hurting each individual temple. As I gather more context through my conversations with nobles, my goal is to provide insight about strategies, frameworks and programs that are effective, but, in order to do that, there has to be a paradigm shift. Membership recruitment should not be looked at as simply a technical task, but rather an adaptive process. I say that because attracting diverse populations of men into the fraternity is something that requires intentionality, strategy and the audacity to think different and try out new approaches. Lastly, membership recruitment is everyone's responsibility, not just the Divan, and, by having a slight shift in mindset, we can position ourselves to sustain our brotherhood and take the Shrine to the next level.

How will you be supporting temples with membership retention?

This requires a similar approach but with a deeper dive. Any Master Mason who came into the Shrine did so for various reasons. Sometimes, people get caught up in the "honeymoon" phase of their experience because it's new and shiny. However, as time goes on, a person's experience may shift for better or for worse. For the members who don't come around as much as they used to, it's important to understand what led to that happening. Whether it's because of work, school, family obligations, relocation, etc., it's imperative that we don't have nobles feel as though they're being forgotten. Supporting with retention will involve having candid yet empathetic conversations; developing new ways of thinking, learning and operating; and creating sustainable accountability measures to ensure that each temple doesn't lose sight of its biggest asset, the members.

What skills are you bringing to your new role?

With over a decade of experience, I bring skills in consulting, conflict management and organizational leadership development that benefit professional associations, nonprofits and educational organizations to design and operationalize strategies that strengthen membership engagement, governance and culture.

What resources will you be providing to temples?

Several nobles have shared their needs with my team. Based on the feedback we've received, we're currently working on different tools, resources and frameworks we plan to share with nobles throughout this year. Specifically, we are here to complement the work that's already being done by other leaders in the fraternity, not impose on it. Our efforts cannot be accomplished in silos, which is why it's important to navigate the challenges facing the Shrine in a collaborative manner.

Is there anything else you want to mention?

Over the years, I've been involved in multiple conversations where nobles have shared when they don't feel seen, heard, resourced or acknowledged. Being in my current role with Shriners International creates an opportunity for me, while in collaboration with others, to change that. While I'll be present at many regional, national and international events, I understand that not every noble has the ability to attend those gatherings. So don't hesitate to reach out whenever you are able, and we can check in with each other, connect as nobles and collaborate on ways to continue moving our fraternity forward.

Ryan Rosenbaum

Ryan Rosenbaum, a native Philadelphian, graduated from the School of Communication and Theater at Temple University and earned his MBA in global studies at Arcadia University. Nearly his entire career has been spent in association management, leading local, regional, state, national and international organizations as both an executive director and a champion of membership growth. These include organizations dedicated to realtors, remodelers, podiatrists, historic neighborhoods, accountants and a chamber of commerce. Rosenbaum has focused on growing membership groups by initiating engagement efforts, cultivating integral relationships and improving dues-payment-processing systems.

What are you excited about in your new role?

I am excited about working in unison with a team of distinguished professionals in the field of member management. I have learned that, by working with other trusted professionals in the field, it advances everyone’s goals in moving an organization forward. I am proud and excited to be part of this team that will be producing exceptional results for our valued stakeholders.

How will you be working with temples to increase recruitment?

There is a diversified approach to elevating recruitment efforts and helping men graduate to the level of Shriners. A systematic long-term goal is to identify men in their early 20s who may be just graduating school and may be looking to connect to a meaningful society of fraternalism. Of course, that step is helping them get into a Masonic lodge. This also means our focus will be in cultivating strong partnerships with lodge leaders. We also have efforts in helping current Shriners develop their pipeline with nephews, sons and other family members that may have an interest.

We then hope to have a continuation of these potential nobles as they move into becoming Master Masons. Through our media platforms, online services and outreach efforts, we want to consummate the link of Master Mason to Shriner by ensuring our temples have the details to offer a ceremony and develop the new noble.

Lastly, our interface, education and engagement services through both our field ambassadorships and our personal membership services will help our temple leadership feel and value their partnerships with the Shriners International team at headquarters.

How will you be supporting temples with membership retention?

While our focus is on new creations, our oars are paddling in the same direction as we support the services of membership retention. This includes fielding calls and emails of current nobles needing resources, promoting our SIEF courses and recognizing temples who achieve high standards in noble growth and creation via our Hall of Fame Awards program.

What skills are you bringing to your new role?

I have worked for membership organizations for more than 24 years. I consider myself a nerd in this field in that I find enjoyment in following trends, reading periodicals, attending conferences and sometimes offering workshops. What I have learned, preached and practiced is the sense of value. We have nearly 160,000 nobles across the U.S. and beyond. Everyone has a story. While the common thread is their desire to be part of a historic organization, I know that geographics, age, lifestyle and culture change dynamics.

In this role, I offer myself as not only a conduit to this brotherhood, but I lead with empathy, compassion and understanding. Most importantly, value. I genuinely want Shriners to be worthwhile in terms of time, cost and value to everyone. The best way I know how is to reach out to as many nobles as possible or, more specifically, as many potential nobles and to help them realize how Shriners is not only a world-class organization, but it exceeds those expectations of time, cost and value.

What resources will you be providing to temples?

The most fundamental thing that people want is to have clear and expediated communication channels. How often do we call, text or email someone and receive nothing in return? How many hours do we spend spinning in voice-activated customer service centers? One of the key things that my colleague, Dr. Kevin Wright, and I discuss often is our response time – not only in efficiency but in offering resources. We are proud to be the eyes and ears of questions Shrines have for and about Shriners International. More specifically, relaying marketing deliverables, sharing information about free educational courses and helping connect temples with Master Masons.

Is there anything else you want to mention?

I am excited that I chose to be part of Shriners International but even more thrilled that they chose me. This job is challenging but rewarding. While I work remotely from my hometown in the Philadelphia suburbs, you can expect me to be omnipresent at events all around the country and, in the future, at international events as well. Together, we can all help to grow this terrific organization.