Lawrence J. "Larry" Leib (Imperial Potentate)
Lawrence J. “Larry” Leib, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, is serving his tenth year as a member of the Boards of Directors for Shriners International and Shriners Children’s™. He was elected Imperial Potentate, part of the 13-member body that helps govern the Shriners fraternity, during the Shriners 2026 Imperial Session held July 12-16 in Tampa, Florida.
A third-generation attorney, longtime fraternal leader and passionate advocate for Shriners International and Shriners Children’s, Leib believes the future of the fraternity depends on brotherly love and leading by example.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Leib grew up in a family where service to others was simply a way of life. His father and grandfather practiced law, but they also demonstrated the importance of community involvement and philanthropy. His mother recalls that even as a young boy, Leib enjoyed being at the center of activities, bringing people together and finding ways to help others. Those early lessons shaped a leadership style rooted in listening, encouragement and service.
Family remains the foundation of Leib’s life. His children, Caitlin, 24, and Jenner, 22, are among his greatest sources of pride, and he credits family with helping him maintain perspective throughout his career and years of volunteer leadership. He is also supported by his Lady, Debbie Binder. To Leib, the Shriners fraternity is an extension of the family unit – a brotherhood built on friendship, support and a shared commitment to the fraternity’s core principles.
Leib often jokes that he became both a Mason and a Shriner almost by accident. In 1999, while practicing law alongside his father, he received a call from Moslem Shriners seeking legal assistance. His father encouraged him to take the meeting. Within minutes of sitting down with the Potentate and Recorder, the conversation turned from legal matters to membership. “Why aren’t you a Shriner?” they asked. Before the meeting ended, arrangements had already been made for him to meet with members of Zion Lodge #1, setting the course for his Masonic path. More than 26 years later, Leib recognizes how profoundly that encounter changed the course of his life. He credits his membership with helping him become a better professional, a better community leader and, most importantly, a better father.
Throughout his Shriners journey, Leib has remained deeply committed to the mission of Shriners Children’s. During 11 years of service with the Board of Governors of Shriners Children’s Chicago, he had the opportunity to witness firsthand the life-changing impact of the healthcare system. One experience remains especially meaningful. While Leib was dining with his children, a man noticed the Shriners Children’s logo on Leib’s shirt. The man introduced himself as a former patient and thanked him for supporting the organization. He explained that because of the care he received as a child, he was able to walk. As the man walked away, Leib’s children said, “Dad – we get it.” It was a powerful moment.
A respected attorney, nonprofit strategist and fraternal leader, Leib believes that great leaders are great listeners first. He views leadership as an opportunity to coach, encourage and help others grow. Throughout his career, he has challenged himself and those around him to lead through action rather than words.
As Imperial Potentate, Leib is focused on strengthening temples, growing membership and ensuring that every member understands the value of belonging to the fraternity. He believes the path forward begins with brotherly love – checking in on one another, mentoring new members, welcoming families and building relationships that extend beyond meetings and events. He also believes Shriners should proudly share the story of who they are and what they do, serving as ambassadors for a fraternity and philanthropy that change lives every day.
Leib hopes his legacy will be that of a man who cared deeply about his family, his fraternity and his community; someone who gave generously of his time and talents and led by example. When he thinks about the future of Shriners International and Shriners Children’s, he sees it reflected in the smiles of the children whose lives are changed through the organization’s work every day.
Fraternities and Philanthropy
- Imperial Potentate, 2026-2027
- Chairman, Board of Directors, 2026-2027
- Imperial Chief Rabban, 2025-2026
- Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, 2025-2026
- Imperial Assistant Rabban, 2024-2025
- Imperial High Priest and Prophet, 2023-2024
- Imperial Oriental Guide, 2022-2023
- Imperial Second Ceremonial Master, 2021-2022
- Imperial First Ceremonial Master, 2020-2021
- Imperial Marshal, 2019-2020
- Imperial Captain of Guard, 2018-2019
- Imperial Outer Guard, 2017-2019
- Master Mason, Zion Lodge #1, F. & A.M. of Michigan
- 33rd Degree Supreme Council Honorary Member, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, NMJ
- Gold Member Commanders Circle and Life Member, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite NMJ, Valley of Michigan
- Member, Monroe Chapter #1, Royal Arch Masons of Michigan
- Member, Monroe Council #1, R&S of Michigan
- Detroit Commandery #1 Knights Templar, Past Commander, 2012 (Most Outstanding Commandery)
- York Rite College #1, Detroit, Michigan; Knight Mason Trinity Council #36
- Allied Masonic Degrees, Michigan
- Honorary Legion of Honor, DeMolay International
- Member, Cabiri International
- Potentate, Moslem “Detroit” Shriners, 2015
- Director, Shriners International Iowa Corporation, 2017-present
- Director, Shriners Children’s Colorado Corporation, 2017-present
- Emeritus Member, Shriners Children’s Colorado Corporation
- Secretary Emeritus, Board of Governors, Shriners Children’s Chicago
- Executive Committee, Board of Governors, Shriners Children’s Chicago, 2004-2010
- Member, Donor Relations International Executive Advisory Committee, Shriners Children’s, 2010-2012
- Chairman of Development, State of Michigan, Shriners Children’s, 2004-2009
- General Counsel, Moslem “Detroit” Shriners, 2002-2008, 2010-2013
- General Counsel, Detroit Shrine Circus, 2002-2013
- Michigan State Fair (Detroit Shriners)
- Life Member, Moslem “Detroit” Shriners' Directors Staff and Clown units
- Member, Benevolent Order of the Crab, Claw #7; Detroit Shriners, Tap #1; Sigmund Society #1
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Urban Affairs, Michigan State University, 1990
- Juris Doctor, University of Detroit School of Law, 1993
- Master of Science, Sports Business, University of Michigan, 2000
