Officers of Osman Shrine

The Divan or board of directors, headed by the Potentate (president) for his one-year term, runs Osman Shrine. As a potentate comes into office he appoints the Outer Guard to the Appointive Divan. Under traditional practice, he moves up the ladder each year via appointments from the in-coming Potentate to the offices of Captain of the Guard, Marshal, and 2nd and 1st Ceremonial Masters. He then stands for election each year for the offices of Oriental Guide, High Priest and Prophet, Assistant Rabban, Chief Rabban, and finally Potentate. Thus, a Divan member usually has at least nine years of experience in Shrine leadership before he assumes the highest office.

Two other Osman Nobles are elected annually to the Elected Divan, the Treasurer and the Recorder. The seven elected Nobles are the Board of Directors entrusted with governing Osman. Osman members also elect three Nobles as Trustees to manage invested funds.

Other officers appointed annually by the in-coming Potentate include:

• Chief of Staff - who, assisted by any Assistant Chiefs of Staff and Marshals, is responsible for the activities of the various units, especially at parades.
• Chaplain - invokes the blessing of the Supreme Architect of the Universe at meetings and events.
• Circus Director - who heads a very large volunteer staff of Nobles and their ladies to present the circus. It must be noted that circus funds are used to support Osman, and are not given to Shriners Hospitals for Children, and are therefore not a chartable tax deduction.
• Ceremonial Director - assisted by the Director's Staff Unit, is responsible for the ceremonials and for most of the rolling stock used in parades.
• And all special event chairmen
   

2012 Osman Shrine Divan (Click on name to send an email)