KAPPA ALPHA ORDER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Senior Councilor and Trustee
Job Titles:
- KAOEF - Chief Development Officer
Andrew previously served the Order as an education & leadership consultant and associate director for chapter development. Andrew rejoined the Kappa Alpha Order staff after working for several years in the online education industry in Austin, Texas.
He has attended numerous KA national and regional educational events, helping to lead and facilitate them as well. He has attended the NIC Foundations Seminar, the AFP International Conference on Fundraising, FRMT‘s Risk Management College and the FEA Field Staff Conference.
Andrew is from Hereford, Texas. He received his Bachelor's degree in Public Relations from Texas State University (2003) and his Master's degree in Communication Systems Management at Angelo State University (2006).
Andrew enjoys playing golf, tennis, snowboarding, reading, travel, and watching professional and college sports.
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the Executive Director
Anita is the Assistant to the Executive Director. She started working for KA in September 2008, as the Fraternity Services Coordinator before transitioning into her new role in September 2017.
She was born in Lexington, Virginia but lived in Atlanta, Georgia for 14 years. While there, she worked for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Anita is the proud mother of one son, Jacob.
She likes spending time with her son, friends, and family, going to JMU football and basketball games, and spending time at the beach.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Services
Anthony M. Graziani (Zeta Pi-Florida Gulf Coast '07) serves as the Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Services where he leads the chapter services department including supervising the Director of Chapter Operations, Director of Chapter Development, Director of Risk Management, Director of Community Engagement, Associate Directors for Chapter Services/Development, and the Fraternity Services Assistant. He also manages the Order's services and support to chapters, educational curriculum, risk management education and enforcement, as well as expansion and recruitment.
Anthony previously served on staff as an Associate Director for Chapter Services during the 2011-2012 academic year, and as the Director of Chapter Development from 2014-2016. In 2016, Anthony was elevated to the Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Services position where he has served since then.
Before returning to the KA Staff in 2014, he left his prior position as an Account Manager for Gartner, an IT research and advisory firm. He has also served as the Zeta Pi Alumnus Advisor and Number I, 2010 E. Fleming Mason Memorial Intern, IFC President and Student Body Vice President while an undergraduate. In 2023, Anthony earned an Executive Master of Public Service and Administration from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- 37th Knight Commander
- KAOEF - Executive Vice President
Ben currently is the KAOEF's Executive Vice President. But most importantly, he served as the 37th Knight Commander of Kappa Alpha Order. He has volunteered for the Order since 1984. After local chapter volunteer positions, he served as the South Carolina Province Commander from 1991-95 and then as a member of the Executive Council from 1995-2007. Ben spent 22 years in the automobile business prior to joining the staff of the KAOEF in January 2008. He is a native of Lexington, S.C., and was born in Greenwood, S.C.
Ben graduated from Clemson University in 1982. He enjoys Clemson athletics, water and snow skiing, hiking, reading, and politics. He is an avid tennis player.
Ben currently is the KAOEF's Chief Development Officer. But most importantly, he served as the 37th Knight Commander of Kappa Alpha Order. He has volunteered for the Order since 1984. After local chapter volunteer positions, he served as the South Carolina Province Commander from 1991-95 and then as a member of the Executive Council from 1995-2007. Ben spent 22 years in the automobile business prior to joining the staff of the KAOEF in January of 2008. He is a native of Lexington, S.C. and was born in Greenwood, S.C.
Ben graduated from Clemson University in 1982. He enjoys Clemson athletics, water and snow skiing, hiking, reading and politics. He is an avid tennis player.
What do you enjoy most about working for KA?
It is rewarding to see young men be afforded the experiences and opportunities which will better prepare them for life beyond their college years. KA also helps to mold their character and values system, as well as promote friendships that stay with these young men throughout their life.
What is your favorite KA story?
Hearing numerous stories from men of all ages who tell me that if it were not for KA, they would never have succeeded in business or been as productive as a parent or community leader. I hear these stories from all across the country. It never gets old hearing of the impact KA has had and continues to have with our members.
What impresses you about working for KA?
The high level of dedication and commitment from our KA staff and volunteers is rewarding because it energies me. I also continue to be impressed by the quality of the young men we attract into KA all across the country. Again this aspect reinforces the fact that we are providing opportunities and services that young men want and expect from us.
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
Job Titles:
- Member of the Chapter Leadership Team
Job Titles:
- Associate Director for Chapter Services
Originally hailing from The Woodlands, Texas, Brandon graduated in May of 2023 with a Bachelor's Degree in Media Arts with a minor in Marketing. He served as Number VIII in his chapter and held the position of Assistant Entertainment Director at his university's local television station, North Texas Television. His interests include filmmaking, history, football, fishing, and gaming.
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
Brent Buswell (Beta Eta-Oklahoma '09) is the Director of Communications. He previously served as an Associate Director for Chapter Services serving Forester, Frampton, Mikell, and Smith Provinces from June of 2014 to January 2015. After a six month stint as Associate Director for Communications, he was promoted to the Director of Communications in May of 2015.
From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Brent was initiated in fall 2009, and served his chapter as Number I, III, V, and IFC Congress Delegate. He graduated in May of 2013, with a BBA in Marketing from the University of Oklahoma.
He is a 3-year member of the Crimson & Gold Society, a member of the Loyal Order, and a Forever KA participant. Brent has been inducted into the Ammen, Candler, Hamilton, Locke, Mikell (Duncan), Smith, and Wood Courts of Honor.
Brent was elected to the board of the Fraternity Communications Association in 2020 as Director of Finance and was reelected to a second term in 2022. Additionally, he has served two terms as president of the Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees, one term as the 87th State President of the Virginia Jaycees in 2021, as a National Vice President for JCI USA (national Jaycees) in 2022, and as Master of Mountain City Masonic Lodge No. 67 A.F. & A.M. in 2022. In November 2023, Brent was voted Volunteer of the Year as part of the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce's 2023 People's Choice Awards.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Executive Director for Alumni Affairs
Brent joined the Kappa Alpha Order National Administrative Office in 2000 as an Educational and Leadership Consultant and had an unbelievable experience traveling the Order with six other consultants. He served as Director of Educational Programming from 2002 - 2014 where he assisted with the implementation of Crusade RoundTable and Crusade Program, Number I's Leadership Institute, Enhanced Province Councils, Emerging Leaders Academy and Stewards of the Order. Brent was elevated to the position of Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Services on June 1, 2014. He oversaw the entire chapter services department which consists of the Director of Leadership Education, Director of Chapter Development, and the Chapter Services Consultant programs. Additionally, Brent provided supervision and guidance of all of the Order's chapter-related programs.
On July 1, 2016, Brent was named as the Assistant Executive Director for Alumni Affairs, succeeding Michael Wilson (Alpha Theta-Transylvania '00) who departed the staff on July 15 to take the position of Chief Financial Officer of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). In this new role, Brent will direct the alumni engagement of the Order, which includes providing support to Alumni Chapters, Courts of Honor, and local Housing Corporations, assisting in the recruitment of Alumni Advisory Committees, coordinating alumni education, and overseeing the management of properties owned by the Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC).
Brent is a member of the Ammen, Candler, Crawford, Hamilton, and Wood Courts of Honor. He is also Loyal Order member and participates with ForeverKA and is a member of the Crimson and Gold Society. Professionally, he is a member of the Fraternity Executives Association (FEA) where he received his 10 Year Member Award in 2012.
Brent graduated from Western Kentucky University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies with an emphasis in secondary education. Brent was initiated by Epsilon Theta Chapter and served several leadership positions.
Job Titles:
- Director of Financial Operations
Brianne Tillotson is the Director of Financial Operations for Kappa Alpha Order.
Brianne was born in Clarksville, Va. She's been with her partner Jeff Hamilton for ten years. They have three beautiful four-legged girls; Nova-7 years; Kaya-5 years; Mina-2 months old. They currently reside in Buena Vista, Va.
Brianne started working for Kappa Alpha Order on May 9th, 2005, a few years after graduating from Roanoke College in 2002. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Concentration in Accounting. In September 2004 Brianne earned her certification as a CPA.
When Brianne isn't crunching the numbers for KA or the KAOEF, she enjoys reading, kayaking, hiking, movies, crocheting, cross-stitching, and sewing. Annually since 2008, she has worked at each KAOEF Bid for Brotherhood auction and attended Conventions in 2005, 2009, 2011, and 2013.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- 41st Knight Commander
Simmons has been involved in several educational, civic, and professional organizations. He attended Washington School in Greenville, Mississippi, for his primary and secondary education and serves today as a trustee of the Washington School Foundation. He is a former member of the board of directors and immediate past president of the Highland Club at Lake Washington, Mississippi, the oldest incorporated social club in the State.
A champion of the United States Farmer, Brother Simmons, on behalf of U.S. Department of Agriculture, has officially represented the soybean and rice industries on five continents and in numerous countries. Additionally, he is: Mississippi State's alumni representative to the Association of Public Land Grant Universities; a long-time board member of the Delta Council, an 85-year old organization focused on the promotion of agriculture, flood control, and development of transportation systems in the Mississippi Delta; the Governor's appointee and vice-chairman of the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board; appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to represent Mississippi on the United Soybean Board, the federal entity responsible for the oversight and annual disbursement of more than $100 million to promote soybean production and market development; and, a former member of the Mississippi Rice Council board of directors, representing his stated on the board of the Rice Federation, a global advocate for all segments of the U.S. rice industry.
Upon graduation, Simmons joined the staff of the National Administrative Office in Lexington, Virginia, as an Educational and Leadership Consultant and visited chapters in every province in the Order. Upon his return home to join his family's farming business, he became Alumnus Advisor to Beta Tau Chapter and served in that capacity until 2005, when he was elected as the Commander of the Irwin Province. After three years of service as Irwin Province Commander, Simmons was elected by the Advisory Council to the Order's Executive Council in 2008 serving continuously on that board to the present. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation since 2014.
He is the recipient of the Knight Commander's Accolade, and a member of multiple Courts of Honor. A long-time ritual lecturer and former Model Initiation Director, he authored the Stewards of the Order Program to ensure the initiation ceremony is conducted in a uniform way and to preserve the ritual unaltered. He has a strong appreciation for and knowledge of the history of the Order and the Kappa Alpha Laws.
Simmons resides in Tribbett, Mississippi, and is a communicant of St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Indianola.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director for Chapter Services
Christopher from Naples, Florida graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University this May with his Bachelor of Science in Business Management. While at FGCU, he served as the chapters IX, and II also working as the Vice President of Philanthropy on the Interfraternity Council and then President a year following. Prior to the National Office he worked for R.D. Johnson Construction in Southwest Florida. He enjoys spending time fishing, hunting, and with his family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Traylor Province Commander
While in college at Eastern Kentucky University, Collin served the Delta Mu chapter as Number IV (corresponding secretary) and Number VII (parliamentarian) as well as the University's IFC President. He then spent time on the national administrative staff as an Educational Leadership Consultant from 2000-2002. Colling has been inducted into the Candler Province Court of Honor. Residing in Richmond, Kentucky, he works for US Bank as a branch manager.
In 2008, Colling was appointed to serve as John S. Candler Province Commander. In 2022, Idris R. Traylor, Jr. Province was reconstituted to include its pre-existing boundaries of Ohio and Indiana along with Kentucky from Candler Province, which was merged, and West Virginia from Hamilton Province. Following that merge, Collin was appointed as Traylor Province Commander.
Job Titles:
- Director of College & University Relations
Originally from Austin, Texas, Cooper graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in December 2020 with a bachelor's degree with a double major in history and geography. As an undergraduate, he served as the Number III for two consecutive terms. Cooper enjoys hunting, playing golf, fishing, and watching sports in his free time. Cooper joined the National Administrative Staff in May 2021 as an associate director for chapter services and was promoted to Director of College & University Relations in May 2022. In his current role, his primary responsibilities are to manage the expansion and recolonization strategy for the Order.
Job Titles:
- Crawford Province Commander
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- 40th Knight Commander
Darren S. Kay was born and raised in Sayre, Oklahoma and then attended Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri where he was initiated into the Alpha Eta chapter in 1988. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting, Business Administration and Economics. Darren is an assurance partner in EY's Financial Services office, where he has specialized in the insurance industry during his 25+ year career. He currently serves as a leader in EY's Americas Health Insurance practice and is a frequent speaker on insurance industry topics.
Beginning in 2000, Darren served as Commander of Henry C. Chiles Province prior to his election to the Executive Council in August 2007 and as Senior Councilor in August 2012. Darren serves on the KAOEF Board of Trustees and is a recipient of the Knight Commanders Accolade. He also serves on the Audit Committees for Kappa Alpha Order and the KAOEF. He is a member of several Province Courts of Honor. At the Sesquicentennial Convention Darren was elected the 40 th Knight Commander of Kappa Alpha Order. On a personal note, he is a thoughtful and conscientious leader and we are fortunate to have him at the helm. Darren resides outside of Indianapolis with his wife, Karen, and two KA legacies, Allen - who is currently a freshman at High Point University and was recently initiated into the Zeta Phi Chapter of KA, and Mason - who is a freshman in high school.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Ammen Province Commander
Darron E. Franta (Gamma Tau-Sam Houston State '90) has served as Commander of Samuel Zenas Ammen Province since 2015. He received an Associates in Journalism from Lee College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Communications from Sam Houston State University. He joined the National Administrative Office in 1993 where he served as a Consultant for one year, and then as Director of Communications and Editor of the Kappa Alpha Journal until 2000. He served as Deputy Chief Alumnus from 2011 until 2015 and was elected Chief Alumnus by the Alumni Conference during the Sesquicentennial Convention. Darron has also served as the President of the Richmond, VA Alumni Chapter. He is a recipient of the Knight Commander's Accolade and a member of the Ammen, Candler, Hamilton, Walsh and Wood Courts of Honor. He is a member of the Crimson & Gold Society, the Loyal Order, 1865 Trust and a Forever KA participant, a program he helped launch in 2011. A marketing, communications, and business development professional, he and his wife, Audra, reside in Richmond, Va. He has two children, Gabrielle (a graduate of The University of the South and a member of Theta Kappa Phi) and Davis (an active member of KA's Zeta Theta Chapter at James Madison University).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- 36th Knight Commander
Former Knight Commander David M. Warren was initiated by Tau Chapter at Wake Forest University in 1978. While a member of Tau he served as Number III and Rush Chairman. A long time advisor to Tau Chapter he also served the Order as Deputy Chief Alumnus and as Commander of the Ed Chambers Smith Province from 1985 until 1991. Former Knight Commander Warren was elected the Executive Council in 1995 and named as Senior Councilor in 1997. Elected as the Order's 36th Knight Commander in 2001, Warren served until 2003. Concerned with improving the relationship between the Order and the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation, Former Knight Commander Warren reorganized the structure of the KAOEF and consolidated the administrative duties of both organizations. Operation Crimson Gift, an Order-wide blood drive was established during his term. Professionally, Former Knight Commander Warren is a specialist in business and consumer bankruptcy law and resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. He also serves as a trustee of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Councilor
David T. Martineau V (Alpha Upsilon-Mississippi '88) served as Number I at Alpha Upsilon, Province Commander for the Henry J. Mikell Province, Alumnus Advisor for Beta Lambda at Southern Methodist University, President of the Dallas Alumni Chapter and Preceptor of the Emmett Lee Irwin Court of Honor. David was first elected to the Executive Council in 2019 at the 78th Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He is a member of the Mikell and Irwin Court of Honors. David is President of Martineau Petroleum, Inc. and serves on boards of various professional associations as well as several philanthropic organizations. He resides in Austin, Tx., with his wife, Ali and their daughters, Caroline and Katie.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Chairman and CEO of Springs Creative
- Chairman of Springsteen Capital
- Councilor
- Member of the Loyal Order
Derick was elected to the Executive Council at the 80th Convention in Orlando, Florida in 2023.
Derick Springs Close graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State University in 1982, and in 1990, Derick earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Derick is Chairman and CEO of Springs Creative, a diversified private textile and creative service business, with interests in retail, technical, and digital markets. Located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Springs Creative's logistics operations have distribution and quality control activities in the Carolinas, California, and global service offices in Shanghai.
Derick also serves as Chairman of Springsteen Capital and as President of Springsteen Properties and Springsteen Logistics. He serves on the executive board of the Springs Companies, the Carolina Regional Business Authority, the Charlotte Regional YMCA Board, the UNC Global Board, the Palmetto Business Forum, and the Board of Trustees of Johnson and Wales University. He was previously on the Trustee Board at North Carolina State University, and the UNC System Board. He served as Chairman of the South Carolina Business Alliance, and as the Chairman of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Alliance. He is a member of Young Presidents' Association, Young Presidents' Association Gold, and Chief Executives Organization.
He is a past partner in the Carolina Panthers and current partner of the Winston Salem Dash, a Minor League Baseball Team.
Derick is a member of the Loyal Order, has been inducted into the Smith and Frampton Province Courts of Honor, and is a 10-year member of the Crimson & Gold Society. He was also a donor to the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation's "Honoring our Past, Securing our Future" campaign. In 2011, Derick was first elected to the KAOEF board, serving in numerous capacities including Chairman since 2019.
Derick and his wife Sallie reside in Charlotte, North Carolina, and have three adult children: Baxter, Claude, Craddock, and one grandson, Jack.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Commander of the Daniel
- Neal Province Commander
Doug Hanisch is the Commander of the Daniel R. Neal Province, encompassing the Western Empire of Kappa Alpha Order (a term first coined at the 1949 Convention in Pasadena, California). As a two-term Number I (president) of his chapter, he had also served as a committee chairman for multiple committees, including philanthropy and IFC. Doug worked for the national administrative office from January 2002 until May of 2003 as an Educational and Leadership Consultant. He currently lives in Englewood, Colorado with his wife Cori and two daughters, Avery and Bergen. Doug works in the banking industry in Denver.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Senior Councilor
Job Titles:
- Duncan Province Commander
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Chairman of the Alpha Omega Chapter Alumni Advisory Committee
- Corporate Senior Product Manager for National Carwash Solutions
- Smith Province Commander
As an undergraduate, Dustin served his chapter as philanthropy chair, alumni relations chair, and Number IV for three terms. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business Management and Agricultural and Environmental Technologies in 2012.
After graduation, Dustin worked for the Kappa Alpha Order National Administrative Office from 2013 to 2016, serving as an Associate Director for Chapter Development then as Director of Leadership Education.
Dustin is currently the corporate Senior Product Manager for National Carwash Solutions, North America's largest equipment, service, and cleaning solutions provider in the car wash industry. In this capacity, he is directly involved in the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition of the NCS brand portfolio.
Dustin currently serves as President of the North Carolina Professional Carwash Association, and previously served as the President of the Lexington-Rockbridge Junior Chamber (Jaycees).
Dustin has served as chairman of the Alpha Omega Chapter Alumni Advisory Committee, he is a member of the Loyal Order and the 1865 Trust, and is a 10-year member of the KAOEF's Crimson & Gold Society. He has been inducted into the Candler, Duncan, Hamilton, and Smith Courts of Honor.
Dustin lives in his hometown of Roxboro, North Carolina with his wife, Katie Ann.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- National Chaplain
Dwain Knight is the current National Chaplain of Kappa Alpha Order. He was inducted into the William A. Walsh Court of Honor for meritorious service to the Order in 2007. He is recognized as a Steward of the Order and a member of the Loyal Order. Brother Knight is an ordained minister, who resides in East Texas, and he is a high school teacher and coach.
Job Titles:
- Lecturer
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Program Coordinator
- Dunwody Province Commander
Preston Pritchett is a lecturer and program coordinator in the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University. Preston previously served as an Associate Director for Chapter Services on the National Staff. While an Active Member at Auburn, he served as the Number IX, New Member Educator, Province Undergraduate Chairman, and was a member of the Auburn Tigers Football Team. Preston received both his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and his Master of Science in Business/Marketing Education from Auburn University and worked in their Office of Greek Life for two years. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Global Leadership at Troy University. He is a member of the Loyal Order and the Crimson & Gold Society. He and his wife KeLeigh reside in Troy, Alabama.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Hardeman Province Commander
Job Titles:
- Director of Chapter Operations
Evan joined staff in May 2018, after graduating from Arkansas Tech University with a degree in broadcast journalism. There, he and his chapter brothers worked to re-establish the Epsilon Zeta chapter. Since then, his efforts have focused mainly on the cultivation of the Order's provisional chapters, and assisting these chapters in their goal of regaining their charters. Evan hopes to continue to serve the Order to the best of his abilities in his new role as Director of Chapter Operations.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director for Chapter Services
Evan graduated from Baylor University in December of 2022 with a double major in Political Science and Philosophy, and a minor in Business Administration, with a focus on the pre-law track. He served as Number I, Number II, and Number VI. He enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, snowboarding, hiking, surfing, and smoking barbecue.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Locke Province Commander
Job Titles:
- Associate Director for Chapter Services
From 2017-2019 Garrett earned an Associate of Arts at Santa Fe College in his hometown of Gainesville, Florida. After his first two years of college, Garrett transferred to George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. At GMU Garrett earned a B.S in Information Systems Operations Management (ISOM). As an active brother, Garrett served as Rush Chair for three semesters, two of which he served as the chapters Number IV. In addition, he was a chapter facilitator in making and maintaining Sorority and Fraternity relations. Prior to joining the National Office Staff, Garrett served as Supply Chain Support and Vending Machine Specialist for Fastenal Companies AWS Account.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Feller Province Commander & National Scholarship Officer
Job Titles:
- Associate Director for Chapter Services
From Grapevine, Texas, Greyson graduated from the University of North Texas in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater with a Concentration in Performance. As an undergraduate, he served as Number IV, Number V, and Number VII. His interests include football, reading, chess, carpentry, and history.
Job Titles:
- Hardeman Province Commander
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Irwin Province Commander
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- 32nd Knight Commander
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- 38th Knight Commander
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- 35th Knight Commander
James Ward Wood was born on December 26, 1845, in rural Hardy County, Virginia (now in West Virginia). He was the fifth generation of Woods to farm the land near Lost River and his grandson Bill Wood, (who continues his KA legacy as an Alpha Chapter initiate) occupies the family land and the Woodlawn home today. Wood was apparently studying law when his part of Virginia entered the Civil War. He was blessed with a fantastic home library which was wide and varied. While his education was not as formal as we know today, he had a rich and broad base of learning. This was accomplished by his intense reading and study of all types of literature. As a young man, Wood was very dignified and deferential, engaging and friendly. In 1864, Wood joined Company F of the 7th Virginia Cavalry.
It was, in part, Lee's acceptance of the presidency of Washington College, and a new job as the head master of the Ann Smith Academy for girls that caused the well-respected Reverend John A. Scott to move his family to Lexington in 1865. Rev. Scott's family had once lived in Hardy County and was intimate with the Woods for two generations. Wood's father recognized his son's natural intellect and high moral character and sought to formalize his education. He also believed that his son would profit under the influence of the Rev. Scott, a Presbyterian minister respected throughout Virginia.
Wood made his way to Lexington and arrived on campus on October 10, 1865. He wrote home several days later, advising his brother that he "lodged in the College … in Room No. 4 of ‘Paradise'" (the name given by the students residing there to the building now known as Robinson Hall). Wood quickly became a member of the esteemed Washington Literary Society and was known for his poems and essays that appeared in the campus paper. He soon became known as the "College Bard" on campus. He also was known to enrich his conversations by quoting Biblical scripture and lines from literature. He was impressed with phrases that he had not heard before and sounded unique. Sometime before the close of the spring semester, Wood received permission from his father to leave campus and board about a mile away at Sunnyside, the residence of Will Scott's aunt. It was while Wood was walking to school in the fall of 1866 that Samuel Zenas Ammen actually first met him. Ammen overheard Wood repeating a Latin phrase (which was the motto of Wood's first ritual) and translated it for him. It was this phrase that Ammen later drew inspiration from to develop the great theme of Kappa Alpha Order. In an 1866 essay that Wood read to Alpha Chapter, he gives insight into his thoughts on the purpose of his young K.A. Fraternity: "Let us be just, charitable and good. Let us be great by the prayers of widows and orphans rather than by their tears and lamentations. Let us be of one mind and faith, let us banish all that is evil and cling to all that is good. Let us pull together and pull hard, but above all things let there be no doubt that we are pulling right."
Because of the manner of his upbringing, Wood had a preference for activity and doing things that he enjoyed, at his own pace. Wood was not used to organized study. Ammen perceived Wood as "seeing the allegorical; the deep meaning; and, the symbolism" of things. Unfortunately, Wood did not take to the environment of a formal education that Robert E. Lee was shaping as the new president of Washington College. In January of 1867, Lee communicated to the Wood family that Ward Wood was not benefiting from his studies at Washington College. Accordingly, Wood was called home by his father and resigned his chapter office as Number III on January 25, 1867. On February 1, Wood called his brothers together at the main building of Washington College and made a departing speech and a small presentation to the fraternity that he helped create. Wood remained at home at Woodlawn until 1871, becoming a Master Mason in his local lodge in 1869. He then began travels in the West and migrated to Missouri where he took part in the Grange Movement. In 1875, he returned to Woodlawn where he raised blooded stock. He married at the age of 40 and eventually had eight children. In addition to being a farmer and rancher, Wood became a justice of the peace, school board president, county judge, surveyor, and notary public and representative in the West Virginia State Assembly. He died on January 7, 1926, and is buried in the Ivanhoe Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Lost River, West Virginia.
William Nelson Scott was born in Houston, Virginia, on September 25, 1848. He was introduced to Wood by Rev. Scott, and the two young men became fast friends. He joined in Wood's evolving effort during the fall of 1865 to form a new society on campus. When the group formally organized, Will Scott, because of his impressive personality, was personally selected by Wood to be the fraternity's first president. He worked with Wood to guide the fledgling "lodge" through its trying first year. While it was Wood who first met S. Z. Ammen, it was Will Scott who convinced him to join the group of seven in October of 1866. Ammen said of Scott, "I have never seen any in equal to him in charm of voice, in solemnity of manner, in dignity of demeanor, or in general impressiveness in the initiatory customs." Will Scott presided over Ammen's initiation. After departing Washington College, Scott entered Union Theological Seminary, where he completed his study and became a Presbyterian minister in 1872. After heading a parish in Richmond, Virginia, for a few years, Scott moved to Galveston, Texas, where he led the First Presbyterian Church for nineteen years. During that time, he also served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Austin College. After surviving the Great Hurricane and Flood of 1900 that decimated the island and killed thousands, he returned to Staunton, Virginia, where he served as pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church until his death on June 3, 1919. Like Wood and the other founders, he also became a Freemason. He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Executive Director for Advancement and Editor of the Kappa Alpha Journal
Jesse S. Lyons (Delta Alpha-Western Carolina '98) serves in the position of assistant executive director for advancement.
Jesse is responsible for the Order's comprehensive communications and marketing efforts. He leads public relations activities, including brand management, publication creation, and digital media, along with the national website, for both internal and external audiences. He serves as primary spokesperson for the Order, unless circumstances demand the Executive Director, managing all media relations. He oversees the Loyal Order, the Order's official licensing program, and official online store, KAonlinestore.com. He is the Editor of The Kappa Alpha Journal, and he is the supervisor of the Director of Communications.
Jesse helps direct the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation's communications efforts, to include much of the same duties as with the Order.
Jesse previously served as the Director of Communications since January 2011. Joining staff in June, 2002, Jesse first served as an Educational & Leadership Consultant. In fall 2003, he became a Chapter Development Consultant, and in January 2004, he was promoted to Director of Chapter Development. In this role he led the creation and recolonization of 23 Active Chapters, and assisted in starting seven more provisional chapters in January, 2011 he became the Director of Communications.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Chapter Leadership Team
- Recruitment
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Knight Commander
King V. Aiken, Jr., was initiated in 1983 by the Kappa Chapter at Mercer University where he served as the Number I. After graduating from Mercer in...
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Councilor
Larry Stanton Wiese graduated in 1990 with honors from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
He graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1995 with a Juris Doctor and is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia. He currently serves the Order as the Executive Director and General Counsel. He also serves as President of the Fraternity Housing Corporation and President of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation.
Larry was initiated into Kappa Alpha Order while attending Midwestern State University by the Gamma Omega Chapter on January 23, 1987. While an undergraduate member, he served his chapter as both president and vice president. Following graduation, Larry served Kappa Alpha Order for one year as an Educational Leadership Consultant and as an assistant regional vice president in Texas. He re-joined the staff of Kappa Alpha Order in July of 1995, as assistant executive director. He was named interim executive director in November of that year, and his official appointment was finalized on February 15, 1996.
Larry is a past president and a former member of the board of directors for the Fraternity Executives Association. He is also a founder, past president, and board member of the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee and founder and current President of the Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund. Larry also serves as the Fraternity Executives Association Liaison and board member for the Southeastern Greek Leadership Association (SGLA).
He is a former vice-chair for the Non-Profit Organizations Committee of the Torts and Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association, and a former Vice President of the Rockbridge County, Virginia Bar Association. He is also a past president and board member of the Lexington Downtown Development Association. He is a past president and former member of the board of the Historic Lexington Foundation and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Larry is married to Dawn, a member of Delta Delta Delta and current board member of the Grils Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council. The marriage ceremony was held on the grounds and gardens of Mulberry Hill on June 25, 2011. Their daughter, Jillian, is a 2022 graduate of Kenyon College (with honors) in Economics and Russian and where she was initiated into Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. Jillian currently works in Washington, DC in government consulting.
Larry's interests include architecture, traveling, history, politics, aviation and his reading interest include all of the above.
Job Titles:
- Risk Management Consultant
Linda Wright joined the National staff as a Risk Management Consultant, March 2023. A long friend of Kappa Alpha Order, Linda has been helping national fraternity headquarters, fraternity chapters and individual fraternity members navigate the difficult world of claims and litigation for 30 years. She has spoken at numerous fraternity leadership programs as well as headquarters staff training events. She believes strongly in the value of the fraternity experience and has been a vigorous advocate.
Job Titles:
- Fraternity Services Assistant
Lorin Wilhelm joined the National Staff on September 26, 2022, as an administrative assistant. Lorin is a Rockbridge County native and worked for the Rockbridge County Public Schools at Central Elementary as the school secretary for 15 years prior to joining the KA staff. She and her family are the proud owners of Kenney's of Lexington, a hometown favorite. She enjoys spending time with her family and crafting.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director for Chapter Services
Luke, a native of Indiana, graduated from Purdue University in May 2021 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Agriculture. As an undergrad, he had many roles within the chapter serving as the Number IV, oversaw the social media accounts, and engaged often with chapter alumni searching for ideas, suggestions, and experiences. He was also involved on campus with the Agronomy club as well as being a loyal fan in the stands for all football and basketball games. Luke enjoys history especially the Civil War era, running, college sports, agriculture and any topic related to Purdue.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Chiles Province Commander
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Councilor
Job Titles:
- Director of Community Engagement
Marlon Gibson joined staff in January 2020 as Director of Community Engagement. In his role, Marlon develops and facilitates the curriculum for educational initiatives related to the Order's values alignment on campus. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and a seasoned higher education professional and completed his doctorate at the University of Georgia in 2021. Previously he was the Director of Greek Life at Emory University, where the Order recently rechartered our Epsilon Chapter. He holds a bachelor's degree in English, creative writing, and a master's degree in higher education administration from the University of Toledo. Marlon has worked extensively with members of sororities and fraternities across the country. He is married to Dr. Sheree Williams Gibson and they have a son, Adam Patrick.
Job Titles:
- Building and Grounds Assistant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- White Province Commander
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Crawford Province Commander
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Councilor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- National Undergraduate Chairman
Stanhope McClelland Scott, the younger brother of Will, was not enrolled in school during the fall of 1865. However, he was "soon enlisted as he would enter Washington College in January." He was 15 years old at the time of our founding, making him the youngest founder. This occurrence set the minimum age for eligibility for membership in KA, which endures to this day. Stanhope graduated from Washington and Lee in 1871 and went on to study medicine at the University of Virginia. After receiving his medical license, he returned to his hometown to practice. Dr. Scott practiced medicine in western Maryland and northern West Virginia for over 50 years. He was the last of the four original founders to survive. He passed away on September 4, 1933, and is buried at Terra Alta, West Virginia. A leading member of the community, Stanhope was made a Mason in 1871, helped organize a lodge in Terra Alta and was elected its first Master.
Job Titles:
- KAOEF - Director of Development
Tanner L. Gellinger (Zeta Omicron-Southern Indiana '12) is a director of development for the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation. Tanner previously served the Order as an associate director for chapter development from 2016 to 2018. Tanner graduated in May, 2016, with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in sociology. Tanner served as Number I, Number II, and Frampton Province Undergraduate Chairman. His primary responsibility will be to assist in achieving the goal of the Crimson & Gold Society Campaign.
Tanner is a member of the Ammen, Candler, Hamilton, and Traylor Courts of Honor.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Duncan Province Commander
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- National Undergraduate Vice Chairman
William Archibald Walsh was born in Richmond, Virginia, on September 11, 1849. Although Walsh was not present when Will Scott first joined in Wood's idea of forming a new society, he soon was made aware of the idea and joined the effort. It was in Walsh's dorm room that Wood and Scott spent time between classes. The friendship that was cemented focused the group. On December 21, 1865, Wood proposed a toast to the "two Williams" upon which they "swore together" to form a society. Wood wrote, "The principal work of thefirst year was done in Walsh's room. Walsh was bright and capable, and he helped me a great deal, especially in connection with the badge." Because Walsh's family had resources, it is likely that he financed the first seven badges from Lexington jeweler D.M. Riley. After one year at Washington College, Walsh left in June of 1866 to take up his family's business as a merchant. The first document revealing the name of the group as "K.A." was issued to Walsh as a fees receipt in April of 1866. Walsh continued to correspond with Alpha Chapter, even after his departure, and is generally considered to be our first alumnus member. In 1874, Walsh became a Master Mason in Temple Lodge No. 9. Later that year, he traveled in Africa and returned home to Richmond in impaired health. He died in 1876 and also is buried in the Hollywood Cemetery.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Search Leadership Team
- Trustee
- 39th Knight Commander