Michael Bryant Appointed Special Deputy GER, North Carolina, Following the Grand Lodge Convention in Kansas City, July 2025
Michael has a proven track record of dedication and hard work in achieving his goals. Growing up in a single-parent home within a working-class community, he learned focus and commitment at a young age from his mother and grandmother. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts and set a state record for his age group in AAU Track. He also played football, basketball, and track in school, serving as captain of all three sports as a senior, which further developed his work habits and ethics. This was all achieved while also working.
After graduating from Granite Falls High School in Granite Falls, NC, Michael enrolled at Lenoir-Rhyne University on a football scholarship. An injury ended his college sports career, but he still graduated in three years with degrees in Accounting and Economics. During college, he worked in scouting and coached high school basketball at the local recreation center. All of this was achieved while working 40 hours a week in two jobs.
True to form, after graduating from college, Michael embarked on another career path, working in insurance claims and claims management for 45 years. He spent 10 years at a large national adjusting firm and Third-Party Administrator in North Carolina and Virginia, where he rose to the position of Regional Manager, overseeing eight officers in Virginia, before relocating to Florida. There, he served as a Large Loss Claims Manager for a national insurer for four years, until he met his wife, Vicky, while visiting his mom and grandmother while home on vacation. Michael then moved back to North Carolina, married Vicky, and started a company that partnered with insurance companies to handle claims with his staff for 14 years. Later, he transitioned to work for one of his clients, an organization specializing in handling claims for municipalities, where he worked for 17 years and ultimately served as the North Carolina Claims Manager. Michael continuously improved his skills through education and earned various specialty certifications, including Associate in Claims, Associate in Marine Insurance Management, Chartered Property Claims Underwriter, and Senior Claims Law Associate, among others. He is a Registered Professional Adjuster and was a licensed General Contractor in North Carolina for over 20 years.
After moving back to North Carolina, Michael was lucky to meet an Elk member who explained the outstanding support that Elks give to their communities. Michael was immediately inspired and has been a dedicated Elk ever since, now being a member for 22 years.
He quickly took on roles within the Lodge. As a new member, he was tasked with chairing the Convention Committee to host the 2005 NCSEA Fall Convention in Hickory, NC. During this time, Local Lodges hosted the conventions. After advancing through the Lodge officer chairs, he had the honor of being elected Exalted Ruler of Hickory Lodge #1654 for the 2007-2008 Lodge year.
Following being Exalted Ruler of the Hickory Lodge 1654, he was elected as West District VP for 2008-2009 and was appointed DDGER Esquire 2009-2010, and as DDGER 2010-2011. Afterwards, he served as Auditor to the DDGER 2012-2013.
Still eager to be involved, he was elected to various state positions, including NCSEA PER Association President-Elect 2012-2013 and NCSEA PER Association President 2013-2014. He was elected as NCSEA President-Elect 2016-2017 and NCSEA President 2017-2018. He has served as Chair of the NCSEA Board of Directors and Chair of the Advisory Board. He is currently Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board. He is also the Chair of the Government Relations Committee, Chair of the Disaster Relief Committee, Co-Chair of the Leadership Training Seminar, Co-Chair of Long-Range Planning, a past chair, and now a member of the Convention/Conference Committee. Additionally, he is a member of the Risk Management Committee and the Scholarship Committee. He also serves as the Past State President Advisor to both the Government Relations Committee and the Risk Management Committee. He is the Secretary of the NCSEA Lodge Development Fund.
Michael was appointed to the Grand Lodge Activities Committee as the Area 3 member in 2020-2021, servicing seven southeastern states, and served on the committee for five years. During the last two years, he was appointed Chairman. He concluded his tenure with the Grand Lodge Activities Committee in 2024-2025.
At the NCSEA Spring Convention in 2025, Michael was awarded the Thad Eure Distinguished Service Award.
Michael supports the ENF program and has been recognized as a Silver Class contributor for his total donations. He is also a member of the Fidelity 150 Club for his recurring contributions and is part of the Loyalty Club for contributing to ENF for over 21 years.
After the 2025 Grand Lodge Convention and Session, Michael was appointed to serve as Special Deputy GER for North Carolina. He is very thankful for this opportunity and looks forward to working with our North Carolina Lodges. Retiring Special Deputy GER John Boyd has laid a strong foundation for our lodges, and Michael aims to carry on that work. John has recently allowed Michael to work with him to understand the responsibilities and depth of this role. For this, Michael will always be grateful.
None of this could be possible, however, without his wife of 32 years, Vicky. Her support and encouragement have been instrumental in his professional and Elk life. There have been many sacrifices in time and family, but she has continued to encourage his love for Elkdom.
