Elks National Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Elks National Foundation has 4 executives leading key functions including youth development, community investment, veteran support, and charitable project funding.

Committed to building stronger communities, Elks National Foundation invests in local initiatives to improve quality of life and foster lifelong skills for youth and veterans across the nation.

Leadership Roles at Elks National Foundation

  • Co-Founder and President of the Paramus Antlers - Himani Patel
  • President - Helene Meyers
  • Exalted Ruler and President - David Brooks
  • President - Lance Erickson
  • Himani Patel - Co-Founder and President of the Paramus Antlers

    Himani Patel, the Co-Founder and President of the Paramus Antlers at Elks National Foundation, directs youth engagement initiatives focused on leadership development. By architecting programs that cultivate essential life skills, Patel ensures the next generation gains the tools necessary for long-term success. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional associations to expand the reach of youth-centric charitable projects. Overseeing the operational framework of the Antlers, Patel drives community-based service efforts that align with the broader mission of the foundation. Himani Patel maintains rigorous standards for program efficacy, ensuring every initiative delivers measurable impact within local communities. Through strategic oversight of youth outreach, Patel strengthens the foundation's commitment to fostering civic responsibility. This executive function requires constant collaboration with board members to secure resources for ongoing development projects, ultimately solidifying the foundation's influence in youth-focused philanthropy.

    Helene Meyers - President

    Helene Meyers, the President at Elks National Foundation, manages the strategic allocation of charitable funds to maximize community impact. By overseeing the distribution of grants, Meyers ensures that resources reach critical areas such as veteran support and educational scholarships. This leadership role involves maintaining fiscal integrity while driving the foundation's overarching mission to improve local quality of life. Helene Meyers directs the executive team in identifying emerging community needs, ensuring the foundation remains responsive to evolving societal challenges. Through careful analysis of charitable outcomes, Meyers optimizes the effectiveness of national programs. This position requires frequent interaction with state associations to align local projects with the foundation's core objectives. By championing sustainable growth and community engagement, Meyers secures the long-term viability of the organization's charitable efforts, ensuring that every dollar invested contributes to the betterment of communities where members live and work.

    David Brooks - Exalted Ruler and President

    David Brooks, the Exalted Ruler and President at Elks National Foundation, governs the administrative operations and ceremonial standards of the organization. By directing the internal governance structure, Brooks ensures that all charitable activities adhere to the foundational principles of the Elks. This leadership role involves overseeing the coordination of local lodge projects to ensure consistency with national philanthropic goals. David Brooks manages the integration of community service initiatives, focusing specifically on the expansion of veteran assistance programs. Through active engagement with regional leadership, Brooks drives the execution of projects that improve local infrastructure and social welfare. This executive function requires balancing traditional organizational values with modern charitable requirements to maintain operational excellence. By fostering a culture of service and accountability, Brooks strengthens the foundation's ability to meet the diverse needs of communities, ensuring that every project reflects the core mission of the organization.

    Lance Erickson - President

    Lance Erickson, the President at Elks National Foundation, leads the strategic expansion of educational scholarship programs and student development initiatives. By architecting partnerships with academic institutions, Erickson ensures that students receive the financial support necessary to pursue higher education. This leadership role involves overseeing the selection process for national awards and monitoring the long-term success of scholarship recipients. Lance Erickson directs the implementation of outreach strategies designed to increase participation in foundation-sponsored educational projects. Through rigorous evaluation of program metrics, Erickson optimizes the impact of scholarship funding across diverse geographic regions. This position requires close collaboration with the board to align educational goals with the foundation's broader charitable mission. By prioritizing student advancement and academic excellence, Erickson drives the foundation's commitment to building a brighter future for youth, ensuring that every educational investment yields significant, lasting benefits for the communities served.
    Lance Erickson

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Elks National Foundation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Elks National Foundation?
    Elks National Foundation is led by Himani Patel (Co-Founder and President of the Paramus Antlers), along with executives such as Helene Meyers (President) and David Brooks (Exalted Ruler and President).
    Who is part of Elks National Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Elks National Foundation includes leaders such as Himani Patel (Co-Founder and President of the Paramus Antlers), Helene Meyers (President), David Brooks (Exalted Ruler and President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Elks National Foundation have?
    Elks National Foundation has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Elks National Foundation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Elks National Foundation includes roles such as Co-Founder and President of the Paramus Antlers, President, Exalted Ruler and President, President.