Brother Bob Kefalas, 33°, began with Scottish Rite leadership and now, as Senior Director of Member Services and Programs, credits early mentors and works to enhance the Masonic experience.
Brother Bob Kefalas, 33°, dressed as a 33° candidateAt the Scottish Rite, NMJ, every Brother’s journey is unique, shaped by mentorship, fellowship, and a desire to seek more light. For Brother Bob Kefalas, 33°, that journey began unexpectedly—inside the walls of the Supreme Council itself. Unlike many who first encounter Scottish Rite through their local Valley, Brother Kefalas’ first steps were taken right at the heart of the organization, working as a temporary employee at the Supreme Council.
Today, as Senior Director of Member Services and Programs, he brings that rare perspective full circle. He’s seen firsthand the work being done on behalf of our members and understands how deeply it’s rooted in the values of our fraternity.
From those early days, Brother Kefalas’s path has been a testament to how opportunities can open in ways we never anticipate. His story highlights the many possibilities available to every Brother—whether serving locally in the Valley, contributing at the jurisdictional level, or simply deepening one’s own Masonic journey.
We sat down with Brother Kefalas to talk about his experiences, his Scottish Rite journey, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Tell us about your Masonic journey. What brought you to Freemasonry? What brought you to the Scottish Rite and Supreme Council?
I grew up in Greece and moved to the U.S. later in life. When I first started working at the Supreme Council as a temp, I didn’t know much about Freemasonry, ironically.. My boss at the time, Brother David Dill Sr., 33°, was truly a “Mason of Masons” - he lived the values of the Craft through and through. I became curious and began asking him questions about Freemasonry and its values.
Brother Dill, along with other coworkers, encouraged me, guided me, and eventually took me under their wing. I became the first Mason in my family. Brother Dill, who was heavily involved in the Scottish Rite, soon encouraged me to take the next step by joining the Scottish Rite. Doing so gave me a stronger connection with my coworkers and my Brothers.
In November 2021, I became the Director of Member Programs, and today I’m honored to serve as Senior Director of Member Services and Programs.
Tell us about your role as Senior Director of Member Services and Programs. What are your priorities and responsibilities?
My role encompasses all Valley support by giving Valleys the tools and resources needed to serve their members.
My responsibilities include developing and supporting membership initiatives like Thursday Night at the Rite, Valley of Excellence, Pathfinder, and more. I also work to help Valleys find and support new members. At the end of the day, everything we do is focused on strengthening the member experience.
How do you see your work impacting the everyday experience of a Scottish Rite Mason?
One of the biggest joys for members is simply connecting, talking with one another, laughing, and spending time together. I’m proud that my work strengthens those connections by giving Valleys tools and resources they may not otherwise have and recognizing member milestones—birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, or years of membership. Every touchpoint matters.
Brother Bob Kefalas, 33° with Brother David Dill Sr., 33° at training in Coudersport, PAHow do you gather feedback from members, and how does it shape what you create?
Listening has been key to our success. During the pandemic, that approach allowed us to adapt quickly, and programs like Thursday Night at the Rite were born. When members speak, we take that feedback seriously. Their voices directly influence the initiatives we create, and that keeps our work relevant and impactful.
That same commitment to listening continues today with our 2025 Listening Tour, hosted by Sovereign Grand Commander Walt Wheeler. He is currently traveling across the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction on a five-city tour designed to hear directly from Brothers! It’s a crucial opportunity to share ideas, insights, and aspirations for the future of Scottish Rite.
What does your work mean to you personally?
It’s deeply fulfilling. I get to help Brothers make the most of their Scottish Rite experience, bring in new members, and support our community. It’s not just a job, it’s about helping others who feel like family!
The people I work with every day are Brothers in every sense of the word. That makes all the difference.
What excites you most about the future of member services and the impact it could have on the next generation of Masons?
Looking ahead, I’m excited about how the 2025 Listening Tour will shape the future of member services. It’s giving us the chance to learn directly from members - their needs, ideas, and expectations. Too often, Brothers know what’s happening in their Valley but aren’t as connected to the Supreme Council. By listening and responding, we can bridge that gap, strengthen connections, and ensure the Supreme Council truly feels like home for the next generation of Masons.