MCAA Members Honored
Words: Dan Kamys Two MCAA members were recently elected to national offices in the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), a 1 million-member fraternal organization.
Earl Wilford (shown right) from Tuscon, Ariz., was elected to the second-highest office in the Order, while Richard Harris from Charleston, W.V., was elected to the fourth-highest office. Wilford and Harris were elected and installed in their respective offices at the 145th Grand Lodge session in Phoenix and will hold their titles until July 2012, when they will relinquish them to their successors in Austin, Texas.
The resumes of the two gentlemen bear a striking similarity. Both are retired members of the BAC; both are or have been members of MCAA; both are retired contractors, and both are now in real estate and real estate management – Harris in Charleston, and Wilford in Tuscon. Wilford and Harris have served as CEO of their respective lodges, president of their respective state associations, and on many committees at all levels.
Harris has served as West Virginia representative on the MCAA Board since 1975, and chaired the Insurance Committee in the late-1970s. He and his family have been active in the construction market in Charleston since 1907, more than 100 years of continuous involvement. His grandfather arrived in Charleston by train, began working as a mason contractor, and built one of the oldest remaining office towers in downtown in 1911. He also built the office building just across the street. Harris’ father, Evan L. Harris Jr., was one of the 13 founding members of MCAA and attended the first organizational meeting, held on Macinac Island, Mich.