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Meet the Divan
The Divan is the “board of directors” or “executive council” of the organization, and serves as the management team for both fraternal and business activities of the Shrine. Each Shrine Center has its own Divan, and the minimum number of Divan members is set by Imperial by-laws at five, with each of these being elected by the Nobility (membership). Therefore, all Shrine Centers have at least five members on the Divan.
Dennis Bryant
Potentate
(727) 639-3261
Dennis Bryant was born and raised in the home town of the Kentucky Derby and Louisville Cardinals, Louisville, Kentucky. Right out of high school he became involved in the electrical trade. Simultaneously he became a volunteer for his local fire department and rose to the rank of Captain. By the end of the early 80’s, Dennis was appointed VP of Operations by the company he was working for at the time. Then traveling national wide he would oversee, performing work and insure the customer’s needs were met and that the work done was right.
In 1994 Dennis Bryant decided it was time to start his own business. Also offering work nationally, this grew into a multi-million dollar business. Community involvement having always been a part of him, in 2003 he joined Harry R. Kendall lodge in Louisville, becoming Lodge Master.
The Kosair Shrine being the next natural step, he joined and became Director of Uniformed Bodies for the Shrine in 2006. By the end of 2006 he and his wife, Kathy, moved to Florida permanently and invested in another electrical trade business. The residential electric franchise, which was sold in January 2020, had also grown into a multi-million dollar business.
During his time in Florida, he joined the East Gate Lodge and became Master of that Lodge in 2010. He served as treasurer there through 2018. In 2007 he joined the Egypt Shrine where he has performed duties such as President of the Greeters, President of Trike Patrol, President of Pinellas Shrine Club, as well as Treasurer of the greeters. Currently, he belongs to the Pharaohs and is an Honorary Member of the Provost Guard. He has worked with the Imperial Shrine as a coordinator of volunteers for program sales for the East/West Shrine Game since they have been held in Tampa. In addition to that, he has volunteered to work in Shriner’s Village during Imperial sessions to help promote the Shriner’s Hospitals.
Dennis Bryant has been involved in leadership roles and philanthropy throughout his life.
In his free time, Dennis enjoys flying and is a pilot of 40+ years. He currently holds a commercial license in single-engine and multi-engine aircraft with an instrument rating as well as being a certified flight instructor. He and Kathy have been married since the early ’80s and have a lovely daughter, Kristen.
Mark Miles
Chief Rabban
(813) 787-3739
Mark D. Miles was born in Portsmouth, Virginia and grew up in the rural Piedmont of North Carolina. Following a several semesters at Campbell University, he joined the U. S. Army and after serving in both enlisted and officer ranks, and retired from active duty in 2007 after 22 years of service. During that time, Mark was stationed at a number of overseas and stateside locations to include: Germany, England, Korea, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tampa, Florida. He has held an array of leadership and staff positions and is a combat veteran from Operation Desert Storm.
Mark was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason at Creasy Proctor Lodge #679 in Fayetteville, North Carolina in October, 1998. In November, 2003, he became a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason as a member of the Armed Forces Valley of Leavenworth, Kansas. He is also a dual member of Brandon Lodge #114. In December 2004, he was accepted into the Fall Ceremonial Class at Egypt Shriners. Since that time, Mark has served on the Appointed Divan for a number of years; once as the Second Ceremonial Master and then as First Ceremonial Master for nine separate Potentates. Mark was appointed as an Ambassador in 2007 and has been actively involved with multiple units, committees, and activities.
Mark’s education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management, a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership, and a graduate Certificate in Program Management. He is currently a doctoral candidate pursuing his Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership.
Mark is married to Tara Miles and together they celebrate love, life, and laughter with Elisabeth, Kathleen, Parker, Jackson, and Devon.
Jeffery Zelesnekar
Assistant Rabban
813-857-4567
Jeffrey T. Zelesnikar was born in Johnson City, New York. Graduated from Easton Area High School in Easton Pennsylvania. Moved to Tampa in the summer of 1989 and Started as an Apprentice in Jewelry under his Grandfather and Uncle. Opened his own Jewelry Store in 1994 and has been in business ever since. Was raised to the sublime degree of masonry in the Winter of 1999, Hillsborough Lodge # 25.
10 years ago, was given a certificate from Port Tampa Lodge as an Honorary Life Member 1
Became an Egypt Shriner in Summer 2000 with John Massey as Potentate.
I did not become active until 2009 /2010 when I joined the Keystone Kops.
Was Chief of the Kops 3 Years from 2012-2014 and in this time as Chief Tripled membership in the Kops.
Was also President of the Wheels Association
President of the Honor Patrol
In charge of Circus Accounting (when at Tampa stadium) for 4 years and in charge of ticketing then and now (Kops have since taken it over as a unit)
Member of Sultans for 4 Years
Hospital volunteer for the last 4 plus years
Was elected to represent Egypt Shrine on the Tampa Hospital Board of Governors 2 years ago. Will be an associate for 3 years and Has a 9-year full member term.
Hospital head representative for Shriners for the Concourse d’ Elegance For the first two years in existence
Hospital representative for Rock-it-Kids, Cd sales volunteer coordinator
Member of the Event coordinator hiring committee
Head project leader on the Oasis committee. Now joining the Divan of Egypt Shrine to grow membership and brotherly love.
James "Jim" Ullery
High Priest and Prophet
727-647-3391
Jim Ullery was Born and raised in the hometown of the world-famous Indianapolis 500-mile race, Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended Indiana University and studied business administration.
Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and received an honorable discharge in 1972.
Jim’s Business background began in 1971 where he spent eleven years working for the company that invented the Time and Temperature display - Jim started as a District Sales Manager selling Time and Temperature and Message displays to financial institutions in Indiana. Jim moved to Chicago and managed a Sales team in six midwestern states and then moved to Florida and managed a sales team in eleven southeastern states. Jim was transferred to corporate headquarters in Spokane Washington and held positions of national sales training manager, special projects manager, and national product manager for a new LED display product.
Jim Started his own business in 1982 known as LEDtampa – Products are, Design, Sales, Consulting, Installation and Maintenance of LED message displays, and signage. LEDtampa has many accomplishments including installation of several spectacular LED Message displays in a major Theme Park in Orlando, Florida.
Masonic Background – Jim was Raised a MM in 2003 at East Gate Lodge in Palm Harbor Florida. Served as Worshipful Master in 2007, 2008, 2015, served as lodge Secretary for ten years, served on the District Deputy Grand Master traveling committee for six years.
Shrine Background – Jim became a Shriner in 2005, Served as President of Egypt Shriners Greeters, President of Pinellas County Shrine Club, Vice President of Egypt Shriners Sultans, and Volunteer coordinator for East Vs. West Shrine Game at the Trop in St. Petersburg. Jim Served as Assistant Toastmaster and other committee assignments.
Lady Debbi and Jim have four children, and three grandchildren.
Jim’s spare time includes participating in Adventure Trail Runs and working on his BMW E36 M3 Automobile.
Robert Joseph ”Joey” Davis Jr
Oriental Guide
Joey Davis was born in Charlotte N.C. but grew up in Easley S.C. He was a Shrine kid from the age of 9 months to 21 yrs old. The Shriners Hospital for Children did so much for me as a child, Joey is forever grateful to the Shriners. He attended the University of South Carolina. Majored in Marketing.
Moved to Tampa Fl. In 1989 where he worked in several sales positions. He started his life long career in Financial Services in 1996. Started own company, Harbour Financial Group, Inc. in 2000 where he has helped clients for over 20 yrs develop and maintain budgets, financial and retirement planning, life insurance and investment advisory services by growing and maintaining assets under management. He holds both a Life and Health insurance license from the state of Florida and Series 65 securities License from the Securities Exchange Commission.
His Masonic Career includes being raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on November 20th, 2012. At Hillsborough Lodge No. 25. Appointed to Tyler in 2014, Appointed to Senior Deacon in 2015, Elected Junior Warden in 2016, Elected Senior Warden in 2017 and Elected Worshipful Master in 2018. He is also a member of the Scottish and York Rite. Recently, elected an Officer in the Chapter of Rose Croix in the Scottish Rite.
He became a Shriner on June 1st, 2013. He is active in the Shrine and belongs to several clubs and units including the Keystone Kops, Sultans, and Provost Guard.
He has been married to his lovely wife Marcia for 22 years and currently lives in Apollo Beach. He has three dogs Murphy, Lily and Dean “Dino” Martin. In his free time, He enjoys parades and has been a member of the Rough Riders since 2009. He and Marcia enjoy boating and traveling and especially to the Keys. He is also an avid reader and enjoys reading history.
Reginald J. Guier
Recorder
(727) 385-0318
Noble Reggie was born in Springfield Missouri and lived between Kansas City and his farm in Cross Timbers Missouri. Reggie Started his leadership abilities by being involved in Scouting and obtaining his Eagle Scout Award and of obtaining 3 Palms after that. Reggie is a Graduate from Central Missouri State University with B.S. in Administrative of Justice Degree. He became a member of a Service Fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. Reggie moved to Florida in 1992 and Married his love of his life, Maureen, in 1996. Reggie is currently a Broker in Real Estate for his Company Tranquil Bay Realty, Inc. and a Mortgage Loan Originator for Executive Mortgage Group. Reggie worked for Egypt Shrine as the Office Administrator from 2006 – 2014.
Reggie was raised a Master Mason December 2, 2000 from St. Petersburg, Pinellas Daylight 385. Reggie Joined PTF United #153 on 12/08/2020 after Pinellas Daylight dissolved as a Blue Lodge. Reggie joined Egypt Shrine June 8, 2002 and joined the Trike Patrol and Became President in 2005. Reggie became a Horary member of the Motor Patrol and Competed in Imperial Competition During the year 2004 taking 3rd Place Trophy home. The love of riding Harley Davidsons continued with Reggie joining the Pharaohs Unit in 2006 and becoming the President in 2010 with a 1st Place Win at the Denver Imperial Session in 2011. In Year 2012 Reggie was President of the Honor Patrol. Reggie completed the St. Petersburg’s York Rite Bodies and is current member of Scottish Rite, 32nd Degree, Honor Patrol, the newly established Conch Club and Pinellas Shrine Club, Ambassadors Shrine Club, Yes Club and a chartered member of the Stolen Souls Masonic RA and Charter member of the Egypt Shrine Sultans. Reggie Served the Nobility as Potentate of Egypt Shrine during the Centennial Year 2018.
Reggie has participated and been a member of several committee’s including Membership, Tree of Life Golf Tournament, Inter-krewe council, website, circus and many fundraising and events where members were needed. Reggie was Instrumental in the Purchase and Closing of Egypt Shrine’s current Property located at 5017 E. Washington St. Tampa, FL.
Maureen Guier is very active in Shrine participation both Social and Professional. She is a member of the Daughters of the Nile and Ladies of the Oriental Shrine. She is retired from Shriners International / Membership Department.
James "Jamie" Lowrance
Treasurer
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