The Reading Liederkranz is proud to announce the 2025 Board Elections. This is your opportunity to shape the future of our club by nominating yourself or fellow members for leadership positions. Serving on the board is both an honor and a responsibility — a chance to uphold our traditions while guiding our club into the future.
Why Get Involved
Strong leadership is essential to the continued success of the Reading Liederkranz. Whether you have fresh ideas, a passion for community, or experience to share, we encourage you to step forward. By participating — as a candidate, nominator, or voter — you ensure the Liederkranz remains vibrant for generations to come.
Eligibility Reminder
To run for office, a candidate must be a member in good standing for at least 18 consecutive months prior to January 1, 2026, the start of the new term. If you nominate another member, please be sure they meet this requirement and are willing to accept the nomination.
Election Day Details
Elections will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025. Voting will start at 5 PM and polls will be open until 8 PM. All voting members are encouraged to attend and make their voices heard. Full details on the voting process will be communicated closer to the date. You must have your valid membership card with you when voting.
Offices Up for Election
All offices listed below are elected for a two-year term, with newly elected officers taking office on January 1, 2026.
President
Leads the club, presides over meetings, represents the club in external relations, ensures bylaws are followed, signs official documents. 👉 View Full Job Description
1st Vice President
Supports/ Advises the President, steps in when the President is unavailable, helps coordinate club activities and special events. 👉 View Full Job Description
Financial Secretary aka (Membership Secretary)
Maintains membership records, handles dues and financial correspondence, prepares membership reports. 👉 View Full Job Description
House Trustee
Oversees the clubhouse and property facilities, coordinates maintenance and repairs, ensures safety and usability of club infrastructure. 👉 View Full Job Description
Kitchen Trustee
Responsible for the kitchen area operations — cleanliness, equipment maintenance, coordination with event planning for food service. 👉 View Full Job Description
2025 Candidates:
Running Unopposed
President - Jon Linton
House Trustee - Jake Emes-Hanson
Voting Required
1st Vice President - Glenn Keehn and Mike Stuber
Financial Secretary - Mike Miller and George Fultz
Kitchen Trustee - Carl Kerchner and Zachary Rinker
You Asked and We Listened below is more information on the upcoming Candidates for the 2025 Elections
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Glenn Keehn
Member Since:
2008
Why are you running for the position?
I served in the position of 1st Vice-President since just last summer, having been appointed when the individual in that position moved to another role. With that brief exposure, I feel that I would like to continue supporting the Club by providing leadership and direction by serving in this capacity on the Board.
What is the most important thing you want to accomplish in this role? Although my ancestors immigrated several hundred years ago from the Rhineland, I feel a strong connection to the Germanic culture and a strong desire to preserve those traditions. I see the Liederkranz as a social club with that specific purpose. That being said, sustainability must also be prioritized. To me that means being a welcoming organization that is cooperative and generous within its community and a good steward of its resources. I look forward to debating ideas in an intelligent and respectful manner and finding consensus among the Board for the long term viability of the Club, its membership, staff and volunteers and will conduct myself in that manner if elected to this position.
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Mike Stuber
Member Since:
Member for 26 plus consecutive years.
Why are you running for the position?
I have put a lot of time and effort volunteering at the club, mainly construction projects, i.e., Stammtisch, outside bar, exterior & interior lighting project, outside cooler, to name a few. I believe my knowledge and experience would be an asset to the Board and benefit the club.
What is the most important thing you want to accomplish in this role?
I would like to help the Board make more informed decisions and entice more members to become active volunteers. If it was not for membership this club would not exist, and the club cannot exist without active volunteers.
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Mike Miller
Member Since:
July 2013
Why are you running for the position?
During my tenure as the financial secretary, I have maintained accurate and well-organized membership records, including monthly and yearly trends, donations, and member updates, which I present at all Board and General Membership meetings. With more than 2,000 members worldwide and a history of promoting German culture, the Reading Liederkranz is a truly unique organization. I would be honored to continue supporting its success by ensuring every member – new or longstanding – feels connected, informed, and valued.
What is the most important thing you want to accomplish in this role?
My priority is to support strong member engagement by ensuring membership processes are accurate, efficient, and welcoming. I aim to make joining and staying involved simple and positive—from greeting new members personally to maintaining a reliable database and improving communication. Plans include continuing enhancing the member experience by clarifying benefits, assisting with outreach, and supporting events that bring our community together while preserving the warm, inclusive atmosphere that defines the Reading Liederkranz.
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George Fultz
Member Since:
I have been a member of the Reading Liederkranz since 2013.
Why are you running for the position?
I am running for the position of Financial Secretary because of a strong commitment to preserving the club’s rich German cultural heritage and all it has to offer to its members, both new and old. I am dedicated to ensuring that the club’s unique culture continues to thrive and grow for future generations.
What is the most important thing you want to accomplish in this role?
As Financial Secretary, my primary goal would be to support the continued growth of our membership by ensuring that members experience clear, tangible benefits from their involvement in the club. The Liederkranz relies significantly on its members to sustain and support events throughout the year, and I recognize the importance of keeping our membership engaged and active. I would also work to expand our membership rolls through the strategic use of various online platforms and outreach efforts. As Financial Secretary I would always provide prompt and courteous service to anyone with a membership related issue or inquiry. Finally, I would consider it a personal responsibility to help maintain the club as a welcoming place that embodies a strong sense of Gemütlichkeit, just as it has for the past 140 years.
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Zachary Rinker
Member Since:
2018
Why are you running for the position?
Over the past seven years, I’ve taken on several leadership roles within the club, including serving as assistant kitchen trustee and running the outdoor kitchen for Oktoberfests and other events. I also hold a certificate in culinary arts and have completed courses in restaurant management. My experience includes working in kitchens of various sizes—serving groups of 400 or more and catering intimate dinner parties and weddings. Beyond the club, I’ve held leadership roles at Penn State, in Scouting, and with the Teutonia Lodge Masons. I want to use this combined experience to help the club continue to grow.
What is the most important thing you want to accomplish in this role?
I want to strengthen the club’s food operations into a true community experience. The Liederkranz is known for Oktoberfest and beer, and under Mike Borst and Scott Thomas the food program has grown significantly. I aim to build on that by increasing patron turnout and filling our dining room through improved consistency, speed, and variety. I will also place special focus on expanding our catering efforts. By partnering with local businesses and supporting community events, we can share German heritage and culture through our food in exciting new ways. Our potential is limitless!
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Carl Kerchner
Member Since:
October 2024; Employee since June 2025
Why are you running for the position?
I have thoroughly enjoyed helping out at RLK, both as an employee and as a volunteer. With the elected position of Kitchen Trustee available, I see an exciting opportunity to give back to the club and provide leadership within the organization. I have relevant experience, having worked as a line cook for several years (many years ago) and enjoyed the fast-paced atmosphere within a kitchen. In this role, I hope to gain knowledge related to the business aspect of the organization.
What is the most important thing you want to accomplish in this role?
I want to learn about the business and its inner workings so that I can bring a fresh perspective to help RLK become even more successful.
Committee Support
The Election Committee is here to ensure a smooth and fair process. Please contact us with any questions or concerns:
Rick Dillinger (Chairman)
Brad Swisher & Michelle Swisher (Assistants)
📧 elections@readingliederkranz.com
