State President's Message

Duane “Kip” Clark Jr., Maine Elks Association President 2026-2027, resides in Farmington, Maine with his wife Donna. They have a blended family of 6 children and 14 grandchildren. Kip is committed to family, community, and helping those less fortunate.

Kip became a member of the Farmington Elks Lodge #2430 in 2009. He was encouraged to become an officer and run the chairs from the late Tim Merchant, PER. He worked through the chairs and was mentored by the late Philip O’Brien, PSP in his early years.  At the Farmington Lodge, Kip served as Inner Guard 2009-2010, Esteemed Loyal Knight 2010-2011 and 2019-2020, Esteemed Leading Knight 2011-2012 stepping in as ER mid-year, serving as Exalted Ruler 2011-2015, 2016-2017, and 2025-2026. He held the position of State Trustee for the Farmington Lodge from 2015-2023. He has served as Chairman of the Farmington Fair Committee and Auditor of the Budget Committee; he remains President of the PER Association. Kip has received the MEA Vice President’s Award twice in 2011-2012 and 2012-2013, Making a Difference special citation for 2013-2014, and Outstanding Service Commendation for 2018-2019. Kip remains actively involved at his local Lodge.

At the State level, Kip held the position of State Tiler for Donald Piper, PSP in 2015-2016. He served on the District Deputy Suite under Kathleen Cotterly 2017-2019 & Carlette Eaton 2019-2020, prior to becoming District Deputy for Maine Central himself for 2020-2021. Additionally, he served as a Special Representative to the Grand Lodge from 2019-2021.  Through his tenure at the State level, Kip has received ongoing support & guidance from Claris Ranger, SRGL.

Our new president supports the virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity. He is passionate about supporting the community, from our youth to the elderly and honoring veterans. As an active member of his lodge Kip continues to participate on several committees and supports their fundraising efforts. He can be found at Farmington Lodge on most Friday nights.

Kip and Donna look forward to traveling across the beautiful State of Maine over the next year visiting the different Lodges and meeting the membership, as well as representing Maine at the Grand Lodge Convention in Chicago. They look forward to time spent with old friends while making new on this journey.