GER Bruce A. Hidley & First Lady Helen

Bruce A. Hidley was born and raised in Albany, New York.  Bruce graduated from Cardinal McCloskey High School, and then attended Hudson Valley Community College, earning an A.A.S. Degree in Criminal Justice in 1979.  Bruce worked as an Auditor for the New York State Comptroller's Office for 11 years, and as the City Clerk for the City of Watervliet for over 22 years.  Bruce was elected Albany County Clerk in 2013, re-elected in 2017 and currently serves in that position.

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Bruce joined the Guilderland Elks Lodge No. #2480 in 1980.  In September of 1985, Bruce transferred his membership to Watervliet Lodge No. 1500 and served as Chaplain, Lecturing Knight, Loyal Knight, Leading Knight and then proudly served as the 65th Exalted Ruler from 1991-1992.  Following that, Bruce was a Lodge Trustee from 1993-1997 where he served as the Chairman of the Board from 1996-1997.  In 2002, Bruce served as the President of the State Capital District's Past Exalted Ruler Association.  Bruce remains a very active Member serving on many Lodge committees.  

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On the State level, in 1996, Bruce was appointed to be the Director on the Conference of Private Organization (CONPOR) serving as Vice President and President.  From 1997-2007, Bruce was honored to serve as the New York State Elks Association Government Relations Chairman.  In 2000, Bruce was appointed as a member of the Steering Committee for Amsterdam Lodge No. 101.  Bruce served as the New York State Elks Association President in 2007-2008.  He then served as the Area 1 Government Relations Chairman from 2011-2017.

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On the Grand Lodge level, Bruce served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 2001-2002.  He was installed to the Board of Grand Trustees from 2018-2022.  He served as Buildings Applications East Member, Home Member, Approving Member and Vice Chairman.

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Bruce is also active with many community activities that include The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Albany County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Columbus No. 3394, North Albany Limericks, Board of Directors Watervliet Civic Chest, Watervliet Senior Citizens and as a social member of the C.R.A.B. VFW Post.

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Bruce and Helen reside in Watervliet, New York.  They enjoy camping in the Adirondacks and spending time with their numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.  They will be celebrating 40 wonderful years of marriage.

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Bruce and Helen are excited to have the opportunity to serve as the Grand Exalted Ruler and First Lady of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, making new friends during their travels, and talking about their motto, "Promoting Elkdom With Enthusiasm."  They are honored and proud to work and promote all of the programs in the Elks with great enthusiasm.