Michael R. Trantum of Peachtree City was chosen for district leader of the Benevolent and Protective Order (BPO) of Elks at the national convention.

Members across the nation gathered in Anaheim, Calif., for the order's 144th Grand Lodge Convention. During the convention, Trantum, of Union City Elks Lodge No. 1617, was installed as the new leader of the Southwest District of the Georgia Elks Association. Key issues facing the order were also voted on, and members elected their new national leaders.

In addition to helping set the course of the BPO Elks in the coming year, District Deputy Trantum also learned of the order's many national accomplishments. Last year the one-million-plus members of the Elks made charitable contributions totaling more than $200 million (cash and in-kind), which went to support scholarships and educational grants; drug awareness and education programs; aid to the nation's veterans; youth athletics; and the Elks state associations; major projects, which provide funding for everything from cancer treatment and research to shelters for the victims of domestic violence.

As the Elks' national representative for the area, Trantum will now be responsible for working with local Elks lodges to fulfill the order's long-standing commitment to promote charity and patriotism in communities.

In the position of District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Trantum will play a vital role in the workings of the BPO Elks, with duties including the advising of lodges on important internal and business matters, reviewing how national policy is implemented by the lodges in the district, and assisting in the coordination and supervision of Elks' activities on many levels. Trantum's appointment to this key position in the order signals the high confidence that the national officers of the BPO Elks place in his abilities.