On October 5, 2023, Ryan W. Adams was installed as the 208th Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio. Most Excellent Companion Ryan is the first “Grand Presiding Officer” from the Chillicothe Masonic Bodies since Cecil Blair in 1967, who was Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of Ohio.

Ryan was born November 30, 1980, in Hillsboro, Ohio to William C. Adams, Jr. and Cindy (Clemmons) Echard. He attended Paint Valley Local Schools in Bainbridge, OH and graduated from Ohio University with both an Associate’s & Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management & Economics. He also has post graduate work in Career & Technical Education through Western Michigan University. While being a community banker by trade, Ryan currently manages the Sales Operations group with Computer Services, Inc. located in Paducah, KY where he helps community banks in core processing decisions.

Ryan began his “Masonic Journey” 20 years ago on March 29, 2003, at the Majestic Theatre in downtown Chillicothe at the 2nd Annual Grand Master’s One Day Class becoming a member of Scioto Lodge #6. Membership to the Chillicothe York Rite Bodies followed in May 2003, and membership to the Valley of Columbus AASR was completed in November 2003. Ryan holds a number of memberships in the Masonic Fraternity including Orient Lodge #321 F&AM, Trowel Chapter #70 RAM, Trowel Council #71 R&SM, Rabboni Council #435 Allied Masonic Degrees, Irish Council #67 & Killian Council #106 Knight Masons USA, Kilwinning Council Knight Masons of Ireland, Royal Order of Scotland, Red Cross of Constantine, Thomas Smith-Webb York Rite Sovereign College of North America, Grand College of Rites of the USA, American Union Chapel #16 St. Thomas of ACON, Grotto MOVPER, Chillicothe Chapter #419 & Waverly Chapter #99 Order of the Eastern Star, Lancaster #57 White Shrine of Jerusalem, & Valley Lodge Knights of Pythias. He has received the Honorary Legion of Honor from Ohio DeMolay and the Grand Cross of Color from the International Order of Rainbow for Girls for his service to our Masonic Youth Groups. Ryan is also the current Treasurer of Scioto Lodge #6 and has held numerous offices and afforded many honors in the Masonic bodies he belongs to.

Ryan has been married to Cathy for over 18 years. They have shared in many Masonic adventures during this time and plan to continue the tradition. They love to travel, collect things, and spend time with family.