Most Excellent Companion Robert Roy Nilsen was installed as Grand High Priest on October 9, 2025. Bob’s Masonic journey started at age 13 when he was initiated into Fairview Park Chapter, Order of DeMolay in November of 1973. Bro. Nilsen served as Master Councilor in 1976, a State Officer for 4 years and is a recipient of the PMC-MSA, Degree of Chevalier and the DeMolay Legion of Honor.

Bro. Nilsen was raised in Fairview Lodge #699 (now John W. Barkley #621) where he served 4 terms as Worshipful Master. He is also a 3-time Past President of the Cuyahoga County Blue Lodge Association.

In the York Rite, MEC Nilsen is a Past Right Worshipful Master of DeMolay Mark Lodge #2, a Past High Priest of Summit-Baker Chapter #74, a past Illustrious Master of Windermere Council #113 R & SM and a member of Forest City & Oriental Commanderies. Bro. Nilsen began his journey through the elected line of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in 2017 when he was installed as Grand Master of the 1st Veil.

MEC & Illustrious Brother Nilsen is a 41 year member of the Scottish Rite with residence in the Valley of Cleveland where is served as Most Wise Master of Ariel Chapter, Rose Croix from 2021 to 2023. He was coroneted a 33° Scottish Rite Mason in August 2025 in Indianapolis.

Other Masonic endeavors include memberships in Al Koran Shrine, The River Chapter OES, Royal Order of Scotland, St. Benedict Conclave - Red Cross of Constantine, Grand Chapter Lodge of Research, Cleveland York Rite College where he is an officer and ritual director and a member of Fowler Council, Knight Masons of Ireland. Bob is also a member of Prokop-Velky Lodge #708 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Bob serves on the Board of Trustees for the Cleveland Masonic Library and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, OH.

MEC Nilsen is a 1978 graduate of Max S. Hayes Vocational High School in Cleveland. He retired in June of 2025 from Summa Health in Akron where he was Manager of Radiology Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Imaging Services.

Bob’s father Roy, who passed away in 2007, was a Meritorious Service awardee of the Scottish Rite Valley of Cleveland. His mother Venita is a Past Deputy Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. She passed 2022. Bro. Nilsen lives in Twinsburg with his wife of 27 years, Sue and dog Sassy.