The following post is an article by A.S.K. The writer that wrote the article below is not affiliated with Smolin in any way.
Anyone who has had the pleasure to meet John M. Szczomak, of the Passaic Valley Elks Lodge #2111, quickly realizes that he has a passion to serve and help others in need. He devotes a great deal of time and energy for children and adults with disabilities and struggling veterans who have served our nation.
It is no wonder that after twenty-three years of faithful service to the community and state, Mr. Szczomak was voted the next president of the New Jersey Elks Association. “I am honored that the members of the New Jersey Elks Association have chosen me for this important role," said John M. Szczomak.
" I was initiated into the Passaic Valley Elks Lodge #211 in August of 1994. I was installed as an esquire for the fraternal year of 1995 to 1996. Within a short period of time, I served as an esteemed Loyal Knight and then Leading Knight. In my roles I served on almost every committee at the lodge, including Chairman of auditing, by-laws, lodge activities, membership, bar and national veteran services. In 1998 I became the Exalted Ruler which enabled me to be actively involved in different committees in our lodge. This extended into serving the district,” he explained.
While John’s positions have changed in the lodge, north district and the state, his passion to make a difference for vulnerable children and individuals struggling has remained the consistent driving force.
“During my college years, I interned at Smolin, Lupin & Co., LLC. To this day, I am employed there. Seven years ago I was promoted to partner. I have been blessed with a great family, education, job, and my beautiful wife, Jody. With all of this, I felt it was time to help those who were less fortunate.
My passion is to help bring support to homeless veterans, children with special needs and wounded warriors,” John continued. “In 2002 I moved on to district chair committees and was installed as the North District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.
It was a great honor in representing my lodge as Exalted Ruler and then as District Deputy. After time, I decided it was time to broaden my experience, so I served as State Treasurer. I have held this position since 2009.”
“In being State Treasurer my responsibilities include advising the state on how to invest our charity funds, maintain accurate books for each charity accountant and help individual lodges with auditing questions, banking and financials."
“My new role as President of the New Jersey Elks Association officially begins on June 3, 2017. My responsibilities will be to work with the vice presidents of each district to ensure that lodges are following proper procedures and protocols. Additionally, I will work closely with our State Chairperson to support various committees and programs. I will also ensure that we continue to successfully uphold the Elks’ long-standing tradition of fundraising for those in need. What’s more, I will represent our great state of New Jersey at conventions whether in our home state or at the grand lodge in July that will be held in Reno, Nevada. There are so many important roles. These are just a few of the key ones.”
“My main mission as president will be to create greater community presence statewide. I believe by putting time in our communities, we will create a greater awareness of our charitable programs. Ultimately, this awareness will foster an increase in membership.”
John is a graduate of William Paterson University with a B.A. in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey, a partner at Smolin, Lupin & Co., LLC and currently the Co-Chairman of the Human Resources Department and Chairman of the Administration Department.
He has served the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency (NJEDDA) from 1999 to 2012 as a Board Member and as Board Chairman from 2002 to 2004. He was Chairman of the Finance Committee from 2004 to 2012. He had been a financial advisor to the Board of Directors from 2012 to the present.
He is an active member of the NJ Society of Certified Public Accountants since 1990. He formerly served as Trustee, Vice President and State Treasurer.