Illustrious Potentate 2025

Illustrious Sir, Ryan C. Otis

Potentate Ryan C. Otis was born on October 8th, 1981, in Waynesboro, PA, to Noble Richard and the late Lady Vickie (Weaver) Otis. A graduate of Waynesboro Area Senior High School with the class of 2000, Noble Ryan played football and was a member of the track and field team. He attended Maine Maritime Academy from 2000-2001 and played two seasons for the Mariners football team. In January 2002, Ryan moved to Belfast to live with his grandfather, Shriner Lewis (Gene) Weaver, to help with his care.

In the fall of 2002, Ryan joined the coaching staff of Troy Howard Middle School and Belfast Area High School, where he coached basketball, softball, and track and field. He substitute taught in the Belfast schools over the next several years while continuing his education at UMaine Orono and the University of Maine Augusta.

Ryan worked at Rackliffe Funeral Home and Camden National Bank before starting a career in the investment world with R K Lindell & Company. He joined Rollie's Inc in 2008 before forming The Otis Group Inc in 2010, and he and Lady Brooke own and operate Rollie's Bar and Grill and Rollie's Remote Catering. He joined West Waldo Enterprises in the fall of 2013, Rand Lewis LLC in 2015, and continues to operate The Otis Group Inc.

Ryan married Brooke (Hutchins) Otis in 2009 and welcomed sons Thatcher Rand in 2010, Jedsen Lewis in 2012, and Archer Ryan in 2014. They reside in Belfast, close to work and schools, and enjoy family time in the summers on Swan Lake boating, tubing, jetskiing, and barbecuing. The boys enjoy basketball, baseball, and have spent time on the gridiron, and just being together wherever their travels take them.

Ryan has a proud Shrine membership legacy with his late grandfather Gene (Anah), his father Richard (Zembo), and his brother Chad (Zembo, and soon to be Anah). He joined Belfast Lodge #24 in 2003, raised by Illustrious Sir Guy Chapman. He served as Master in 2013 and currently serves as treasurer. Ryan joined the Scottish Rite in 2006 prior to joining Anah Shrine under Illustrious Sir Richard Hallet in Mars Hill. He was appointed membership chairman by Illustrious Sir Tyler Dunning and served as chairman and co-chair until being appointed Anah Shrine Director of Athletics by Illustrious Sir Chuck Kennedy. He was appointed to the Directors Staff by Illustrious Sir Bill Dawson and served until being appointed Assistant Director of Transportation in 2013 by Illustrious Sir Lee Kaufman.

In 2015, Ryan was appointed as Chaplain of Anah Shrine by Illustrious Sir Jesse Thomas and reappointed by Illustrious Sir Robert Turner, appointed Outer Guard by Illustrious Sir Steve Trimm, and continued on the appointed Divan until being elected Oriental Guide in 2021. He joined the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic Committee in the mid-2000s and continues to serve on the Board of Governors.

After attending the Imperial Session in 2007 and 2008, he was appointed to the Imperial Marshals Aides Staff in 2009. Ryan continues to serve Shriners International as an Emeritus Imperial Marshal's Aide.

Ryan was appointed to the Imperial Athletic Committee in 2016 and has represented the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic at the Imperial Athletic Seminar for several years. In 2023, Ryan was appointed to the East West Shrine Game Committee and was involved with the 99th and 100th East West Shrine Games.

He served on the Shriners Children's Boston Board of Governors as an Associate Board Member in 2017, then served four years as a full board member.

Civically, Ryan has served the Belfast Lions Club as a Past King Lion, graduate of the 1st Midcoast Leadership Academy, a member of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, Waldo County YMCA Board of Directors, Our Town Belfast, and is also the Board Chair of RSU 71 School Board.

The Potentate's Pin for 2025

The photo likeness of our pin was derived from a photo taken on St. Pete Beach. It was taken in 2016 shortly after being installed as Chaplain for the 2nd year.

Celebrating the beach and the East/West Shrine Football Game with family sums up so much of what makes our family happy.

The sunset or sunrise, depending on how you're feeling, brings a constant reminder of the new opportunities in life to make a difference in someone else's.

As you labor with your fellow workman and ladies take every opportunity to Rise in '25.

--Ryan Otis, 2025 Potentate

Past Potentate