Michael G. Severe of Erie, Colo., is currently serving his ninth term as a member of the Boards of Directors for Shriners International and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Severe was re-elected during the Shriners’ 2009 annual international convention – or Imperial Council Session – held in San Antonio July 5-9. He serves as Imperial Chief Rabban, part of the 13-member body that helps govern the Shriners fraternity.

Severe is a management consultant with Titanium Metals Corporation. With plants worldwide, it is the largest integrated producer of titanium. He is a past manager of information services at Auto-trol Technology Corporation and division manager of information services for the Electronic Division of Coors Ceramics. He also was chief technology officer at EG&G and Kaiser-Hill. Severe received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in management information science from the University of Northern Colorado.

Severe was raised a Master Mason at the age of 21, progressing onto the York and Scottish Rites and becoming a Shriner at the age of 22. He held various offices at Glenwood Lodge #65, AF&AM, and became Worthy Patron of Erica Chapter # 69 – Order of Eastern Star. At El Jebel Shriners, Severe belonged to the Scooter and Motorcycle Units and became president of his Unit in 1989. In 1990, he was appointed Outer Guard, becoming Potentate of El Jebel Shriners in 1999. During the 1999-2000 Imperial Year, Severe served on the Imperial Strategic Planning and Imperial Fleming-Florence Committees.

Severe’s wife, Patty, is employed by St. Joseph Hospital. He has two children, Joe who is a racer and mechanic for Faster Motorsports and Lauren who is attending the University of Northern Colorado as an English major; two stepchildren, Aaron and Amanda; and two grandchildren, Sydney and Derek.