Corporate Governance
High Court
Every four years, Catholic Order of Foresters (COF) would hold a national convention. This event, which most recently took place in August 2024, would be attended by elected delegates who were empowered with full legislative, judicial, and governing powers. They were responsible for electing the High Court Officers and Trustees (Board of Directors) to serve four-year terms, and for reviewing and revising the Constitution and Bylaws, policies, benefits, and other related items.
At the 2024 National Convention, delegates passed a resolution to transition from the convention method of electing leadership to a direct election method. The members currently serving are listed below.
Executive Officers
High Chief Ranger/Chairperson of the Board
Rodney W. Oligmueller, CPCU, AIC, ALMI, FLMI
Spiritual Director
Bishop Ronald A. Hicks
Diocese of Joliet, Illinois
High Court Trustees/Board of Directors
Susan M. Pereira, Michigan
Betty K. Fiegen, South Dakota
Ronald J. Freund, Illinois
Mark L. Connaughton, Kentucky
Julie M. Bries Iowa
Beth A. McFarlane, Wisconsin
John D. Krebs, Ohio
Erin M. Donnay, Minnesota
Daniel J. Buksa, Indiana
Michael J. Schuster, Ohio
Kelly F. Pinchart, Wisconsin
William P. Martin II, Kentucky
Gregory J. Buehner, At-Large Jurisdiction
Wesley P. Even, Iowa
Constitution and Bylaws
Catholic Order of Foresters provides an established system of insurance and other benefit payments to members and their dependents. Although largely self-governing, COF’s Jurisdiction and Local Courts are subject to the Order’s Constitution and Bylaws.
Articles of Incorporation
Articles of Incorporation of the Catholic Order of Foresters