Gerald Putman Announced as Chairman of the Shriners Children’s New England Board of Governors

Gerald E. Putman of Johnson City, New York, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Governors for Shriners Children’s New England. Jerry has been a board member since 2021, joining the executive committee in 2023 as vice chairman.

Jerry has been a Kalurah Shriner since 1990, serving as potentate in 2002 and treasurer since 2004. He joined the Order of DeMolay as a teenager and went on to become a mason and a member of the Scottish Rite before joining the Shriners International fraternity. According to Jerry, “I joined the Shrine because I liked what it stood for: fun, fellowship and helping kids.”

As chairman, Jerry hopes to help Shriners Children’s New England become the best clinic in the system, and expand its services to treat more kids in more places. “I talk about Shriners Children’s every chance I get, and I find it amazing how few people know about the fabulous work we do,” said Jerry. “I’m proud to be a Shriner.”

After earning an engineering degree and an MBA, Jerry spent 30 years in the utility business before retiring as a senior vice president. He did extensive volunteer work for local foundations and organizations, becoming CEO of the Dr. G. Clifford and Florence B. Decker Foundation upon retirement. According to Jerry, “It was a five-year plan that has lasted for 22 years.”

Jerry and his wife, Kris, have been married for 52 years, and have three grown children and five grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, playing cards and dabbling in projects. Jerry is a member of various charity boards, and is active in the motor patrol and the social activities of the Kalurah Shrine Center.