Brian Mann (’91), who has served as one of Beta Beta’s two Chapter Advisors for the past six years, was appointed to the post of Regional President on July 1. Confirmed by the Supreme Council at the 2002 International Convention in Palm Springs, Mann succeeds Scott Stewart (Gamma Xi, ’85), who vacated the position after a seven-year tenure. The appointment marks the first time a Beta Beta alumnus has served as Regional President.

“It’s great to see Brian up there,” said Dan Miller (’92), Beta Beta’s chapter advisor. “He has a lot of great ideas to make the Northwest Region even stronger and to get all of our chapters on the Smythe-winning track. His appointment is a real testament to just how much the Fraternity values his character and leadership.”
Mann’s first order of business is to oversee the 2003 Regional Leadership Conference, which will be held March 7-9 at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue. As part of his growth plan for the region, Mann has combined the traditional conference awards banquet with our annual Founders Day celebration. And, by inviting not only Beta Beta alumni but also those from every other Pike chapter, Founders Day 2003 promises to be one of the largest Pike celebrations ever. “My goal is to see the region grow as a whole,” said Mann. “I’d like to see all of our chapters reach national prominence in some way instead of just one or two continually carrying the region.”
To do this, he is working to bring programming from the more successful chapters to the weaker ones in order to build strong programs from which the entire region can benefit. Next year’s Regional Leadership Conference will stress how sharing amongst chapters is paramount to success on all our campuses.
The Northwest Region is presently comprised of seven chapters: University of Washington, Montana State, Washington State, University of Oregon, Linfield College, University of Idaho, and the University of Alberta. At Convention this summer, Mann was one of three Regional Presidents who saw multiple chapters collect Smythe Awards (University of Alberta won along with Beta Beta). He also heard the exciting news that an expansion project at the University of British Columbia is already underway. Mann’s role will be to assist International Headquarters staff with that effort. Other duties include acting as a link between Memorial Headquarters, the chapters and the chapter advisors of the region. Whether it’s programming assistance or simply advice, the Regional President is the main International Officer with which a chapter will come in contact. The position of Regional President was established at the 1974 National Convention in Vail, Colorado, when the antiquated system of districts was abolished. The nation was divided into 16 regions, each of which is comprised of between seven and 28 chapters. Mann will continue to be a presence within Beta Beta, serving as director of the Alumni Advisory Board. As Regional President, though, he has turned over the day-to-day Chapter Advisor functions to Miller.