About the Shrine

The Imperial Divan is the international governing body of Shriners International. The governing body works as a corporate Board of Directors and consists of 12 officers, each of whom is elected to the lowest position on the Divan and moves up one position each year, with the exception of the Imperial Treasurer and Imperial Recorder.

The highest leadership position within Shriners International is Imperial Potentate. The Imperial Potentate is both president and chief executive officer of Shriners International, and is elected for a one-year term. He spends his year in office visiting many of the Shriner temples (chapters), attending regional meetings and visiting Shriners Hospitals for Children locations. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for both Shriners Hospitals for Children and Shriners International.

A similar organizational structure is followed at the local level within each temple around the world.

Imperial Potentate Lawrence J. "Larry" Leib

Lawrence J. “Larry” Leib, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, is serving his tenth year as a member of the Boards of Directors for Shriners International and Shriners Children’s™. He was elected Imperial Potentate, part of the 13-member body that helps govern the Shriners fraternity, during the Shriners 2026 Imperial Session held July 12-16 in Tampa, Florida.

A third-generation attorney, longtime fraternal leader and passionate advocate for Shriners International and Shriners Children’s, Leib believes the future of the fraternity depends on brotherly love and leading by example.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Leib grew up in a family where service to others was simply a way of life. His father and grandfather practiced law, but they also demonstrated the importance of community involvement and philanthropy. His mother recalls that even as a young boy, Leib enjoyed being at the center of activities, bringing people together and finding ways to help others. Those early lessons shaped a leadership style rooted in listening, encouragement and service.

Family remains the foundation of Leib’s life. His children, Caitlin, 24, and Jenner, 22, are among his greatest sources of pride, and he credits family with helping him maintain perspective throughout his career and years of volunteer leadership. He is also supported by his Lady, Debbie Binder. To Leib, the Shriners fraternity is an extension of the family unit – a brotherhood built on friendship, support and a shared commitment to the fraternity’s core principles.

Leib often jokes that he became both a Mason and a Shriner almost by accident. In 1999, while practicing law alongside his father, he received a call from Moslem Shriners seeking legal assistance. His father encouraged him to take the meeting. Within minutes of sitting down with the Potentate and Recorder, the conversation turned from legal matters to membership. “Why aren’t you a Shriner?” they asked. Before the meeting ended, arrangements had already been made for him to meet with members of Zion Lodge #1, setting the course for his Masonic path. More than 26 years later, Leib recognizes how profoundly that encounter changed the course of his life. He credits his membership with helping him become a better professional, a better community leader and, most importantly, a better father.

Throughout his Shriners journey, Leib has remained deeply committed to the mission of Shriners Children’s. During 11 years of service with the Board of Governors of Shriners Children’s Chicago, he had the opportunity to witness firsthand the life-changing impact of the healthcare system. One experience remains especially meaningful. While Leib was dining with his children, a man noticed the Shriners Children’s logo on Leib’s shirt. The man introduced himself as a former patient and thanked him for supporting the organization. He explained that because of the care he received as a child, he was able to walk. As the man walked away, Leib’s children said, “Dad – we get it.” It was a powerful moment.

A respected attorney, nonprofit strategist and fraternal leader, Leib believes that great leaders are great listeners first. He views leadership as an opportunity to coach, encourage and help others grow. Throughout his career, he has challenged himself and those around him to lead through action rather than words.

As Imperial Potentate, Leib is focused on strengthening temples, growing membership and ensuring that every member understands the value of belonging to the fraternity. He believes the path forward begins with brotherly love – checking in on one another, mentoring new members, welcoming families and building relationships that extend beyond meetings and events. He also believes Shriners should proudly share the story of who they are and what they do, serving as ambassadors for a fraternity and philanthropy that change lives every day.

Leib hopes his legacy will be that of a man who cared deeply about his family, his fraternity and his community; someone who gave generously of his time and talents and led by example. When he thinks about the future of Shriners International and Shriners Children’s, he sees it reflected in the smiles of the children whose lives are changed through the organization’s work every day.

First Lady Debbie Binder

Support First Lady Debbie Binder’s Program Today! Women Impacting Care, chaired by Shriners International’s First Lady Debbie Binder, is a thoughtful group of women donors, supporters and advocates who have bonded together to help highlight services and programs of Shriners Children’s. This year, the program Unleashing Courage focuses on the healing power of therapy and facility dogs and the comfort they bring to children and families throughout their healthcare journey.

Through trusted partnerships with organizations and volunteers who provide specially trained dogs, Shriners Children’s helps create moments of calm, confidence and connection for patients facing medical treatments, procedures and hospital or clinic visits. Whether offering a reassuring presence before an appointment or bringing a smile during a difficult day, these remarkable animals help make healthcare experiences less intimidating and more positive for children and families.

Support First Lady Debbie Binder’s Unleashing Courage program by purchasing a specially-designed, custom product or by making a donation online. Visit Shriners International First Ladies Program - www.shrinersinternational.org