Candidates are listed in the order their information was received, but you can jump to a specific candidate's write-up by clicking on the names below

Brian Jackson        Mark "Chip" Lukitsch          Ken Morris

Candidates for State Warden 

Brian Jackson, DD01

1. Tell us a little about yourself and family.

My name is Brian Jackson, I have been a Knight for 15 years. I have served in The Knights of Columbus in the positions of Advocate, Recorder, Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight and am now currently the Third Year Trustee. I am in the middle of my second term as District Deputy, having taken on that role in 2022. I currently oversee 6 councils in the greater Nashua area

 I have been in Catholic Education for what is now my 41^st year. For the last 29 years I have taught at Bishop Guertin in the Theology Department, I have taught Freshmen through Seniors. I currently teach and Introduction to Bible Course to Freshmen, and Comparative Religion to Seniors. I also volunteer my time as the Head Coach for the nationally ranked and recognized Mock Trial Team. I am in the middle of my 24^th season coaching Mock Trial.

 I am married for 35 years, which will be 36 this June 24^th. I have two children, Tim who is 33 years old and who is a para at Alverine, working with students with learning disabilities. My daughter is Libby is married, and lives in Manchester. She is a speech pathologist for the Hudson, NH School District. I have three Granddaughters, Kadence who is 16, Sophia who is 11, and Eliose who is 6 months old. My wife Ann works as an office manager for a dental office here in Nashua, we have been married since 1989.

 I have always since I was a child very active in my faith, as a child through high school I was an altar server, then a lector and Eucharistic Minister, I was in the seminary at St. Johns in Brighton Mass from 1982-85. Where I received the Rite of Acolyte and served in that capacity from when I left the seminary to enter education and continue to serve that role at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Nashua.

2. What leadership experience have you had that would help you serve in the officer position you have declared for?

For leadership experience I was the Chairperson of the Religion Department at St. Patrick’s High School in Watertown, Mass from 1985 to 1988. This involved the hiring of Religion teachers, developing curriculum for the Religion Department, and assigning teaching responsibilities, I answered directly to the principal. From 1988 to 1996, I served in two roles at Austin Preparatory School. I was again the Chair of the Religion Department and served as Vice-President of the Teachers Association. I oversaw as Chair the teachers in my department to ensure they were carrying out the philosophy of the department. As vice president of the association, I handled grievances between teachers , and ensured that all teachers followed policy implemented by the school.

3. What do you believe are the key challenges for the NH State Council to continue its Christian Mission? What ideas do you have to help address these challenges?

I think that we have to recruit a new generation of knights. This needs to be composed of men , younger men — these should be men who understand and incorporate, in their daily lives as not only knights, but as men as well. These principles of charity, unity and fraternity as a path that leads to a Catholic way of life that can strengthen their families, their parishes and their communities. The main challenge in getting men involved in the Knights of Columbus is often balancing the commitment to faith and service with the demands of ones’ life, including busy schedules and competing priorities, which can make it difficult for men to dedicate time to regular meetings and volunteer activities; this is often addressed by initiatives like the "Cor" program focused on building a stronger spiritual life while accommodating busy schedules Some of the ideas I have as solutions is for knights to be become involved in food drives, a call for volunteering more for groups like Special Olympics in whatever role is needed. I believe an increased support of the ultrasound program is also something that is necessary as well. Humanitarian aid as we are doing now for the victims of the fires in California. Also supporting their faith through prayer not only individually, but as a council for ideas like prayer or Holy Hours. Attending mass together as a council is another solution. Also gathering as a brotherhood, socializing as a council or with another council , I think that this is also a part of the solution .Supporting each other through good times and bad.

4. Should you get elected and progress thru the State chairs, what would you like to accomplish if given the opportunity to someday become State Deputy?

 Goals and Aspirations for Becoming State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus

 Deepening Our Faith-Based Initiatives

As a Catholic organization, the Knights of Columbus has a unique opportunity to be a witness of faith in the world. Strengthening our commitment to faith-based initiatives would be a central priority for me as State Deputy. I would work to deepen the spiritual lives of our members through increased opportunities for prayer, reflection, and study. One initiative I would like to implement is a statewide program of spiritual retreats or missions that would allow members to renew their commitment to their faith and to the ideals of the Knights of Columbus. Additionally, I would advocate for increased collaboration with local parishes to ensure that our programs and activities align with the needs of the Church and its mission. By focusing on spiritual growth and creating more opportunities for prayer and reflection, the Knights of Columbus can continue to be a witness of Christ’s love and service to the world.

 In conclusion, if given the opportunity to serve as State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus, I would approach the role with a deep sense of duty and dedication to furthering the organization’s mission. Through a focus on increasing membership, expanding charitable works, fostering fraternalism, strengthening our faith-based initiatives, and promoting vocations, I believe we can create a lasting impact on the lives of our members and the communities we serve. The Knights of Columbus has an incredible legacy, and I am confident that by working together, we can ensure its continued success and growth for future generations. It would be a tremendous honor to serve in this capacity, and I would commit myself fully to this sacred responsibility.

Mark “Chip” Lukitsch DD03

1. Tell us a little about yourself and family.

Born into a Catholic family and baptized on January 3rd, 1965, I am currently 60 years old. I was confirmed in 1989 at St. John the Evangelist in Hudson, NH my home parish. My parents died when I was young, but my Uncle raised me and four brothers and sisters in a good faith filled setting. My Uncle was the choir master, so we often enjoyed the company of the parish priests at the dinner table and other events. In 1987 I completed a Degree in Nuclear Engineering and worked for the Navy for eight years as a Nuclear Test Engineer. During that time, I met and married my wife of 34 years, Carol Ann. We moved to Londonderry, NH and joined St. Jude Parish. My daughter, Katherine, and son, Kevin, were born soon afterward. Since then, I have worked for the Air Force, a solid oxide fuel cell company and for the past 19 years as the Energy & Utilities Manager at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

While my sins are many, I have always regarded the Catholic Faith as the guiding light of my actions. I joined the Knights in 2006 and when I became Grand Knight, I realized that defending the Faith was very important. It launched me into study of Catholic history, doctrine, the Bible and daily Adoration. By the graces from these actions, my life changed dramatically from partly secularism to an unquenchable drive to comprehend God’s perfect love for us. I enjoy daily Eucharist when possible, study the daily readings, pray the rosary daily, delight in leading Bible studies, and much more. Catholicism is my way of life because it is true and a manifestation of Christ’s love for us that I am compelled to pursue.

2. What leadership experience have you had that would help you serve in the officer position you have declared for?

Grand Knight 2012– 2016 & 2023

• As Grand Knight, I appointed and delegated work to Program Directors and communicated with the Council members frequently to keep them engaged. We had many ongoing programs, and the Council grew with good attendance at events and business meetings. In 2015 I received the Grand Knight of the Year Award from the State Council.

Faithful Navigator 2020 – 2021

• COVID 19 forced us to meet online many times but kept up strong communication. District Deputy 2022 – present

District Marshal 2022 – present

State Rosary Chairman 2022 – present

Board Member (Treasurer) of Birthright of Manchester 2014 – present

Various parish projects including Bible study leader, Prayer Hour for the Sick leader, Eucharistic Revival leader, etc.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Manager 2006 – present

3. What do you believe are the key challenges for the NH State Council to continue its Christian Mission? What ideas do you have to help address these challenges?

Obviously engaging the younger generation to become faith filled Catholics and Knights is the #1 challenge. The media against Christianity is strong and must change with hearts toward God. Our personal example of loving others through Christ Jesus and be willing to speak to others about this love is the best remedy we can provide. The Holy Spirit must do the heavy lifting.

Another challenge is for Council members to engage with the State Officers and mission. Progress is being made in this area with regular communications to Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries. However, it may be possible to reach more members, to invite them to Quarterlies and the Annual State meeting. As a District Deputy, I invite all Council members to attend Quarterly State meetings to get to know other Knights and see that there are many other brothers enthusiastic about our mission outside their Councils.

4. Should you get elected and progress thru the State chairs, what would you like to accomplish if given the opportunity to someday become State Deputy?

I believe the Lord will be making changes in the world at or near this time. Living may have new and difficult challenges, and Faith in Jesus Christ and His Church will likely swell. We must be vigilant and prayerful to discern how the Knights can be of greatest service to our Lord.

Cor may be well known by the time I could reach State Deputy, but I would work to advance it along the way.

I would also promote the wearing of Knights symbols and apparel for recognition and to peak others’ interest to ask about the Knights. I would try to attend as many 4th Degree functions as possible in uniform to show support for this order.

Ken Morris GK 6850

1. Tell us a little about yourself and family.

My name is Ken Morris and I’ve been a Knight since 2004. After being received into the church, I quickly sought out membership in the Knights of Columbus and immediately became immersed in support of the council and parish, serving extensively in hospitality and holding a number of titles within the order in Temecula, California.

I work as an architectural hardware consultant with Jackson Lumber & Millwork in Raymond, NH. Before our move East, I was with Patterson Palm Builders Hardware in San Diego, CA for nearly 20 years. As a child, I worked on the family farm/ranch in Texas, ran an excavating company out of high school, and taught architectural codes and functional design in Colorado and Texas before my days as a consultant.

For the last 48 years, I’ve been married to my wife, Dorothy, and raised two children: William and Shari. My son, William, married his wife, Emily, in 2017. They moved from Texas to Maine in 2019 and reside in Brunswick. William is a pipefitter and supervisor at Bath Iron Works. He and Emily are also licensed foster parents in Maine and helped 2 sisters transition to their forever home. My daughter, Shari, married Kevin in 2018 on top of a mountain and in 2021 brought Ryder, our grandson, into our lives. After receiving her Bachelor of Science from UMaine, Shari is now a registered nutritionist and lactation specialist with Acelleron. My wife worked in the education system as a campus supervisor in Temecula, California for over 20 years and retired before moving to New Hampshire.

I found Catholicism later in life. Growing up in Texas, I was raised in the Baptist faith. My wife was born into the Catholic faith and we raised our children in the same. After they finished their Catholic education, I converted, joined the Knights, and found a brotherhood amongst the other Knights allowing me to serve our parish and community.

2. What leadership experience have you had that would help you serve in the officer position you have declared for?

Grand Knight Fallbrook Council 7069 (2010 – 2012)

• Responsible for fund raising, purchasing, and providing an ultrasound machine for the Fallbrook Pregnancy Resource Center.

Grand Knight Epping Council 6850 (2023 – Present)

Faithful Navigator, Father Peyri Assembly 0074 (2009 – 2010)

Faithful Navigator, Joseph P. Schultz Assembly 3570 (2015 – 2016)

• Founding Father for this assembly
• Responsible for the 125% increase in membership
• Color Corps Commander for both assemblies from 2012 - 2020

District Deputy (2012 – 2016)

• Appointed by the State Deputy for 2017-2018
• Ranked #4 in the state of California of all District Deputies because of the 2015/2016 membership level
• Chapter President San Diego Chapter Diocese (2016 – 2017)
• Achieved 100% membership goal as determined by the state of California
• Received “Be the Difference” Award in 2016/2017 & 2017/2018
• Served as the Communications Director 2016-2018

State Level (2009 – 2020)

• Served on Membership Committee, Chairman of the Yearbook committee, Chairman of Youth Activities committee, New Council Development and Retention Committee, and Family Activities Director
• District Master (2020 – move to NH)

3. What do you believe are the key challenges for the NH state council to continue in Christian Mission? What ideas do you have to help address these challenges?

As we all know, our membership is getting older and we need to infuse our order with younger, Catholic men and encourage them to become knights. We aren’t just inviting men to join a group; we are inviting them into personal and ongoing spiritual growth through a brotherhood. The challenges we are facing are the busy schedules society has placed on us making it difficult for men to dedicate time to volunteer and help with community outreach.

When speaking to a new prospect, we should make sure to include their wife in the conversation. If she is on your side, she will get her husband to join. I have been able to bring in several new knights with the help of the wife. Another challenge we face in recruiting is the media against Christianity. As we know, Jesus faced the same problem during his time. He combated with love and prayer for his fellow man. We can do the same today with the same tactics: love and prayer.

4. Should you get elected and progress through the state chairs, what would you like to accomplish if given the opportunity to someday become a State Deputy?

As you can see from my history within the Knights of Columbus, membership has been my prime focus. Bringing the message of Christ and the Church to the people of the community is at the core of all I would like to accomplish. As our congregation and order ages, I would love to see a more diverse age group coming through the doors, joining our community outreach, and becoming knights. The fresh perspective and ideas from a younger generation will only help to achieve the goal of membership growth as well as encourage different approaches and avenues to bring the message of Christ and our church to the community. If elected, I would show the same passion and dedication for growth as I have since I joined the Knights back in 2004.