When Gary Eckstein was elected State Warden in 1998 he promised “bright ideas for the future”. He certainly has lived up to that promise each step of his way to election as State Deputy at this year’s State Convention.

As State Warden, his leadership in the Matching Funds program brought forth more contributions from Ohio’s local councils than ever before.

 As State Advocate and chairman of the Measure-up Campaign, collections reached an all-time high, due to Eckstein’s new ideas. 

As State Treasurer, he led very successful All Ohio Charity Campaigns and led an effort to bring changes in the way the Ohio State Council’s Charity foundation conducts its business. 

As State Secretary, Eckstein worked closely with State Deputy Roland Bator to curtail  deficit spending and bring stability to the Ohio State Council. He also was a leader in implementing the very successful Football Sweepstakes and in moving the All-Ohio Charity Campaign to the Spring.

When he addressed delegates following his election as State Deputy, Eckstein stressed that he was there to listen to their bright ideas and act in a responsible manner in serving the councils of Ohio. He didn’t forget one important person who has helped him along the way, either. “I’ve been very blessed to have a wife who has helped me along,” he said of his wife. Sandra.

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Gerard (Gary) Eckstein has been involved with the workings of the Ohio State Council since the late 1970’s, when he served as the State Softball Chairman and State Campout Chairman. He became a State Director in 1989, and served as General Program Director during the administration of State Deputy Dennis Shonebarger in 1993-1995. 

Eckstein, 54, is a member of Santa Maria Council 2898 in Columbus. He has served as president of the Greater Columbus Chapter and was honored in 1989 as the Columbus Diocese and Ohio State Council Knight of the Year. And he was the Columbus Chapter’s Knight of the Year in 1979 and 1989.

Eckstein was raised in Celina, the oldest of nine children. He was gradu­ated from Celina High School and re­ceived a B.S. degree in business administration from Franklin University, Columbus.  He serves in the U.S. Army from 1970-1972. He is self-employed. 

Eckstein’s father, Clarence, is a 58 year old member of Celina Council 1800 and is a Fourth Degree Sir Knight of St. Gaspar Del Buffalo Assembly, Minister. Gary also is a Fourth degree member, of Columbus Assembly 809.The new State Deputy and his wife of 30 years, Sandra, have four children: Holly, David, Carrie and Brian.