The Interfraternity Council elected John Lord as the new IFC President for 2018 earlier this evening. Lord, a junior majoring in finance and political science, is the current IFC Vice President for Community Relations.

“I’m honored to have been elected IFC President and excited to lead the IFC into the new era of Greek life,” he said.

Lord previously served as secretary for Penn State’s chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha. Board. He was also involved in Pike’s Risk Management Committee, Finance Committee, and serves as the THON Family Relations Chairman.

Lord is the president and co-founder of State United, an organization focused on localized community service in the State College Borough, according to his LinkedIn profile.

“I plan to continue to advocate for change in our community,” Lord said. “I intend to fight sexual assault, eliminate hazing, and combat the culture of drinking alcohol in excess. I intend to improve the relationships with the State College community and implement institutional structures to promote a sustainable and successful fraternity system at Penn State.”

The IFC president is elected by the 47 chapter presidents, who voted between Lord and Jackson Fitzgerald of Sigma Chi, the only other contender for the position. The winner is determined by whichever candidate receives the majority of the votes from the chapter presidents.

“Transitioning leadership during a period of change can pose as a significant challenge,” 2017 IFC President Dean Vetere said. “However, when you have someone as qualified and charismatic as John, it comes with no worry In the 10 months I’ve worked with him, John has certified himself as a proven leader.”

The Council also elected a new Executive VP and Administrative VP — Jackson Fitzgerald of Sigma Chi and John Slota of Phi Kappa Psi, respectively — who were also elected by a majority. Over the next few weeks the three new leaders will appoint the remainder of the IFC Executive Board.

“The current executive board has paved the way for John and his board to do great things, and I know he will not let the Greek community down,” Vetere said. “There’s nobody I’d feel more comfortable transitioning with; he will continue to advocate for the change our community needs.”