Norm is a native of Rochester, New York. During his junior year, he joined the United States Naval Reserve. Following his graduation from Benjamin Franklin High School, he served for two years during the Vietnam War on the Aircraft Carriers, U.S.S. Intrepid, and U.S.S. Hornet as a Gunfire Control Technician.

He continued his education after completing his active duty service, by enrolling at El Camino Community College in Torrance, CA. He joined, and was later elected President of the campus Veterans’ fraternity. In 1971, he was elected State President for all California campuses. Norm transferred to California State University Fullerton where, in 1974, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance.

His career has been in the field of Commercial Credit, where for 23 years he was the National Credit Manager for Bordier’s Wholesale Nursery in Irvine. In November 2007, Bordier’s Finance Department relocated to Ventura County. Norm & Jill had no desire to move, so he took a severance package, and is now semi-retired, working as a Credit Consultant.

Norm has served his community for 24 years as a volunteer Peace Officer. He was a Reserve Police Officer for the city of Stanton, and is currently a Reserve Deputy for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, where he works in Community Programs. Every July he works several patrol shifts at the Orange County Fair to insure the safety of fair patrons.

He joined Santa Ana Elks Lodge #794 in September 1989 and served as Inner Guard in 1990-1991. He moved to Lake Forest and demitted to Mission Viejo- Saddleback Valley Lodge #2444, after completing his year as the Inner Guard at Santa Ana. Norm was elected Exalted Ruler in 1993. His service to his lodge includes Chairman of various committees, E.R. Advisor, Trustee, and Ritual Coach for the past 10 years. He has coached Lodge teams from last place to as high as fourth place, twice winning “Most Improved Lodge.”

Norm has served the Orange Coast District as a Chairman for 13 years. One year as Elks Rose Parade Float Chairman, three years as Elks Veterans Memorial Restoration Chairman, two years as National Veterans Service Chairman, four years as Membership Chairman, two years as Bequests & Living Trusts Chairman, and one year as Americanism chairman. Norm proposed, to the District Leaders, the idea of an Elks information booth at the Orange County Fair, which could also serve as a source of new members. They gave their enthusiastic support and the booth became a reality the following year. The booth, staffed by members of every Lodge in the district, has become an annual event, providing new members to several Lodges.

In 2004-2005, he had the honor to serve as Esquire to District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Tom Conlon. In 2006-2007, he served as State Vice President. In July, at the 2008 National Convention, in Anaheim, he was installed as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Orange Coast District.

Norm met Jill, while he was visiting the Mission Viejo Lodge, during his year as Inner Guard at Santa Ana. She had been at the Lodge as the guest of another Elk and his wife. They were married in October 1994, after he completed his year as Exalted Ruler.