James D. Cole, 33º, Sovereign Grand Commander

Illus. James D. Cole, 33° was elected Grand Commander of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America at the 2019 Biennial Session of the Supreme Council 33°, SJ, USA. He now takes on the position from retiring, now-Past Grand Commander Illus. Ronald A. Seale, 33°, who served in this position for 16 years, since October of 2003.

Grand Commander Cole served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Virginia in 2001. For many years he has been the CEO for the Masonic Home of Virginia in Richmond. Formerly the controller of the Virginia Tech Foundation, he held several administrative positions at Virginia Tech following his tenure with an international accounting firm. His 30 years of experience with nonprofits and businesses includes roles as auditor, founder, officer and director of numerous organizations. He holds two degrees from Virginia Tech.

Prior to this most recent honor and position, he served as both the Lieutenant Grand Commander of the Supreme Council and as the Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Virginia.