Ruritan National Convention Program 2026

National Director Dr. Christopher Poff 640 John Carlyle Street, Unit 245

Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: (540) 320-7365

Email: chrispoff9@gmail.com CLUB: Belmont II Club Member since 2001; Belmont II Club

President 2012 and 2013; Belmont II Club Citizen of the Year – Belview Elementary School 2006; Belmont II Club Double Your Dollar Scholarship Recipient 2013. DISTRICT: New River District Youth Coordinator 2013; New River District Rudy Youth of the Year 2011 and 2012. NATIONAL: Have attended nineteen National Conventions; Served as the escort to the First Daughter in 2002; I am a Ruritan Forever. EDUCATION: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Emory University; Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Richmond. OCCUPATION: Scientist – United States Navy; Process Chemistry Scientist – Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Graduate Teaching Assistant – Emory University; Facility Supervisor – Weinstein Center for Recreation and Wellness; Contractor/handyman – ongoing for Rick Poff, HomeWorx. OTHER: Happily married to my wife, Dr. Madeline Dekarske, for five years; We have two Bengal cats, Vera and Lily; I am a third generation Ruritan; I am an Eagle Scout; Order of the Arrow – Ordeal Member; American Red Cross platelet donor with over one hundred donations; In my free time, I enjoy working out (lifting) and ran my first marathon November 15, 2025.

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