
Can the Still-Suffering Alcoholic Find Your Meeting?
June 1, 2026
Since the founding of the Cleveland District Office in 1945, the Office Secretary-Treasurer has played a vital role in carrying the message of Alcoholics Anonymous throughout Northeast Ohio. Serving as the administrative steward of the office, each Secretary-Treasurer has helped coordinate services, support local groups, maintain financial accountability, and ensure that those seeking help can find A.A.
This page honors the individuals who have served in this position over the decades and highlights their contributions to the growth, stability, and continuity of the Cleveland District Office. Their dedication and trusted service have helped sustain an office that has served the A.A. community since its establishment on February 7, 1945.
The following individuals have served as Office Secretary-Treasurer of the Cleveland District Office:
- Mrs. Laverne Hawkins (non-AA) served briefly in 1945 before resigning due to family responsibilities.
- John H. served from March 1945 until January 1947, leaving to accept a higher-paying position.
- Crawford W. began serving in February 1947.
- George O. succeeded Crawford W. in April 1958.
- Ricardo (“Dick”) P., sober since April 1940, began serving on December 23, 1963. He served for nearly 18 years before retiring on June 1, 1981.
- Imogene Z. succeeded Dick P. upon his retirement and served until her own retirement.
- Shirley H. succeeded Imogene Z. on March 1, 1989. She later retired and relocated to Florida following her marriage to Tom B.
- Ruth D. began serving in November 1996 and remained in the position until April 1, 2024, completing the longest tenure in the office’s history to date.
- Jason M. began serving on April 1, 2024, and continues in the position today.

| Assigned To | Start Date | End Date | Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laverne Hawkins (Non-AA) | 2/7/1945 | 2/28/1945 | 1 Month |
| John H. | 3/1/1945 | 1/31/1947 | 1 Year, 11 Months |
| Crawford W. | 2/1/1947 | 3/31/1958 | 11 Years, 2 Months |
| George O. | 4/1/1958 | 12/21/1963 | 5 Years, 9 Months |
| Ricardo (“Dick”) P. | 12/22/1963 | 5/31/1981 | 17 Years, 5 Months |
| Imogene Z. | 6/1/1981 | 2/28/1989 | 7 Years, 9 Months |
| Shirley H. | 3/1/1989 | 10/31/1996 | 7 Years, 8 Months |
| Ruth D. | 11/1/1996 | 4/1/2024 | 27 Years, 5 Months |
| Jason M. | 4/1/2024 | Present | 2 Years, 2 Months* |
*Tenure calculated as of June 2026.
Also, see Location History of the AA Cleveland District Office




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