Grand Master G. Sean Metroka's Biography 2023-2024
Brother G. Sean Metroka was raised a Master Mason in Table Mountain Lodge No. 124 in Paradise on October 23, 1979. He is a past master of Nevada Lodge No. 13 in Nevada City and the current Master of Harmony Lodge No. 164 in Sierra City.
Brother Metroka currently serves the Grand Lodge of California as Grand Master and is a former Grand Orator, district inspector and chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Leadership Development. He has served on all five of the Grand Lodge constitutional boards.
Brother Metroka’s involvement in Masonry began when he joined Paradise Chapter Order of DeMolay in 1972. He served as chapter master councilor in 1974 and Superior Division master councilor in 1977. He was honored with the Degree of Chevalier and Legion of Honor. Sean continued his involvement in DeMolay as an adult advisor and was awarded the Cross of Honor, the Grand Master’s Youth Support Award, and the Guild of the Leather Apron for his distinguished adult service. Sean credits DeMolay with having the greatest positive influence on his youth, second only to his parents.
In 1976, Sean enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, the start of what would be more than 30 years of military service to his country. After graduating from California State University at Chico with a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography, Sean was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He received numerous promotions during his career and was ultimately elevated to the rank of Colonel. During his tenure, he served in both active duty and reserve capacities. He was the commander of the 5th Battalion, 14th Marines in Seal Beach and served two combat tours of duty in Iraq, where he planned long-range fire support for the First Marine Expeditionary Force and was the Marines' liaison to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Arabian Peninsula.
Following his initial release from active duty, Sean entered the aerospace industry as a systems engineer with McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach. Through several promotions he ended up as a senior manager in finance and accounting. After a stint in healthcare business management, Sean joined the finance department of Nevada County Superior Court in 2000. Returning from a tour of duty in Iraq in 2003, Sean was selected to be the court’s chief executive officer and served in that position for 15 years. As CEO, Sean was responsible for overseeing the management and administration of all non-judicial functions of the court, including personnel, finance, facilities, technology, security, jury management, long-range planning, and public relations. Sean retired from the court in 2018 to focus on other things he loves, especially his service in Freemasonry.
Sean is a Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shrine Mason, and is a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Sciots, National Sojourners, Heroes of 76, Allied Masonic Degrees and Golden Compasses Research Lodge.
Sean has actively supported his community. He served as cub master and scout master when his sons were young, and he coached youth football. He was a member of the board of directors of Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation for 15 years, including four years as president. He has served several other non-profits and as a volunteer for Empire Mine State Historic Park.
Brother Sean and his wife, Margaret, live in Nevada City. They’ve been married 39 years and have three adult children and two grandchildren.
