Brother Ara Maloyan was raised a Master Mason in Hayastan Lodge No. 94, where he remains a life member. In 2000, he affiliated with Santa Monica-Palisades Lodge No. 307 and served as its Master in 2005. He later served six years as Lodge Treasurer and continues to serve as a Trustee. In recognition of his dedicated service to the Craft, he received the Hiram Award in 2015. He is also a charter member of Ararat Lodge No. 848, California’s first Armenian-speaking Masonic lodge, and is a Past Master of George Washington Lodge No. 4 under the Grand Lodge of Armenia.

Brother Ara earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from California State University, Los Angeles, and is a licensed Civil Engineer in the State of California. His distinguished public service career began in 1984 with the City of Los Angeles, where he worked on earthquake mitigation programs for unreinforced masonry buildings. In 1989, he joined the City of Beverly Hills, advancing through several engineering and management positions before serving as City Engineer. He later served as Director of Public Works and City Engineer for the City of Long Beach and subsequently as Director of Public Works for the City of Pasadena. There, he led an organization of more than 350 employees while overseeing annual operating and capital budgets exceeding $160 million.

Following his retirement from public service in 2021, Brother Ara joined one of Southern California’s largest real estate development and construction firms as Director of Construction, overseeing a portfolio of major development projects throughout the region. He retired from the private sector in 2025 to devote his full attention to Masonic leadership and service.

Since 2006, Brother Ara has served the Grand Lodge of California in numerous leadership positions. He has served on all five constitutional boards and was elected Junior Grand Warden in 2023. His service has included Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Homes of California, Chairman of the Boards of Acacia Creek Retirement Community and the Nob Hill Masonic Center, and Director of both the California Masonic Foundation and the California Masonic Memorial Temple. He has also served as Chair of the Board Nominating Committee, Chair of the Institute for Masonic Studies, and as a member of the Fraternal Relations and Masonic Education Committees. In 2011–2012, he had the honor of serving as Grand Sword Bearer for Most Worshipful Frank Loui.

Brother Ara is active throughout the Masonic family. He is a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Pasadena Scottish Rite, where he has been invested as a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour (KCCH). He is a Past Commander of Kadosh and currently serves on the Cathedral Board. He is also a member of all York Rite bodies. His Masonic affiliations also include the Order of the Eastern Star, the Sciots, and Al Malaikah Shriners.

His participation extends to numerous invitational and concordant bodies. He is a member of the Southern California Past Masters Association; a Past Sovereign Master of Conejo-Saint John Council No. 191; Treasurer of Excalibur Council No. 218, Allied Masonic Degrees; and a Knight of the Red Branch of Eri. He is also a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, the Royal Order of Scotland, the Grand College of Rites, the Knight Masons, and the York Rite Sovereign College. In addition, he has served as a Director of the Los Angeles Masonic Service Bureau.

Within the Masonic Rosicrucian Society (SRICF), Brother Ara is a Past Celebrant of the California College and has served as its Secretary and Treasurer. He currently serves as Chief Adept of the California Colleges and Treasurer General of the High Council. In recognition of his distinguished service, he has been awarded the Knight Grand Cross (KGC), one of the Society’s highest honors.

Brother Ara has also demonstrated a lifelong commitment to community service. He served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 150 in Glendale, volunteered with the American Red Cross, and is an active member of Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church.

Brother Ara is the proud father of two adult children, Nicholas and Michelle. Outside of Freemasonry, he enjoys photography, collecting rare and antiquarian Masonic books, reading, listening to music, and exploring the outdoors. An avid hiker and backpacker, he has traveled extensively throughout America’s national parks and the High Sierra wilderness, where he enjoys spending time immersed in nature.