Article: New head of Knights of Malta works to change order's image. (William J. Flynn)

William J. Flynn is no stranger to pomp and circumstance.

Last year the Irish-American business leader led the St. Patrick's Day parade up Manhattan's Fifth Avenue as grand marshal.

Since January Flynn has headed another group known for its ceremonial flourish -- the American Association of the Order of Malta. But that's an image he wants to change.

Flynn, who succeeds J. Peter Grace as president of the Knights of Malta, retired in 1994 as chief executive officer of the Mutual of America Life Insurance Co. and continues as its board chairman.

To many American Catholics, the Knights of Malta are considered an elitist club, taken ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!