John S. Appelbaum

Supreme Treasurer

As supreme treasurer of the Knights of Columbus, John Appelbaum oversees a variety of administrative departments at the Supreme Council office.

An attorney, Appelbaum began his career as an assistant prosecutor before going into private practice in 1995.

John is a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, having joined Council 2333 in Imperial, Missouri in 1989. He has served his council and the Missouri Knights in numerous roles, including Grand Knight, State Secretary, State Advocate and State Deputy. As State Membership Director, he twice achieved Circle of Honor. In 2011, John launched the Meet Life Campaign, a statewide initiative which places ultrasound machines in pregnancy resource centers and incorporates a multimedia marketing strategy that offers women free ultrasound images of their babies.

In 2020, John was elected to his first three-year term on the Board of Directors. He was reelected in 2023 and has served with distinction on the Appeals Committee and later as chair of the Audit Committee.

John became supreme treasurer in October 2026.

John and his wife of over 40 years, Carol, are the parents of three children.