Past Imperial Potentate Jeff Sowder An Imperial Potentate is the highest-ranking officer in the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners), a fraternal organization with roots in Freemasonry. The title "Imperial Potentate" refers to the leader who serves as the head of the entire Shriners organization, overseeing its national (or sometimes international) operations and representing the fraternity at the highest level.