1992-94

KARL R. ADAMSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Karl R. Adamson, of Tekamah, Nebraska, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 75th International Convention, held in Hong Kong,
June 23-26, 1992.

A Lion and member of the Tekamah Lions Club since 1976, Past Director Adamson has held many positions within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He served as chairman of the Nebraska Lions Foundation and was director of the Nebraska Lions Eye Bank. He is past general chairman of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum and currently serves on that committee as secretary.

Past Director Adamson has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, Leadership Awards, a Master Key, International Certificates of Appreciation, International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Adamson and his wife, Sharon, have two daughters.

2018-19

MUHAMMAD ADREES

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Muhammad Adrees, from Faisalabad, Pakistan was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Adrees has operated in several industries over the past 38 years including chemicals, energy, textiles, real estate, education and medical sciences. He is currently the chairman and CEO of Sitara Chemical Industries.

He joined Faisalabad City Lions Club in 1986 and has been member of the Faisalabad MJF Executives Lions Club since 1996. He has held a number of offices with the association including multiple district council chairperson, district LCIF chairperson and district honorary committee chairperson.

In recognition of his service, he has received numerous awards including two International President’s Awards, three International President’s Leadership Awards and numerous certificates of recognition. Director Adrees is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities Director Adrees is active in numerous professional organizations including chairman of Pakistan Chemical Manufacturers Association, chairman of Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development & Management Company and president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

1976-78

BIHARI AGARWAL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Bihari Agarwal, of Chirkunda, Bihar, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 59th annual convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, in June, 1976.

Past Director Agarwal, an industrialist, owns several businesses.

A Lion for many years, Past Director Agarwal has held the offices of zone chairman, district governor and chairman of International Relations.

For his contributions to the association, he has received the 100% District Governor Award, five Extension Awards, four International President’s Awards and is a Master Key holder.

His civic activities have included the All India Employers Organization and the Indian Colliery Owners’ Association.

Past Director Agarwal and his wife, Tara, have three children.

1998-2000

NARESH AGGARWAL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Naresh Aggarwal, of Delhi, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of the International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st International Convention, held in Birmingham, England, June 29-July 3, 1998.

Past Director Aggarwal is an entrepreneur presently running many business corporations including one multi-national company.

A member of the Batala Smile Lions Club since 1974, Past Director Aggarwal has held many positions within the association, including club president, district governor, district membership chairman, multiple district trainer and GMT Area Leader and Board Appointee. He is also founder-chairman of the Multiple District 321 Forum, a body of past council chairmen and the chairman the Lions of District 321-D Students Foundation. PID Naresh is currently the GLT Constitutional Area Leader.

Past Director Aggarwal has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including 11 Presidential Medals, the Leadership Award, an International Membership Award, 51 Extension Awards, 13 International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Aggarwal is also serving as Chairperson of a prominent committee of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and is a Member of FICCI-SAARC Forum.

Past Director Aggarwal and his wife, Navita, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons, one daughter and seven grandchildren.

1991-93

JOSE E. AGUILAR M.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jose E. Aguilar M., of Barranquilla, Colombia, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 74th International Convention, held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, June 18-21, 1991.

Past Director Aguilar is an attorney and a university professor, and was dean of the College of Law at the Universidad del Atlantico.

A member of the Barranquilla-Ciudad Jardin Lions Club since 1975, Past Director Aguilar has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He was also the general director of the fifteenth Latin American and Caribbean Forum.

For his contributions to the association, Past Director Aguilar has received the 100% District Governor Award, two Extension Awards, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Awards, the International President’s Leadership Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Aguilar’s wife, Socorro, is a physician.

1997-99

BRUNO AHLQVIST

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Bruno Ahlqvist, of Gävle, Sweden, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 30-July 5, 1997.

Past Director Ahlqvist is an international marketing manager.

A member of the Gävle (Norra) Lions Club since 1977, Past Director Ahlqvist has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman. He has served as extension and development chairman and long-range planning committee chairman for his multiple district. In addition, Past Director Ahlqvist has been a Multiple District Trainer. He is serving as a Lions Clubs International board committee appointee for 1999-2000.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, two Extension Awards, two International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and has received the Golden Lion, the highest award granted in Sweden.

Past Director Ahlqvist and his wife, Inger, also a Lion, have one son and one daughter.

2018-19

QAZI AKRAMUDDIN AHMED

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Qazi Akramuddin Ahmed, from Dhaka, Bangladesh was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Ahmed has been an industrialist and banker for 40 years and is currently chairman and managing director for Eastern Engineering Group of Industries, a manufacturer of railway and automobile equipment. He has also been chairman of the Standard Bank Limited since its inception in 1999.

A member of Lions Club of Chittagong Presidency since 1978, Director Ahmed has held many positions within the association including district governor, district centennial coordinator and Multiple Council Chairman. He has served as Vice-Chairman of the Chittagong Lions Foundation Eye Hospital and is the founder of the two state of the art Blood Banks in Chittagong and Dhaka. He is active in many community services including patronizing academic institutions, hospitals and disaster prone community.

In recognition of his outstanding service he has been awarded nine International President’s Awards and ten International President’s Leadership Awards. Director Ahmed has held many important positions in professional organizations such as a trustee of Dhaka Shishu (Child) Hospital, an advisor to the Dhaka Diabetes Association and the Chittagong Diabetes Association, Chairman for Bangladesh Association of Banks and was the president of apex business chamber, The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI). He was also a Senate Member of University of Dhaka. Director Ahmed represented his country at different International Forums including UN General Assembly at UN HQ and many countries as part of the entourage to the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Ahmed’s service has made him the recipient of many national and international accolades including the prestigious UNESCO Gold Medal for glorious social service and World Quality Commitment Award in Gold Category from Paris for his banking acumen.

Director Ahmed is a Second Century Ambassador and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. His wife, Khaleda Akram, is also a dedicated longtime Lion Member. Together they have a son and two daughters who are also active Lions.

2017-19

DOO-HOON AHN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Doo-Hoon Ahn from Seoul, South Korea, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Ahn is a real estate developer.

A member of the Eulji MJF Lions Club since 1990, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district governor, and board appointee.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Ahn has received numerous awards, including eight International Leadership Awards and five International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Ahn has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Korea Freedom Federation, Yonsei Administration Society and the Mnistry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Director Ahn and his wife, Jieun Yun, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons and one daughter.

2006-08

JAN-ÅKE ÅKERLUND

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jan-Åke Åkerlund of Höllviken, Sweden, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 30-July 4, 2006.

Past Director Åkerlund is a retired managing director.

A member of the Malmö Malmöhus Lions Club and a Lion since 1971, Past Director Åkerlund has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, 100% District Governor’s Award, Golden Lion Award, International President’s Award, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three Extension Awards and the International President’s Commendation Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Åkerlund and his wife, Karin, have four children and six grandchildren.

2001-02

HARRI ALA-KULJU

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Harri Ala-Kulju, of Espoo, Finland, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 84th International Convention, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, July 2-July 6, 2001.

Past Director Ala-Kulju is an insurance director.

A member of the Espoo Keskusta Lions Club since 1977, Past Director Ala-Kulju has held many offices within the association, including club president, cabinet secretary, zone chairman, region chairman, district governor, vice council chairman and council chairman. In addition, he served as chairman of the Nordic Council Chairmen committee and as campaign manager of the Scandinavian Red Feather Campaign in Finland.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Ala-Kulju has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President’s Award, several District Governor’s Appreciation Awards, the 100% District Governor’s Award, several International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Ala-Kulju and his wife, Sirkku, have three children and three grandchildren.

2010-12

DOUGLAS X. ALEXANDER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Douglas X. Alexander, from Brooklyn, New York, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 to July 2, 2010.

Past Director Alexander is a retired vice president for J.P. Morgan Chase Bank.

A member of the Brooklyn Bedford Stuyvesant Lions Club since 1984, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, vice district governor, district governor, cabinet secretary and cabinet treasurer. He also served as a Lions Eye Bank transporter, a member of the District and Multiple District PDG Association and a trustee of the New York State and Bermuda Lions Foundation, and appointed Lions representative to UNICEF-New York.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the Club Lions of the Year, Club President’s Award, the Robert J. Uplinger Service Award, the Ambassador of Good Will Award, several District Governor Appreciation Awards, the Multiple District Membership Growth Award, District Chairperson Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and four International President’s Awards. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Alexander is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has served as chairperson of the advisory board for the New York Urban League and as a board member of the St. Francis DeSales School for the Deaf. He has also received the Congressional Record Award.

Past Director Alexander has two daughters.

2013-15

FÁBIO DE ALMEIDA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Fábio de Almeida, from São Paulo, Brazil, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director de Almeida is a lawyer, real estate manager and owns an automotive transportation company.

A member of the Guarulhos Lions Club since 1984, he has held many offices within the association, including president, district governor, district LCIF chairperson, multiple district leadership development chairperson and certified guiding Lion.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the Club President Excellence Award, a Leadership Medal, 12 Presidential Certificates and four International President’s Medals. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director de Almeida is active in numerous

professional and community organizations, including the Cub Scouts.

Past Director de Almeida’s wife, Anita, is also a Lion.

1998-20

CARLOS L. ALMODOVAR

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Carlos L. Almodovar, of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st International Convention, held in Birmingham, England, June 29-July 3, 1998.

Past Director Almodovar is a professional engineer and consultant.

A member of the Mayaguez-Vista Verde Lions Club since 1970, Past Director Almodovar has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, multiple district treasurer, zone chairman and council chairman. He also was a Leo club advisor for 18 years and an advisor for two Latin American Leo meetings held in Puerto Rico.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Lion of the Year Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the 100% Club President Award, a Presidential Leadership Medal, a Presidential Leadership Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Almodovar organized and directed a humanitarian project for the development of potable water systems in the Republic of Haiti. He was also selected Citizen of the Year in 1989 and Professional Engineer of the Year in 1995.

Past Director Almodovar and his wife, Mercedes, have a son and two daughters.

2012-14

BENEDICT ANCAR

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Benedict Ancar, from Bucharest, Romania, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Ancar is an assistant professor and the head of an obstetrics and gynecology department.

A member of the Bucharest Curtea Veche Lions Club and a Lion since 1997, he has held many offices within the association, including charter president, zone chairperson and district governor. He also served as the president of the Europa Forum.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the Membership Key Award, two Extension Awards, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Ancar is active in numerous

professional and community organizations, including the Romanian Society for

Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Past Director Ancar is married to Milena, and has two sons.

2001-03

JØRN ANDERSEN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jørn Andersen, of Haderslev, Denmark, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 84th International Convention, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, July 2-July 6, 2001.

Past Director Andersen has had a long career as a managing director in the banking business and is currently an economical advisor and consultant.

A member of the Haderslev Lions Club since 1976, Past Director Andersen has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, vice governor, district governor, council chair, council secretary and district secretary. In addition, he served as Lions-Quest director and as chairperson of the board of the Lions-Quest Foundation.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Andersen has received numerous awards including the 100% District Governor Award, an Extension Award, several Chairperson’s Awards, two International President’s Leadership Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Andersen serves as a board member for numerous financial companies and was previously active with the Danish Cancer Society.

Past Director Andersen and his wife, Jytte, have one daughter.

2010-12

DR. GARY ANDERSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Gary Anderson, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 through July 2, 2010.

Past Director Anderson is a Doctor of Optometry in private practice for 40 years and owner of Anderson Eye Care.

A member of the Grand Rapids Lions Club since 1979, he has held many offices within the association including club president, district governor and council chairperson. He also served as CSFII district coordinator, host committee chairman of the 2007 USA/Canada Forum in Grand Rapids as well as serving as a member of the USA/Canada Forum planning committee for eight years, culminating in his role as General Chairperson for the 2016 USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Omaha. Past Director Anderson was a DGE Seminar leader at the International Convention in Hamburg and has led or participated in 39 Lions vision missions to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the Henry Voet Grand Rapids Lifetime Achievement Award, the Lions of Michigan Foundation Humanitarian Award, the Grandville and Betty Cutler Leadership Award, the S.A. Dodge MD- 11 Distinguished Service Award, the Lions of Michigan Hall of Fame, an International President’s Leadership Award, eight International President’s Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Anderson is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the American Optometric Association and the Michigan Optometric Association. He has also served as a member of the Michigan Eye Bank board and as Board President of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Past Director Anderson and his wife, Cheryl, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son and two daughters, all of whom are Lions and whose spouses are also Lions. They have three grandsons and four granddaughters.

1990-92

DURBAN L. ARDJO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Durban L. Ardjo, of Bandung, Indonesia, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of the International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 73rd annual convention, held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, on July 11-14, 1990.

Past Director Ardjo is a senior lecturer at the Bandung Institute of Technology and a founding partner and company president of P.T. Geoservices, Ltd.

A member of the Bandung Raya Lions Club since 1978 with 15 years perfect attendance, Past Director Ardjo has held many positions in the association, including club president, zone chairman and district governor. He has also served as chairman of the Indonesian Lions Foundation. He is currently chairman of the Indonesian SightFirst project to overcome the cataract blindness backlog in his country.

Past Director Ardjo has received many awards in recognition of his service to the association. Among these are the 100% Club President Award, a Key Member Award, two District Governor Extension Awards, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation Award, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Ardjo and his wife, Irawati, have two children.

2002-04

LUCIE ARMSTRONG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Lucie Armstrong, of Hamilton, New Zealand, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Armstrong is a secondary school teacher.

A member of the Hamilton Chartwell Lions Club, Past Director Armstrong became a Lioness in 1984 and was a charter member of the Hamilton Riverside Lions Club in 1992. Past Director Armstrong has held many offices within the association, including club president, membership chairperson, zone chairperson, extension chairperson, district governor and council chairperson. In addition, she served as multiple district convention secretary and as a representative at the 1995 International Membership Summit.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, two President Appreciation Awards, six District Governor Appreciation Awards, a District Governor Extension Award, a 15-year Chevron Award, four Membership and Extension Awards, a Key Member Award, three International President Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Commendation medals, the District Governor 100% Excellence Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is also a life- member of the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust, a life-member of the North Carolina Lions Foundation and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Armstrong is active in numerous professional and community organizations. She has served on the Plunket committee, school committees, the Hillary Commission, the 150-Year New Zealand Celebration Committee and in 1996 she won the New Zealand Intermediate Bridge Championship.

Past Director Armstrong and her husband, Sam, also a Lion, have two sons and one daughter.

2018-19

SHOICHI ANZAWA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Shoichi Anzawa, from Fukushima, Japan was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Anzawa has worked in the real estate industry for 47 years. He is currently the president of a real estate company.

A member of the Shirakawa Komine Lions Club since 1981, Director Anzawa has held a number offices within the association including finance chairperson, twinning chairperson, club president, and LCIF coordinator. He has also served as multiple district centennial coordinator, multiple district GMT coordinator, LCIF district coordinator and LCIF multiple district coordinator.

In recognition of his service he has received numerous awards including an International President’s Award, an International President Certificate of Appreciation and a LCIF Chairperson Award. He has attended 27 international conventions and 31 OSEAL forums.

In addition to his Lions activities Director Anzawa has held offices in numerous professional and community organizations including president of the Red Cross Council, vice president of Shirakawa UNESCO and vice president of Shirakawa City Downtown Development Council. He has been recognized numerous times including receiving a Red Cross Gold Medal for Merit and a UNESCO Presidential Award.

Director Anzawa is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and his wife, Keiko Anzawa, is a longtime Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow.

1980-82

PREMCHAND RATANCHAND BAFANA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Premchand R. Bafana, of Pune, Maharashtra, India, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 63rd International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-5, 1980.

Past Director Bafana is a business executive involved in real estate, finance and the production of fertilizers and petroleum products.

A Lion since 1965, Past Director Bafana has held all club offices and has served as a deputy district governor. He has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the Medal of Merit, five Extension Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, two International President’s Awards, the District Governor’s Membership Development Award and the Master Key. He has achieved 15 years of perfect attendance and is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Bafana is the president of the Bridge Federation of India. He has served as president of Poona Club Ltd., president of the Maharashtra Bridge Association, vice president of the Poona Branch of the Society for Clean Societies, president of the Wholesale Kerosene Distributors Association, chairman of the Poona Tire Dealers Association, president of the Fund Raising Committee for Working Women, as a member of the Remand Home Managing Committee and as vice president of the Working Committee of the Jain Vidya Prasarak Mandal (an organization which runs five educational institutions).

He has also been a member of the advisory board of the Continuing Medical Education Program of the government of India, which assists in utilizing services of Indian physicians settled in the United States and seeking medical equipment from them.

Past Director Bafana and his wife, Shashiprabha, have three children.

2008-10

BISHNU BAJORIA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Bishnu Bajoria, from Bankura, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Bajoria is the head of a distribution company for petroleum products, commercial vehicles, tractors, cement and iron & steel.

A charter member of the Lions Club of Bankura and a Lion since 1976, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, multiple council treasurer, multiple district membership chairperson, Indian national membership coordinator, and treasurer of MDCCI. He was also the editor for LION Magazine India edition from 2010 to 2013, and he was the chairperson of the planning committee for the ISAAME Forum in 2009. He is currently the LCIF regional coordinator for MD 315 and MD 322.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including three Extension Awards, Top 20 Leo Chairperson’s Award, 100% District Governor’s Award, nine Leadership Awards, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. Past Director Bajoria is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a life member of the association.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Bajoria is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is the chairman of S.N. Bajoria Memorial Bankura Lions Eye Care Center and served as the President of Bankura Chamber of Commerce for 13 years. He also regularly serves as an honorary judge in the local civil court.

Past Director Bajoria and his wife, Indra, also a Life Member and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons and four grandchildren.

1999-01

NILOFER BAKHTIAR

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Nilofer Bakhtiar, of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999.

Past Director Bakhtiar is a hotel administrator.

A Lioness since 1982 and a member of the Sawaan Valley Lions Club since 1992, Past Director Bakhtiar has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chairman, council chairman and district governor. In addition, she serves as chairman of the Prevention of Diabetic Blindness Center and has pioneered the creation of several Lions schools and a school for mentally handicapped children. She also created a Lioness district with 23 Lioness clubs, a Leo district with 18 Leo clubs and a Lions district with 30 Lions clubs.

In recognition of her service to the association, Past Director Bakhtiar has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President Award, four Leadership Awards, three Presidential Medals, seven International President’s Certificates and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lion activities, Past Director Bakhtiar is active in numerous professional and community organizations. She serves on the board of directors of National Women University as well as several other colleges and institutions. She is a member of the Government Price Control Committee, the National Film Censor Board and the National Fund for Culture and Heritage. She represented her country at the United Nations Women’s Conference in Beijing, China and at the World NGO Conference at the United Nations’ headquarters in New York, New York, USA.

Past Director Bakhtiar and her husband, Ahmed, also a Lion, have two sons and a daughter.

2007-09

MALIK KHUDA BAKSH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Malik Khuda Baksh from Karachi, Pakistan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Past Director Baksh works in the petroleum and gas industries.

A member of the Karachi Lions Club since 1983, Past Director Baksh has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, Installation Committee chairperson, region chairperson, district governor, council chairperson, Multiple District Committee chairperson and chairperson of the 2006 Multiple District 305 Pakistan Annual Convention. He also served as a national/multinational coordinator for Campaign SightFirst II.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Baksh has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President’s Award, the 100% District Governor’s Award, the District Governor’s Excellence Award, the International Membership Growth Award, the 20 Years Monarch, 20 Years 100% Perfect Attendance Award, five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International President’s Leadership Award, five International President’s Appreciation Medals, an International President’s Gold Medal and a Medal of Merit from Multiple Council 305-Pakistan in recognition of 2,431 cornea graftings. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Baksh is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has served as president of the National Education Society, senior vice chairperson of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (25 years), president/chairperson of the CNG Station Owners Association of Pakistan and senior vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of Petrol & Gas, The Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is also the recipient of Galaxy of Youth’s Founder and Lifetime Patron Award, an Appreciation Award from Lt. General Saghir Hussain of the Pakistan Army, an Appreciation Award from Orbis Inc. (Medical Education for the Eyes of the World) and an Appreciation Award and Medal for services rendered in connection with the visit and eye operation conducted by Orbis Flying Eye Hospital.

Past Director Baksh and his wife, Kulsoom, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children and three grandchildren.

1988-90

WILLIAM M. BANISTER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

William M. Banister, of Young Harris, Georgia, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 71st annual convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA,
June 29-July 2, l988.

A funeral director, Past Director Banister is secretary and treasurer of Banister Funeral Homes, Inc.

A member of the Towns County Lions Club since l970, Past Director Banister has held many positions in the association including club president, zone chairman, council chairman and district governor. He was also a district eye bank chairman, a director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse and on the board of trustees for the Georgia Lions Eye Bank.

For his many contributions to the association, Past Director Banister has received the Key Award, the l00% District Governor Award, the International President’s Commendation Award, the District Governor’s Extension Award, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation Award, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor given by the association to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Banister and his wife, Fran, have a daughter, Laura Ann, and a son, Will.

2000-02

ALFONSO BARAHONA H

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Alfonso Barahona H, of Guatemala City, Guatemala, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 83rd International Convention, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, June 19-23, 2000.

Past Director Barahona is real estate broker.

A member of the Guatemala Reforma Lions Club since 1974 with 26 years perfect attendance, Past Director Barahona has held many offices within the association, including club president, council chairman, district treasurer and district governor. He has also served as Leo district advisor, SightFirst chairman, a presenter at several Latin American and Caribbean forums and chairman of the 24th FOLAC Forum.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Barahona has received numerous awards including two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the 100% Club President Award, two 100% District Governor Awards, two International President’s Leadership Medals, an Extension Award, the Guiding Lion Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to members by the association. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Aside from his duties as Past International Director, Barahona also serves as auxiliary mayor of Guatemala City and chief of the volunteer firefighters. He is also an honorary life president of the Orphan Protection Commission.

Past Director Barahona and his wife, Stella, also a Lion, have three children and seven grandchildren.

1999-01

PETER G. BARILLA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Peter Barilla, of Rumford, Rhode Island, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999.

Past Director Barilla is a retired school business administrator.

A member of the Rumford Lions Club since 1973, Past Director Barilla has held many offices within the association, including club president, cabinet secretary and treasurer, zone chairman, deputy district governor and district governor. In addition, he has served as president of the New England Council of Present and Past District Governors, president of the Rhode Island Council of Past District Governors, president of the Rhode Island Lions Children Cancer Fund, Campaign SightFirst chairman and delegate to the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Barilla has received numerous awards including the 100% District Governor Award, an International Lions Membership Achievement Award, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Barilla is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is auditor of the East Providence Heritage Committee and serves on the board of the East Providence Citizens Scholarship Foundation. He has also served as a director of the Ronald McDonald House Founding Board.

Past Director Barilla and his wife, Sandra, also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children and five grandchildren.

2005-07

ROY H. BARNETTE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Roy H. Barnette of Columbia, South Carolina, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention, held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Barnette is a senior auditor for the State of South Carolina.

A member of the Columbia Lions Club since 1973, Past Director Barnette has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, vice district governor, council chair and district governor. Additionally, he has served as president of the South Carolina Lions Eye Bank and president of the South Carolina Lions Charitable Services. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the South Carolina Lions Charitable Services Foundation.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President’s Award, the club Lion of the Year Award, several President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the 100% District Governor Award, the South Carolina Lion of the Year Award and the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation. Past Director Barnette is a South Carolina Lions Hall of Fame inductee and South Carolina Lions Foundation patron. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Barnette is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is an Eagle Scout, and was an assistant scoutmaster. He was previously president and a member of the Carolina Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, little league baseball coach, youth league basketball coach, homeless shelter volunteer and a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Development of the Historic Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park.

Past Director Barnette and his wife, Barbara, a member of the Columbia Northeast Lions Club, have four children and two grandchildren.

1985-87

GEORGE L. “MICK” BARRUS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

George L. “Mick” Barrus, of Cody, Wyoming, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 68th annual convention, held in Dallas, Texas, USA, June 19-22, 1985.

Past Director Barrus was a teacher and coach in Wyoming for 26 years. After a 10- year career with the U.S. Forest Service, he retired in 2001. Past Director Barrus is now self-employed as a naturalist and tour guide.

A Lion since 1965 and a member of the Cody Lions Club, Past Director Barrus has served the association in a number of positions, including district governor, club president, zone chair and chairperson of the Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in 1989. For his contributions to the association, Past Director Barrus has received the 100% District Governor Award, the Extension Award, seven International President’s Awards, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association. He also holds a Senior Master Key and is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active and involved in his community, Past Director Barrus has been elected town councilperson, hospital trustee and mayor. He also served as a municipal judge. Past Director Barrus is also the recipient of three international education awards, each given for teaching excellence.

1997-99

LIBARDO BASTIDAS PASSOS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Libardo Bastidas Passos, of Santa Cruz, Nariño, Colombia, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 30-July 5, 1997.

Past Director Bastidas is an urologist.

A member of the Popayan Lions Club, Past Director Bastidas has been a Lion since 1967. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, region chairman, district governor and council chairman. He also served as extension and membership, and leadership chairman for his multiple districts.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Bastidas has received numerous awards, including several club president appreciation awards, several district governor appreciation awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Bastidas is a member of the Medical Federation of Columbia, and a professor and former dean at the University of Cavca’s School of Medicine.

Past Director Bastidas and his wife, Rocio Toro, have three children.

1998-00

CARL L. BATTISTONE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Carl L. Battistone, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st International Convention, held in Birmingham, England,
June 29-July 3, 1998.

Past Director Battistone is a retired United States Marine Corps fighter pilot.

A member of the Bethel Park Lions Club since 1981, Past Director Battistone has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and LCIF chairman. In addition, he has served as council chairman, council advisor, state convention chairman and Campaign SightFirst sector coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Battistone has received numerous awards, including a Lion of the Year award, the 100% Club President Award, 100% District Governor Award, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, four International President’s Medals, two International President’s Leadership Medals, an Extension Award, an Advancement Membership Key and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. Past Director Battistone is a Melvin Jones Fellow and a Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Battistone is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps Association and the Marine Corps Aviation Association.

Past Director Battistone and his wife, Ruth, have six children and 16 grandchildren.

2016-18

BRUCE BECK

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Bruce Beck from Palisade, Minnesota, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Beck is a retired law enforcement administrator.

A member of the Palisade Area Lions Club since 1989, he has held many offices within the association, including club membership chairperson, district extension chairperson, zone chairperson, district governor, council chairperson, district GLT coordinator and multiple district GLT coordinator. He was also a presenter at the 2014 USA/Canada Forum.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, Leadership Award, Extension Award, Zone Chairperson Excellence Award, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and an International President’s Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Beck has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including Chief of Palisade Fire Department, President of the Minnesota Fraud Investigators Association and Councilman for Palisade City. 

Director Beck and his wife Erin, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two daughters.

2016-18

ANTHONY “TONY” BENBOW

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Tony Benbow from Vermont South, Australia, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Benbow is a retired head of operations in banking.

A member of the South Vermont Lions Club since 1985, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, council chairperson and GMT area leader.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including a Membership Advancement Key, Club President Excellence Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and nine InternationalPresident’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Benbow has been active in numerous

professional and community organizations, including as associate member of

Institute of Community Directors, Chairman of StepAhead Australia, Director of

OK Foundation and Chairman of Lions House Foundation.

Director Benbow and his wife, Sue, have one son and one daughter.

1996-98

DR. PAOLO BERNARDI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Paolo Bernardi, of Bologna, Italy, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 79th International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 9-12, 1996.

Past Director Bernardi is a legal and insurance consultant.

A Life Member of the Bologna (Valle del Reno Guglielmo Marconi) Lions Club since 1971, Past Director Bernardi has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor, district governor and council chairman. In addition, he was a multiple district Train-the- Trainer and a member of the Credentials Committee at six annual conventions.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Bernardi has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, 14 District Governor Appreciation Awards, five International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow and holds a record of 27 years perfect attendance.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Bernardi is the provincial and regional chairman of the National Association of Insurance Agents and the vice president of Telefono Azzurro, a toll-free help line for abused and neglected children. He was the national chairman of the Milano Insurance Agents Group and was a board member and secretary of the Bologna Banca Operaia.

Past Director Bernardi has one daughter.

2014-16

SVEIN ǾYSTEIN BERNTSEN

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Svein Ǿystein Berntsen from Hetlevik, Norway, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Berntsen is chairman of the board at a computer software company.

A member of the Sandnes/Riska Lions Club, and a Lion since 1992, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, council chairperson, multiple district GLT coordinator, multiple district LCIF chairperson and GLT area leader.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Builder Key Award, International Leadership Award and an International President’s Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Director Berntsen is married to Hanne, who is also a Lion.

2010-12

NARENDRA S. BHANDARI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Narendra S. Bhandari, from Pune, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 to July 2, 2010.

Past Director Bhandari works in building materials, real estate, corporate training and event management.

He was a member of the Lions Club of Poona Kirkee, and during the Centennial year 2016, he sponsored a new Centennial Lions Club. He is currently a Centennial Charter member of Lions Club of Pune Shatabbdi. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, vice district governor, district governor, district cabinet secretary, region chair, district bulletin editor and district activities chair. He also served as faculty at DGE schools, Senior Leadership Institutes and area Forums. He is a Lions Certified Instructor. During his tenure as International Director, he served on the Finance & Headquarters Committee. Currently, he serves as the Centennial Action Committee Chairperson for Area 6 ISAAME (2014-18), and GMT Constitutional Area Leader Area 6 ISAAME (2017-2020).

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% President Award, seven District Governor Appreciation Awards, ISAAME Youth Exchange Activity Award, five International President’s Leadership Awards, nine International President’s Medals and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Bhandari is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Poona Hospital and Research Center, the Royal Connaught Boat Club, the Camp Education Society and the Punjabi Cultural Association. He has also served as president of the Poona Iron and Steel Merchants Association and vice president of the Rajiv Gandhi Social, Cultural and Sports Foundation.

Past Director Bhandari and his wife, Ranjana, also a Lion, have two sons, one daughter and five grandchildren.

2007-09

DANA BIGGS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dana Biggs from Fresno, California, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2 through 6, 2007.

Past Director Biggs is an agent representing Physicians Mutual Insurance Co.

A member of the North Fresno Lions Club, and a Lion since 1989, Past Director Biggs has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, and district governor. She has also served as GMT area leader for seven western states, DGE group leader and USA/Canada seminar instructor for several forums. Additionally, she has served as chairperson of Quest, Student Speakers, Budget & Finance Committee, Extension and Leadership. She has also served as a speaker and panelist at several local and international Lions events.

In recognition of her service to the association, Past Director Biggs has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, Club Lion of the Year Award, multiple district Excellence Award, District Lion of the Year Award, District Governor’s Leadership Award, three District Governor’s Medals of Appreciation, the Abdul Award, the Paul Shamada Leadership Award, the City of Hope Life Sustaining Award, the International President’s Leadership Award, an International Extension Award, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, 10 International President’s Awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is also a Dwight Stanford Fellow and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Biggs is active in numerous professional and community organizations. In the past, she served as juvenile justice commissioner for Fresno County, California.

Director Biggs and her husband, Past International President William L. Biggs, a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have five children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

2008-10

KEN BIRD

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ken Bird, from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Bird is a company director.

A member of the Moreton Bay Lions Club and a Lion since 1972, Past Director Bird has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, public relations chairperson, region chairperson and district governor.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Bird has received numerous awards, including a District Star Award, the James D. Richardson Award, the 100% District Governor Award and the International President’s Leadership Medal. Past Director Bird is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Bird is active in numerous professional and community organizations.

Past Director Bird and his wife, Maureen, also a Lion, have three children and two grandchildren.

2018-20

BILLY J. (B.J.) BLANKENSHIP

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Billy J. (B.J.) Blankenship, from Lafayette, Tennessee, USA was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Blankenship is currently a member of the Macon County Board of Education – Transportation Department. He is a retired Tennessee Army National Guardsman having last held the position of Maintenance Control Sergeant.

He has been a part of the Lafayette Lions Club since 1994 and has held many positions within the association including district governor and district GLT coordinator. He has also served as LCIF multiple district coordinator, district leadership development chairperson and multiple district GMT coordinator. Director Blankenship has also served as Sergeant-at-Arms at International convention from 2015-2017.

In recognition of his service he has been awarded three International President’s Awards, an International President’s Leadership Award and nine International President’s Certificates of Achievement. He is also a recipient of the association’s highest recognition, the Ambassador of Good Will award.

Director Blankenship is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. His wife, Carolyn G. Blankenship, is Melvin Jones Fellow and longtime Lion.

2007-09

ERMANNO BOCCHINI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ermanno Bocchini from Napoli, Italy, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Past Director Bocchini is a university professor and lawyer.

A member of the Napoli Maschio Angioino Lions Club since 1977, Past Director Bocchini has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and district LCIF coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Bocchini has received numerous awards, including an Extension Award, a District Governor’s Appreciation Award, the District Governor’s Excellence Award and an International President’s Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Bocchini is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He was also conferred with the official title of Commendatore by decree of the president of Italy.

Past Director Bocchini and his wife, Sofia, have two children and two grandchildren.

2010-12

JANEZ BOHORIČ

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Janez Bohorič, from Kranj, Slovenia, was elected to serve a two-year term as ard director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 93 International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 to July 2, 2010.

Past Director Bohorič works as a leader in the Slovenian government.

A member of the Škofja Loka Lions Club, and a Lion since 1990, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, district governor and a district international relations cabinet member. He has also served as the Area 4 leader for the Eastern European Project.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% President Award, Zone Chairperson Award, Region Chairperson Award, District Governor Appreciation Award, five Extension Awards, District Chairperson Award, International President’s Paradigm Award, seven International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the association’s highest honor. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Bohorič is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Macedonia in Slovenia, a member of the Executive Board of the Slovene Association of Managers and an honorary member of the Slovene Tourist Association. He has also served as chairperson of the Slovene Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Past Director Bohorič and Polonca Oblak have two daughters.

2003-05

LOWELL J. BONDS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Lowell J. Bonds, of Hoover, Alabama, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Past Director Bonds is a business owner and real estate investor.

A member of the Birmingham Lions Club since 1973, Past Director Bonds has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, cabinet secretary and district governor. On the multiple district level, he served as Council of Governors chair, Past District Governor Organization president, Leadership Development chair, Impact Team leader, Lions Opportunities for Youth Fund director and more. In addition, he served as 2001 international board appointee to the Leadership Committee, vice chair of the 1999 USA/Canada Leadership Forum Host Committee, Habitat for Humanity Pilot Project chair and faculty member of the Southeast Lions Leadership Institute.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the club Lion of the Year Award, the 100% Club President Award, the Guiding Lion Award, the 100% District Governor’s Award, the Extension Award, sixteen Key Awards, six International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International Leadership Awards, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon association members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Bonds, a graduate of Auburn University, is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as trustee and secretary of the University of South Alabama Foundation, advisory board member of the University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Optometry and board member of Camp Sealy Harris Diabetic Youth Camp. In the past, he served as an advisory board member of the Alabama Eye Bank and was president of the industrial development board and chair of the zoning board of the city of Jemison, Alabama.

Past Director Bonds and his wife, Carolyn, also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, one daughter-in-law, also a Lion, and one granddaughter.

2000-02

VUTHI BOONNIKORNVORAVITH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Vuthi Boonnikornvoravith, of Bangkok, Thailand, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 83rd International Convention, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA,
June 19-23, 2000.

Past Director Boonnikornvoravith is the owner of an engineering products company.

A chartered member of the Bangkok Erawan Lions Club since 1975, Past Director Boonnikornvoravith has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He also served as SightFirst chairman, Lions-Quest chairman and as a member of the LCIF executive committee and the Finance and Headquarters Operation committee. Past Director Boonnikornvoravith has attended several Orient and Southeast Asia Lions (OSEAL) Forums and was chairman of the 33rd forum in 1994.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Boonnikornvoravith has received numerous awards, including the Rebuilding Lion Award, two Lion of the Year Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, the Guiding Lion Award, three International President Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Campaign SightFirst Lead Gift Donor and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Boonnikornvoravith and his wife, Pantuda, have three daughters and one granddaughter.

2011-13

JOAQUIM CARDOSO BORRALHO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Joaquim Cardoso Borralho, from Portugal, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 94th International Convention, held in Seattle, Washington, USA, July 4 to July 8, 2011.

Past Director Borralho is an environmental engineer.

A member of the Oeiras-Tejo Lions Club since 1994, he has held many offices within the association, including founding club president, chairperson of his club’s membership committee, zone chair and district governor. He has also served several seminars and forums.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including a Club Secretary Medal, a Club Treasurer Medal, Membership and Extension Certificates, the 100% Attendance Award, an International President’s Medal of Merit, the 100% District Governor Award, the International President’s Excellence Award, an Extension Award, a 25 Member Key Award, the Golden Lion and International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Borralho is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He currently serves as audit chairperson of the Marques de Pombal, vice president of the Environmental Technology Association and in the Order of Engineers for the Automobile Club of Lisbon, Portugal. In the past, he served as a Portuguese Army Officer.

Past Director Borralho and his wife, Maria Sam Pedro Marques Borralho, have two children and one grandchild.

2014-16

JORGE ANDRÉS BORTOLOZZI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jorge Andrés Bortolozzi, from Coronda, Argentina, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada , July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Bortolozzi is a lawyer.

A member of the Coronda Lions Club since 1989, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, zone and region chairperson, council chairperson, LCIF district coordinator and director of the regional Lions Leadership Institute. Additionally, he is a member of the Lions Quest advisory committee and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, an Extension Award and several International President’s Certificates of Appreciation.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Bortolozzi is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including Coronda Services Cooperative and the Conduct Court of the Bar Association of Santa Fe.

Director Bortolozzi and his wife Martha, also a Lion, have two sons.

2006-08

PEDRO A. BOTELLO ORTÍZ

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Pedro A. Botello Ortíz from Monterrey, Mexico, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 30-July 4, 2006.

Past Director Botello is a business consultant.

A member of the Monterrey Poniente AC Lions Club since 1975, Past Director Botello has held many offices within the association, including founding club president,
zone chairperson, region chairperson, district secretary and district governor. He
has also served as Impact Team leader and SightFirst II national/multinational coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, 100% District Governor Award, 100% District Secretary Award, two International President’s Medals and eight International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Botello is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a member of the administrative cabinet of the Central de Abastos Monterrey AC, honorary president of the Eloy Cavazos & Company Foundation, honorary president and founder of the American Football Juvenile Lions Club and honorary president and owner of the Botello Country Club Riding Resort.

Past Director Botello and his wife, Nancy, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children and one grandchild.

1994-96

ENRIQUE R. BOTTINI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Enrique R. “Quique” Bottini, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 77th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 12-15, 1994.

Past Director Bottini has a degree in law and social sciences from the University of Buenos Aires and is a notary public.

A member of the Ramos Mejia Lions Club since 1962, Past Director Bottini has held many positions within the association, including club president, vice district governor, district governor, council chairman and chairman of his district’s Convention Committee. He also served as a Campaign SightFirst National/Multi- National Coordinator for Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. Past Director Bottini was also a member of the administration committee of the District O-4 Lions Foundation.

Past Director Bottini has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including many district awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Bottini is active in many civic and sports organizations including serving as president of the Belgrano Chapter of the Argentinean Automobile Club.

Past Director Bottini and his wife, Beba, have three children and six grandchildren.

2004-06

SEBASTIÃO BRAGA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Sebastião Braga, of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 87th International Convention, held in Detroit, Michigan, USA/Windsor, Ontario, Canada, July 5-July 9, 2004.

Past Director Braga is an advocacy lawyer and holds a Ph.D. in law.

A member of the Belo Horizonte Nova Suissa Lions Club since 1972, Past Director Braga has held many offices within the association, including all club level offices, region president and district governor. He is also a member of the district honor committee. Past Director Braga has served as the official orator at several district conventions and has coordinated several workshops at the club, district and multiple district level.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, four International President’s Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also an honorary Lion of the Academia Mineira de Leonism.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Braga is a member of numerous professional and community organizations, including the National Association of Bank Lawyers and the National Board of Labor. He was also a counselor for the Board of Brazil Lawyers and has received several civic honors and awards, including the Inconfidence Medal, Santos Dummont Medal and Legislative Merit Medal.

Past Director Braga, and his wife, Maria das Graças, also a member of the Belo Horizonte Nova Suissa Lions Club, have three children.

2015-17

MELVYN K. BRAY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Melvyn K. Bray, from Whiting, New Jersey, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Bray is a retired bank vice president and regional manager.

A member of the Toms River Lions Club since 1973, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, club treasurer, club secretary, club membership chairperson, council secretary, cabinet treasurer, council chairperson, district peace poster contest chairperson, district LCIF chairperson, multiple district GMT coordinator and region chairperson. He is also the executive director for The Lions Eye Research Foundation of New Jersey.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Bray has received numerous awards, including the Club President Excellence Award, a Leadership Award, Senior Builder Key Award, Life Membership Award and three International President’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Bray is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Sight & Handicapped Foundation of Ocean County, Funds for the New Jersey Blind and the New Jersey Camp for Blind Children.

Director Bray and his wife Ginny, also a lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son, one daughter and three grandsons. 

1996-08

JOSE BRIGNETI L.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jose “Pepe” Brigneti L., of Lima, Peru, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 79th International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 9-12, 1996.

Past Director Brigneti is a businessman and owner of several service stations and a transportation company.

A member of the Chancay Lions Club, Past Director Brigneti has been a Lion since 1968. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, vice district governor and district governor. In addition, Past Director Brigneti is the national chairman of Campaign SightFirst, has been an official speaker for Peru at two FOLAC Forums, and has served as a member of several committees and membership chairman for his multiple district.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Brigneti has received numerous awards, including recognition certificates as zone chairman and vice district governor, three Membership Growth Awards, an Achievement Certificate for the success of his multiple district’s Extension and Membership Increase program and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and holds a record of perfect attendance for 30 years.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Brigneti is director of the Association of Service Station Owners of Peru and is a past trustee of the District Council of Chancay. Past Director Brigneti and his wife, Rosa “Mona,” also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have three daughters and five grandchildren.

1986-88

TOM BROUGHTON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Tom Broughton, of Bridport, Vermont, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 69th International Convention, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, July 9-12, 1986.

Past Director Broughton is a former special education instructor. He works in real estate and as a licensed auctioneer in Vermont.

A Lion since 1971, Past Director Broughton has held the offices of club president and district governor, in addition to chairing many committees. He was also active in several Lion conventions, conferences and forums. He has been facilities chairman of four USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forums, vice-chairman for the 1994 Des Moines forum and chairman for the 1995 Forum in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He served as an appointee to the Lions Clubs International board of directors for 1997-98.

Among the honors received for his service are three Extension Awards, seven International President’s Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, the International President’s Commendation Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

An involved community member, Past Director Broughton helped establish and served as director of a county shelter workshop. He currently is Chairman of the town of Bridport Selectman. In addition, he served as charter president of the Bridport Historical Society and is a member of the Bridport Restoration Committee. He is a past director of the Vermont Association of the Blind. District 45 Lions established an endowment fund in his name for the Vermont Special Olympics.

Past Director Broughton and his wife, Charlene, have two daughters and one son, and three grandchildren.

2000-02

W. ALLEN BROUGHTON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

W. Allen Broughton, of Brentwood, Tennessee, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 83rd International Convention, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, June 19-23, 2000.

Past Director Broughton is an attorney.

A Lion since 1981 and a charter member of the Brentwood Noon Lions Club since 1997, Past Director Broughton has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, extension chairman, council chairman and district governor. He also served as a member of the Multiple District Long Range Planning committee and as multiple district Leadership and Extension chairman.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Broughton has received numerous awards, including Lion of the Year, Lion of the Decade, the 100% Club President Award, the 100% Secretary Award, an Extension Award, the 100% District Governor Award, a District Governor Excellence Award, an International President’s Leadership Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, two International President Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. Past Director Broughton is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Broughton has served as chairman of the Tennessee Governor’s Purchase from the Blind/Severely Handicapped Advisory Committee and as the Region II Representative on the General Counsel of Industries for the Blind.

Past Director Broughton and his wife, Emily, a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son.

2002-04

DELMAR W. BROWN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Delmar W. Brown, of Iowa City, Iowa, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Brown is a consulting broadcast engineer.

A member of the Iowa City Noon Host Lions Club since 1986, Past Director Brown has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, extension chairperson, Campaign SightFirst Group Coordinator, Guiding Lion and district governor. In addition, he served as a moderator in 1998 and 1999 and as a presenter in 2000 at the USA/Canada Leadership Forum.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Brown has received numerous awards, including the Club President Excellence Award, the District Governor Excellence Award, the Extension Award, five Key Member Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. Additionally, he has received the International President’s Award, the International Lions Leadership Award and two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Brown is active in numerous professional and community organizations. Currently, he is a youth mentor and choir member at his church.. In the past he served as a senior member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers, the Parent Teacher Association president, his church’s council chairperson and Sunday school superintendent.

Past Director Brown and his wife, Clista, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have three daughters, four grandsons and one granddaughter.

2018-19

GARY F. BROWN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Gary F. Brown, from Cape Vincent, New York, USA was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Brown has worked in the field of investment management for the past 37 years. He has owned his own branch and mentored several successful reps. He is currently an independent contractor and registered representative for Essex Securities.

Director Brown first became a Lion in 1984 in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but has called the Brockport Lions Club home since 2016. He has held a number of offices within the association including club president, district governor, and district leadership development chairperson. He has also served as council chairperson, multiple district convention chairperson and multiple district GLT chairperson.

In recognition of his service, he has received many awards including the 100% President’s Award. He is also the recipient of the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award, three International President’s Awards, an International President’s Leadership Award, as well as four International President Certificates of Appreciation.

In addition to his Lions activities, he is an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and former board member of the Boy Scouts of America East Valley Area Council in Pittsburgh.

Director Brown is a Melvin Jones Fellow. His wife, Barbara, is also a longtime Lion and a recipient of the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award.

1996-98

ROBERT BROWNING, JR.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Robert “Bob” Browning, Jr., of Pineville, West Virginia, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 79th International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 9-12, 1996.

A Life Member of the Pineville Lions Club, Past Director Browning has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman. He also served as district youth exchange chairman, multiple district leadership development chairman and as Trustee of the West Virginia Lions Sight Conservation Foundation.

He currently serves on the MD 29 Long Range Planning Committee, the MD 29 Constitution and By-laws Committee and the MD 29 Lions RAP Committee. He has been a group leader at three District Governor Elect seminars.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Browning has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, Membership Advancement Key Awards, Extension Awards, International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award. He is also a Distinguished West Virginian, Evan Hugas Award winner and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. He became a Lion on March 14th, 1976, and holds a record of 36 years perfect attendance in his club.

He is President of the Wyoming County Library Board of Trustees and is a member of the Board of Directors of First Peoples Bank.

Past Director Browning and his wife, Jo Ellen, also a Lion, have two daughters, two granddaughters and one grandson.

1974-76

DON A. BUCKALEW

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Don A. Buckalew, of Conroe, Texas, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 57th International Convention, held in San Francisco, California, USA, July 3-6, 1974.

Past Director Buckalew is the owner of a car dealership.

Past Director Buckalew has held many offices within the association, including club president and district governor. He has worked in a leadership capacity at many District Governor-elect seminars and has been a participant in the presentation of other seminars at International Convention. He has been a part of many USA/Canada Lions Forums Planning Committees and served as chairman for the forums held in Denver, Colorado, USA, in 1981, and in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, in 1982.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Buckalew has received numerous honors, including many International President’s Awards, the “Lion of the Year Award” from the Conroe Noon Lions Club and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association.

Past Director Buckalew has held many positions of responsibility within his community and the automotive industry over the years and continues to be active in a number of organizations. Currently, as a lifetime vice-president of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, he is a member of the show’s Board of Directors and serves on the Executive Committee. Additionally, he is chairman of the Greater Conroe Economic Development Council.

He is a past president of the Board of Trustees of the Conroe Independent School District, the Montgomery County Fair Association, the Conroe/Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Hospital Board of Managers and past director of the Houston Automobile Dealers Association. He is a past chairman of the board for the Texas Automobile Dealers Association.

The Conroe Independent School District honored Past Director Buckalew for his past school district and community service on November 22, 1998 with the formal dedication of the Don A. Buckalew Elementary School. He has received the Man of the Year Award for Conroe/Montgomery County, Texas, USA, and the Time Quality Dealer Award, presented by Time Magazine and the National Automobile Dealers Association in 1987.

He and his wife, Elaine, have seven children and eight grandchildren.

1984-86

M. P. “MIKE” BUTLER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

M. P. “Mike” Butler, of Kerrville, Texas, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 67th annual convention, held in San Francisco, California, USA, July 1984.

Past Director Mike is a member of the Kerrville Host Lions Club and a Lion since 1974. He has held numerous offices in the association, including district governor and multiple district treasurer. He served as chairperson of the Global Membership Team for 2008-09. Since 2010, PID Mike has served as an area leadership or membership coordinator.

For his efforts on behalf of the association, PID Mike has received the Master Key, the Extension Award, the District Governor’s Extension Award, several International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by Lions Clubs International to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

PID Mike and his wife, Lion Sheryl, are involved in their church and community. Sheryl is a member of the Kerrville Sunrise Lions Club. PID Mike has three children, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is the owner and operator of a construction company.

1984-86

ZANDER CAMPOS DA SILVA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Zander Campos da Silva, of Goiania, Goias, Brazil, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 67th International Convention, held in San Francisco, California, USA, July 4-7, 1984.

Past Director Campos da Silva is a journalist and lawyer, works in the advertising field and also manages a printing and publishing house.

A Lion since 1965, as a member of the Goiania Sul Lions Club, Past Director Campos da Silva has held offices including club president and district governor. He has been active in the establishment of Leo clubs, and as a district governor was responsible for organizing 23 Lions clubs in his district. In addition, he has published eight books about the association and one on marketing and advertising. Since 1974, he has been the editor of the Portuguese language edition of THE LION Magazine.

In recognition of his efforts on behalf of the association, Past Director Campos da Silva has received many awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow. He is the chairman of the Educational Foundation of Goias and of the Eye Bank Foundation of Goias, both of which are Lion projects.

Past Director Campos da Silva and his wife, Zilma, have two children, Zander Jr. and Zandarlene, who are both involved in Lion activities.

1971-73

DOMINIC JOSEPH CARLONE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dominic Joseph Carlone, of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 54th convention held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 1971.

Past Director Carlone, owner of a wholesale-distributor business, has been a member of the Belle Chasse Lions Club since 1961. He has served as a zone chairman, deputy district governor, and district governor. He is the recipient of seven Extension Awards, a Master Key, nine International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon association members.

Past Director Carlone has been very active in civic and community affairs and has served as chairman of the Louisiana Lions Benefit Football Game, a major fundraising activity of the Lions of Louisiana. He has also held the office of president of the Louisiana Lions Crippled Children’s Camp, and he has served on this board since 1967. Past Director Carlone was also instrumental in forming the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation and he is presently serving on the board of the foundation.

Along with his interest in Lions activities, Past Director Carlone has worked closely with the Boy Scouts and the Boys Club program in his area.

Lion Carlone and his wife, Faye, have four children.

2014-16

ERIC R. CARTER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Eric R. Carter from Auckland, New Zealand, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Carter is the owner and managing director of an electrical company.

A member of the Henderson Lions Club since 1990, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, zone and region chairperson, council chairperson and CSFII district coordinator. He has also been the Special Olympics/Opening Eyes coordinator and liaison to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, Second Vice District Governor Award and an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Director Carter and his wife, Karen, have a son, one daughter and one grandson.

2017-19

SANDRO CASTELLANA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Sandro Castellana from Padova, Italy, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Castellana is an IT consultant.

A member of the Abano Terme Euganee Lions Club since 1997, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, zone chairperson, multiple district GLT coordinator and GLT area leader.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Castellana has received numerous awards, including three International President’s Awards and International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Castellana has been active in professional and community organizations, including as vice president of the Italian Heart Transplant Association.

Director Castellana’s wife, Anna, is also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow.

2010-12

JAMES A. CAVALLARO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

James A. Cavallaro, from Springfield, Pennsylvania, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 to July 2, 2010.

Past Director Cavallaro is a retired healthcare senior administrator.

A member of the Springfield Lions Club since 1979, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, leadership chair, finance chair, vice district governor and district governor. He also served as State Protocol Chair, a Mission 30 leader and a district chair for Campaign SightFirst II.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President Award, 100% District Governor Award, Pennsylvania Fellows Award, Membership Award, International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, an International President’s Leadership Award and an International President’s Award. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Cavallaro is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has served as a board member for the Township Environmental Committee, the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the CareLink mental health program and the Indian Guide Program. He is also the recipient of a Springfield Township Honorary Volunteer Award.

Past Director Cavallaro resides with his wife Michelle, a charter member of her Lions club. He has three children; he and Michelle share seven grandchildren.

1990-92

JUAN JOSE CEBALLOS CASTILLO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Juan Jose Ceballos Castillo of Santiago, Domincan Republic, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of the International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 73rd International Convention, held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, July 11-14, 1990.

Past Director Ceballos is involved in the realty profession.

A member of the Santiago Central Lions Club since 1968 with 20 years perfect attendance, Past Director Ceballos has held many positions in the association, including club president, zone chairman and district governor. He is also the president of the Patronage Against Leprosy Filial Cibao, and the president of the Blind Patronage of the Cibao Region.

For his many contributions to the association, Past Director Ceballos has received the 100% District Governor Award, a Master Key Award, 14 Extension Awards, an International President’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members.

Past Director Ceballos and his wife, Josefina, have two children.

2001-04

PETER CERNIGLIA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Peter Cerniglia, of Cross Plains, Wisconsin, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 84th International Convention, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, July 2-July 6, 2001.

Past Director Cerniglia is a retired building construction superintendent.

A member of the Cross Plains Lions Club since 1978, with perfect attendance, Past Director Cerniglia has held many offices within the association, including club charter president, zone chair and district governor. In addition, he served as District Sight Conservation, Diabetes, Eyebank and Children’s Vision Screening chair and State Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) chair. He has also served on the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum planning committee and on several district and multiple district committees.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Cerniglia has received numerous awards including a Club President Appreciation Award, a 100% District Governor Award, a District Outstanding Service Award, a Zone Chairperson Growth Award, an International President’s Leadership Award, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Cerniglia is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He serves as a member of an Italian- American club, a member of the American Legion, on the advisory board of the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Ophthalmology-Visual Sciences and an eye transporter for the Eyebank of Wisconsin.

Past Director Cerniglia and his wife, Joann, also a Lion, have three children and four grandchildren.

2004-06

RICHARD P. CHAFFIN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Richard P. Chaffin, of Forest, Virginia, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 87th International Convention, held in Detroit, Michigan, USA/Windsor, Ontario, Canada, July 5-July 9, 2004.

Past Director Chaffin is a farmer and real estate developer/manager.

A member of the Forest Lions Club since 1973, Past Director Chaffin has held many offices within the association, including club president, Lioness chair, membership chair, zone chair and two-time district governor. Additionally he has served as president, treasurer and board member of the Lions of Virginia Foundation; secretary-treasurer of the Virginia Association of Past District Governors and director of the Old Dominion Eye Foundation.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club Secretary Award, 100% Club President Award, the District Governor’s Appreciation Award, the 100% District Governor’s Award, the District Governor’s Excellence Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Chaffin is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including director of the Augusta Mutual Insurance Company, the Peaks of Otter Soil and Water Conservation District and the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. In the past, he served as president of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, the Central Virginia chapter of the American Institute of Banking, and firefighter/president/director of the Forest Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as president of the Bedford Mutual Insurance Company, director of the Central Virginia chapter of Professional Construction Estimators, Roanoke Farm Credit ACA director and president and treasurer of the Central District- Associated General Contractors of Virginia.

Past Director Chaffin’s wife, Debbie, is also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

2011-13

MARVIN CHAMBERS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Marvin Chambers, from Fillmore, Saskatchewan, Canada, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 94th International Convention, held in Seattle, Washington, USA, July 4 to July 8, 2011.

Past Director Chambers is an agricultural consultant and the mayor of Fillmore.

A member of the Fillmore and District Lions Club since 1971, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair and district governor. He also served as a Guiding Lion and convention chairperson, attended extension workshops and helped start three Lions clubs and a Leo club.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% Club Secretary Award, 100% Club President Award, two International President’s Certificates and two International President’s Awards. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow, a Judge Brian Stevenson Fellow and a life member of both the Saskatchewan Eye Bank and the Saskatchewan Foundation.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Chambers is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He currently serves as a member of the Fillmore Recreation and Cultural Board, a member of the Hospital Foundation for Fillmore District and a village representative for Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities. In the past, he also served as councilor for RM #96 [Fillmore], United Church treasurer, councilor for the Village of Fillmore, and president of both the Fillmore’s Donor’s Choice and the Fillmore Curling Club.

Past Director Chambers and his wife, Lynne, also a Lion, have five children and five grandchildren.

2014-16

CHARLIE CHAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Charlie Chan from Singapore, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Chan is managing director.

A member of the Singapore Changi Lions Club, and Lion since 1983, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, multiple district international relations chairperson, multiple district youth exchange and outreach chairperson, CSFII national/multinational coordinator, certified guiding Lion and faculty member for several Senior Lions Leadership Institutes.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor award, the Senior Master Key Award, six Extension Awards, and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a Humanitarian Partner Bronze.

Director Chan and his wife, Dora, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one daughter, four sons and six grandchildren.

2012-14

JUI-TAI CHANG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jui-Tai Chang, from Multiple District 300 Taiwan, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Chang is the CEO of Ninesun Group and President of Cardon Enterprise Corporation, Ltd.

A member of the Guo-Hwa Lions Club, and a Lion since 1987, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, Leo club advisor and Lions Clubs International Foundation coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including Most Outstanding District Governor in Asia, Master Key Award, four International President’s Awards, two International Leadership Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Chang and his wife, Su-Chen Yang, have three sons.

2015-17

PIERRE H. CHATEL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Pierre H. Chatel from Montpellier, France, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Chatel is an attorney.

A member of the Montpellier Languedoc Lions Club since 1986, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor and LCIF District Coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Member Key Award, Member Advancement Key Award and an International President’s Awards. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Chatel holds many positions within numerous professional and community organizations, including Knight in the Legion of Honour, Officer of the National Order of Merit, Colonel of Military Justice and Chairperson of the Bar of France. 

2006-08

PEI-JEN CHEN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Pei-Jen Chen from Taipei in Multiple District 300, Taiwan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 30-July 4, 2006.

Past Director Chen is cable machines manufacturer.

A member of the Taipei Country Lions Club since 1982, Past Director Chen has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, vice district governor and district governor. Additionally, he has served as district and multiple district secretary and secretary general of the 2003 OSEAL Forum in Taipei. For the last 20 years, he has organized a Lions painting competition for more than 3,000 children and a Lions chess tournament for more than 3,000 participants.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including a 100% District Governor Award, two International Leadership Awards and three International President’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. Past Director Chen has also received several community awards, including an award from the Ministry of Interior Affairs and an award from the Veteran

Hospital for his contributions toward helping end the virus SARS.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Chen is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Taipei Bird Watching Association and the Taipei “Go” Chess Association.

Past Director Chen and his wife, Ching-Shiang Lee, have two children.

1994-96

VIC CHENG YONG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Vic Cheng Yong, of San Juan, Philippines, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 77th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA,
July 12-15, 1994.

Past Director Cheng is a businessman and board chairman of several corporations.

A member of the San Juan Lions Club since 1964, Past Director Cheng has held many positions within the association, including club president, district governor and cabinet treasurer. He is also chairman of the District 301-D1 Medical Foundation.

Past Director Cheng has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including the Leadership Award, the Key of Nations, the Medical Services Award and the Lead Gifts Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Cheng is a director of the San Juan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Past Director Yong and his wife, Lilia, have three children.

2001-03

PRAVIN CHHAJED

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Pravin Chhajed, of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 84th International Convention, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, July 2-6, 2001.

Past Director Chhajed is a company director in textiles, construction, travel and event management.

A member of the Ahmedabad Karnavati Lions Club since 1984, Past Director Chhajed has held many offices within the association, including club president, district cabinet secretary, region chairman, vice district governor, district governor and council chairman. In addition, he has served as project chairman for the Lions Karnavati Shantaben Vishnubhai Patel Eye Hospital, which has completed 140,000 intraocular lens surgeries since 1995. He is currently the vice chairman of Laji Mehrotra Lions School and was chairperson of the 2005 District Governors- elect Seminar in China, Hong Kong. He has also served as chairperson for the 2004 ISAAME Forum, the 2006 Academy Awards of Lionism and Election Committee for the 2006 International Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He has also served as an associate at District Governor-elect Seminar for the 2013 International Convention in Hamburg, Germany.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Chhajed has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President Award, a 30-Member Key Award, a District Governor Excellence Award, two Leadership Medals, 18 International President’s Awards, the New Horizon Award in Drug Awareness and Diabetes Education, an Innovative Ideas on Membership Retention Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a life member and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Chhajed is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a life member of the Ahmedabad Management Association, the Gujarat Research & Medical Institute and the Indian Red Cross Society. In addition, he served as an invitee to the Executive Committee of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry, president of the Gujarat Rajya Anuvrat Samiti (a character building movement) and a president of the Tera Panth Yuvak Parishad.

Past Director Chhajed and his wife, Kanchan, also a Lion, have a son and three grandchildren.

2010-12

TA-LUNG CHIANG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ta-Lung Chiang, from Taichung, Multiple District 300 Taiwan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 to July 2, 2010.

Past Director Chiang is the founder of the Yu-Da Education Institution.

A member of the Changkung Lions Club and a Lion since 1992, Past Director Chiang has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district committee chairperson, vice district governor and district governor.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the International Hero Award, the International President’s Leadership Award and three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Chiang has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as Chairman of the Cultural and Educational Foundation of the Affiliated Industrial Vocational High School of National Changhua University of Education, Director General of the Taiwan Civil Aid Service and Chairman of Yu-Da Cultural and Educational Foundation. He also received the 2001 National Goodness Prize.

Past Director Chiang and his wife, Hsiu-Yun, also a Lion, have two sons and three daughters.

2003-05

VARA PRASAD CHIGURUPATI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Vara Prasad Chigurupati, of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Past Director Chigurupati is the founder and chairperson of a group of educational institutions.

A member of the Vijayawada Velagapudi Ram Naga Lions Club since 1985, Past Director Chigurupati has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and multiple council treasurer. Additionally he has served as chairperson for both the Lions District Service Trust and the Lions District Office Trust.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the club Best Lion Award, two 100% Attendance Awards, the Best Lion of the District Award, the Multiple Membership Growth Award, the International President’s Medal, the International President’s Leadership Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Chigurupati is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as principal of the Sri Krishnaveni Educational Academy in Vijayawada and as chairperson of Janasikshan Samsthan in Hyderabad. In the past, he served as secretary of the Teaching Staff Association at VRS Engineering College in Vijayawada and as chairperson of the Students Union at JNTU Engineering College in Anantapur.

Past Director Chigurupati and his wife, Manju Vani, also a Lion, have two daughters.

2017-19

CHITI HASTINGS ELI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Chiti Hastings Eli from Lusaka, Zambia, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Chiti is a real estate developer.

A member of the Lusaka Kapila Lions Club since 1996, Director Chiti has received numerous awards, including four Extension Awards, an International Leadership Award, a Senior Master Key Award and four International President’sAwards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Chiti has been active in professional and community organizations, including the Insurance Brokers Association of Zambia.

2006-08

SUNG-GYUN CHOI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Sung-Gyun Choi of Seoul, Korea, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 30-July 4, 2006.

Past Director Choi is the president of a corporation.

A Lion since 1979 and a member of the Seoul Young-Kwang Lions Club,
Past Director Choi has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, vice district governor and district governor. Additionally, he has served as district international understanding and cooperation chair, youth exchange chair, Peace Poster Contest chair, and public relations and information chair.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, International President’s Medal and the International President’s Leadership Award. Past Director Choi has received his district’s Lions Service Award of the Year 17 times and the Helen Keller Circle of Hope Award for his contributions to Campaign SightFirst. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Choi and his wife, Choon-Kang Kim, have three children and four grandchildren.

2010-12

PER K. CHRISTENSEN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Per K. Christensen, from Aalborg, Denmark, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 to July 2, 2010.

Past Director Christensen previously served in the military and is currently the owner of a wine import company.

A member of the Gug Lions Club since 1992, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor and council chairperson. He also served as Leo club charter president, Leo chairperson, youth exchange chairperson, MERL chairperson, membership chairperson, Leadership Institute faculty member, Leadership chairperson and Lions Nordic coordinator. In addition, he founded 19 Lions clubs made up of women members, organized several Leadership institutes and participated in many meetings and conventions locally and internationally.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Club Lion of the Year, 100% District Governor Award, two District Governor Appreciation Awards, the District 106 B Medal of Honor, a District Extension Award, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International President’s Leadership Award and three International President’s Awards. He also received a Lions International Academy Award in 2006. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Christensen’s wife, Anita Olsson, is also a Lion.

2015-17

DR. EUN-SEOUK CHUNG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Eun-Seouk Chung from Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Chung is a medical doctor in the department of radiology.

A member of the Pyungtaek MF Lions Club since 2007, and a Lion since 1988, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, district GMT coordinator and LCIF district coordinator. He is also a member of the Korea Lions State Council of Governors.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Master Key Award, Club President Award, District Governor Excellence Award, Helping Hands Award, Membership Advancement Key Award and two International President’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director  Chung professional and community organizations, including Honorary Director and Chief of Health Promotion Center of Pyeongtaek St. Mary’s Hospital and Honorary Chairperson of Doctors Association in Pyeongtaek City. 

Director Chung and his wife, Young-Hee Kim, have two sons. 

1998-00

DR. DENNIS D. COBLER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Dennis D. Cobler, of North Muskegon, Michigan, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 81st International Convention held in Birmingham, England, June 29 through July 3, 1998.

Past Director Cobler is a semi-retired optometrist practicing as a low-vision specialist.

A member of the Muskegon Northside Lions Club since 1980, Past Director Cobler has held many offices within the association, including club president and district governor. In addition, he has served as zone chairman, membership chairman and extension chairman. He has served three years as the Sector Coordinator for Campaign SightFirst II. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Cobler has received numerous awards including two 100% Club President Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, several International President’s Certificates of Appreciation,the Guiding Lion Award, eight Extension Awards, a 150 Member Key Award, a Top Ten International Understanding and Cooperation Award, twelve International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Cobler is a life member of the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. He is also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Armed Forces Optometric Society. Past Director Cobler has been honored twice by the governor with the Michigan Special Tribute and the Michigan Volunteer awards.

Past Director Cobler and his wife, Kathleen, have a son and a daughter.

1994-96

DR. ING. RENE J. COLIN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Ing. Rene J. Colin, of Soignies, Belgium, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 77th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA,
July 12-15, 1994.

Past Director Colin is the managing director of an independent engineering consultants office specializing in research, studies and surveys.

A Life Member of the Enghien Soignies Lions Club, Past Director Colin has been a Lion since 1967. He has held many positions within the association, including club president, deputy district governor, district governor and council chairman. He also was chairman of the Multiple District 112 LCIF and International Relations Committees.

Past Director Colin has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, four District Governors Extension Awards, the guiding Lion Award, the Past District Governor Extension Award, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Colin is active in many professional organizations including the Civil Engineering Association of Belgium and the French Society of Engineers and Scientists.

Past Director Colin and his wife, Marie-Josephe, a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons.

1989-91

GIL CONSTANTINI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Gil Constantini, of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 72nd annual convention, held in Miami/Miami Beach, USA, June 21-24, 1989.

Past Director Constantini is a chartered insurance broker associated with a regional brokerage.

A Lion since 1974 and currently a member of the Peterborough Lions Club, Past Director Constantini has served as club president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman. He has also served on several multiple district committees, including multiple district secretary.

For his contributions to the association, Past Director Constantini has received the 100% District Governor Award, two Extension Awards, five Certificate of Appreciation Awards and five International President’s Awards. He has also received the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members.

Past Director Constantini and his wife, Ann, have a daughter, Gina Maria, and granddaughter, Ashley.

1993-95

MARSHALL W. COOPER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Marshall W. Cooper, of Beaumont, Texas, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 76th International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-9, 1993.

Past Director Cooper retired after working with children and youth for 46 years.

A Lion since 1964 and a member of the Beaumont Founders Lions Club since 1987, Past Director Cooper has held many positions within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, deputy district governor and district governor. He is also actively involved with the Texas Lions Camp, Texas Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center and the Texas Lions Foundation.

Past Director Cooper has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including seven International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants to its members. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a member of the Texas Lions Hall of Fame.

Director Cooper and his wife, Wanda, have three children and four grandchildren.

1996-98

DR. EDWARD V. CORDES

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Edward V. Cordes, of Corning, New York, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 79th International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 9 through 12, 1996.

Past Director Cordes is a retired optometrist, who volunteers providing low vision services.

A member of the Corning Lions Club, Past Director Cordes has been a Lion since 1976. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, district governor and cabinet secretary. He also served as chairman of his district’s LCIF, Sight Conservation, SightFirst, Convention and Leadership committees. In 1994, he participated in the North American Membership Summit. Past Director Cordes is the co-founder of the Arthur P. Darling Low Vision Center and was a director of his multiple district’s organization of past district governors. In 2014, he was appointed chairperson of Lions KidSight USA, an initiative to create a national vision screening program for kids 6 months to 6 years, in which all USA Lions Clubs can participate.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, the Membership Advancement Key Award, an Extension Award, the SightFirst Excellence in Effort Award, two International President’s Leadership Awards, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, nine International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Cordes is involved in many professional organizations, including serving, by appointment of the Governor of New York, on the State University of New York College of Optometry Council for 19 years and as the council’s chair for nine years. In addition, he was named his state’s “Optometrist of the Year” in 1990. In 2012 he was awarded the New York State Optometric Association’s Leadership Award for his long term service to the Association and serving as President of the Children’s Vision Coalition. That same year he was honored to be named one of the eight living recipients of the Frederic Woll Award, the highest recognition the New York State Optometric Association can bestow.

Past Director Cordes’ wife, Gail, is also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

2011-13

ROBERT E. CORLEW

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Robert E. Corlew, from Milton, Tennessee, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 94th International Convention, held in Seattle, Washington, USA, July 4 to July 8, 2011.

Past Director Corlew is chancellor for the State of Tennessee.

A member of the Murfreesboro Lions Club since 1978, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, district governor, cabinet secretary and council chair.

He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Corlew has been active on various boards and in several community organizations, including Boy Scouts, Murfreesboro City Council, Red Cross, General Sessions Judge, Discovery House Museum board of directors, Recreation Commission and Water and Sewer Board.

Past Director Corlew and his wife, Dianne, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have five children and one grandchild.

2011-13

CLAUDETTE CORNET

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Claudette Cornet, from Pau, France, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 94th International Convention, held in Seattle, Washington, USA, July 4 to July 8, 2011.

Past Director Cornet was a pharmacist by profession and the assistant director of communications for L’Oreal Cosmetics.

A member of the Pau Anna de Noailles Lions Club since 1989, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, district governor, president of the Association of Past Governors of France, and LCIF district coordinator.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President Award, the Club President Excellence Award, District Committee Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, an International President’s Medal, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the CSFII International Leadership Award. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Cornet is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving on the City Council. In the past she served as president of an investment club, treasurer of the International Association of Economic and Cultural Decompartmentalization and president of the Association of Nordic Skiing for 15 years.

Past Director Cornet’s husband, Jean-Claude, is a medical doctor.

2004-06

WILLIAM J. CRAWFORD

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

William J. Crawford, of Encinitas, California, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 87th International Convention, held in Detroit, Michigan, USA/Windsor, Ontario, Canada, July 5-July 9, 2004.

Past Director Crawford is an attorney.

A member of the West Covina Lions Club since 1979, Past Director Crawford has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and multiple district council chairperson. Additionally, he was an international board appointee, a nominations committee member, convention parliamentarian, convention resolutions committee member, leadership institute chairperson, leadership institute faculty member and USA/Canada Forum Committee member and speaker.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including Cub of the Year, Monarch of the Year, 100% Club President Award, 23 years of Perfect Attendance, City of Hope-Life Sustainer Award and the Dwight Stanford Fellowship Award. Past Director Crawford has received two Proclamation Awards, 10 District Governor Appreciation Awards, a 50-Member Master Key, four President’s Awards, three Leadership Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award bestowed upon association members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Crawford is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, American Subcontractors Association, Cal Poly State University president’s council, Association General Contractors, Army & Navy Academy legal advisor, AYSO Soccer Board of Directors, West Covina Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is preeminent rated with the American Bar Association, received a humanitarian award from Archbishop Timothy Manning and was named the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year.

Past Director Crawford and his wife, Julie, who is also a Melvin Jones Fellow and member of the Encinitas Lions Club, have three children.

1993-95

ELI DALSGAARD

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Eli Dalsgaard, of Ans By, Denmark, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 76th annual convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-9, 1993.

Past Director Dalsgaard is a manufacturer of work and leisure dress.

A member of the Kjellerup Lions Club, Past Director Dalsgaard has been a Lion since 1974. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He also served as a committee chairman for a Europa Forum.

Past Director Dalsgaard has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants to its members.

Past Director Dalsgaard and his wife, Bodil, have three children and five grandchildren.

2003-05

HANS ULRICH DÄTWYLER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Hans Ulrich Dätwyler, of Schattdorf, Uri, Switzerland, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Past Director Dätwyler is the managing director of the Dätwyler Foundation.

A member of the Altdorf Lions Club since 1981, Past Director Dätwyler has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairperson. Additionally he has served as chairperson for the Multiple District 102 Leadership Seminar.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the International President’s Award, the Paradigm Award and Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Dätwyler and his wife, Ursula, have two children.

1997-99

JOHN J. DAUM

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

John J. Daum, of Newcastle, Wyoming, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 30-July 5, 1997.

Past Director Daum is a retired middle school educator and coach.

A charter member of the Newcastle (Cambria) Lions Club, Past Director Daum has been a Lion since 1972. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman. He also served as leadership development chairman for his multiple district, a Lions-Quest instructor and a Train-the-Trainer instructor, and he has been a presenter for the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP).

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Daum has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, a Membership Advancement Key, an International President’s Leadership Award, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow and has had perfect attendance for 11 years.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Daum is chairman of the Senior Housing Board. He also served as chairman of the local hospital board and on the city planning board, and he was a member of the local, state and national Education Association.

Past Director Daum and his wife, Katherine, have two daughters.

1991-93

GARNET E. DAVIS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Garnet E. Davis, of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, was elected to serve a two-year term as director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 74th International Convention, held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, June 18 through June 21, 1991.

Past Director Davis, formerly an educator and school psychologist, is retired.

A member if the Regina Lakeside Lions Club, Past Director Davis has been a Lion since 1973. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He has also been actively involved with the Lions Foundation of Canada, the Lions Eye Bank of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Lions Foundation. Past Director Davis currently serves as Trustee for the Lions Clubs International Foundation representing Canada.

For his numerous contributions to the association, Past Director Davis has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Davis and his wife Mary Ellen have a married daughter and two grandchildren.

1992-94

STAN DAWSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Stan Dawson, of “Cabarita Beach” Bogangar, New South Wales, Australia, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 75th International Convention held in Hong Kong, June 23-26, 1992.

Past Director Dawson is a retired aircraft maintenance manager.

A Lion since 1973, and member of the Cabarita Beach Lions Club since 1992, Past Director Dawson has held many positions within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor and district governor. He served as host committee chairman for the association’s 74th International Convention in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Past Director Dawson has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, a Key Award, three Extension Awards, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, five International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Dawson has received the Queensland State Premier’s Award for his welfare work for senior citizens.

Past Director Dawson and his wife, Ivy, have two children.

1985-87

NORMAN M. DEAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Norman M. Dean, of Davenport, Iowa, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 68th annual convention, held in Dallas, Texas, USA, June 1985.

After serving his term as international director, he has continued to be active in the association by serving in the following capacities: vice chairman, chairman and advisor of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum Planning committee, International Board of Directors appointee (1990-91) and Campaign SightFirst International Committee member (1991-94).

A Lion with 100% attendance since joining in 1966, Past Director Dean has held many offices in the association, including district governor, club president and zone chairman. For his service to the association, he has received a number of honors, among them the International President’s Torch Award, six Extension Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, seven International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, six International President’s Awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association.

Past Director Dean is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and holds a Master Key. His wife Shirley is also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to having provided leadership for community and business groups, Past Director Dean has also served as Trustee and President of the Iowa Lions Foundation.

Past Director Dean is retired. He and his wife have two daughters, one son and seven grandchildren.

1999-01

C. CONNIE DE LA GARZA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

C. Connie de la Garza, of Harlingen, Texas, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999.

Past Director de la Garza is mayor of Harlingen, Texas, USA and a real estate broker.

A member of the Harlingen Lions Club since 1968, with 31 years perfect attendance, Past Director de la Garza has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, district governor and multiple district membership chair.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director de la Garza has received numerous awards including two Lion of the Year Awards, a Lion of the Decade Award, the Texas Lions Fellow Award, induction into the Texas Lions Hall of Fame, two Extension Awards, the District Governor’s Excellence Award, the 100% District Governor Award, three International President’s Leadership Awards and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director de la Garza is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is on the board of regents for Texas State Technical College. He has also served as Harlingen City Commissioner, chairman of the Valley International Airport Board, chairman of the Harlingen Economic Development Board, past president of Bonham Elementary Parent Teacher Association and past vice chairman of the Harlingen Industrial Foundation, Inc.

Past Director de la Garza and his wife, Lisa, also a Lion, have two sons and two daughters.

2016-18

K. DHANABALAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

K. Dhanabalan from Erode, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Dhanabalan is a business professional.

A member of the Lions Club of Erode Supreme since 1992, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district chairperson, region chairperson, district governor, multiple district GLT coordinator and centennial coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including a Grand Master Key, two Leadership Awards and three International President’s Awards. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Dhanabalan has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Erode District Football Association, Greencity Institute of Leadership Training, Erode Blood Donors Club and Erode Officers Club. 

Director Dhanabalan and his wife D. Sashikala, also a Lion, have one daughter and one grandchild. 

2013-15

LAWRENCE “LARRY” A. DICUS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Larry Dicus, from Whittier, California, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Dicus is a retired vice president of sales in the information technology field.

A member of the Whittier Host Lions Club since 1996, he has held many offices within the association, including president, district governor, council chairperson and foundation president of the Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit of Southern California.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the Founders Membership Growth Award, the Quick Start Gingko Award, the District Governor Excellence Award, the International President’s Leadership Medal, two International President’s Medals and five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Dicus is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital and the Lake Avenue Church Sanctuary Choir. 

Past Director Dicus is married to Jane, and has two sons and three granddaughters. 

1979-81

JOSEPH C. DI DUCA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Joseph C. “Joe” Di Duca, of Los Gatos, California, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 62nd annual convention held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, June 1979.

Past Director Di Duca, presently a private real estate investor, was also involved in the construction industry for 42 years.

A Life Member of the Los Gatos Lions Club, Lion Di Duca has served as his club’s president, as zone chairman, deputy district governor, 100% district governor, chairman of the White Cane Leo Club and Student Speaker Committees, and as a member of the International Relations Forum.

For his efforts on behalf of the association, he has received a Master Key Award, three Extension Awards, the International Leadership Award, five International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon association members.

Besides his Lion activities, Past Director Di Duca is a member of the Common Wealth Club of California, a founding charter member of the Los Gatos Horsemen Association and a member of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce and Paradise Chamber of Commerce.

He and his wife, Beatrice, have three children.

2009-11

LUIS DOMINGUEZ

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Luis Dominguez, from Mijas Pueblo, Spain, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director Dominguez runs his own businesses.

A member of the Mijas Lions Club and a Lion since 1986, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, membership chair, district governor, multiple district international relations chair, council chair, district and multiple district LCIF chair, Leadership Institute faculty member, and SightFirst coordinator for Spain, Gibraltar and Andorra. He also headed the Spanish Lions’ construction of 100 homes in Sri Lanka for tsunami victims.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including six International President Certificates of Appreciation, two International President’s Medals and an LCIF humanitarian medal. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Dominguez is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a current member of the board of directors of the Business Association of Mijas.

Past Director Dominguez and his wife, Loly Ruiz, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have one daughter, Cristina.

2009-11

GARY D’ORAZIO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Gary D’Orazio, from Eagle, Idaho, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director D’Orazio worked in the retail industry for 40 years and is now a realtor.

A member of the Boise Bench Lions Club and a Lion since 1980, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, membership chair, district governor and council chair.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including a Hallock-Wehman Sight and Hearing Foundation Award, Lion of the Year, Committee Chair of the Year, and Recruiter of the Year at the club, district and multiple district levels. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director D’Orazio is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a current member of the National Realtors Association.

Past Director D’Orazio and his wife Linda, also a Lion, have one daughter, five sons and 13 grandchildren.

1984-86

DR. EARL DOTSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Earl Dotson, of Columbia, Virginia, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 67th annual convention, held in San Francisco, California, USA, July 1984.

Past Director Dotson is a retired dentist.

A member of the Lakeside Lions Club in Richmond, Virginia since 1961, Past Director Dotson has held the offices of club president, zone chairman, district governor, chairman of the Council of Governors and vice president of the Lions of Virginia Foundation.

For his work on behalf of the association, Past Director Dotson has been presented awards including the 100% District Governor Award, five International President’s Awards, six Extension Awards, as well as the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow and has also received a special citation from the Commission for Visually Handicapped in recognition of his service to the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind.

Past Director Dotson is involved in numerous community and civic organizations. He is past president of the Lakeside Civic Association and chairman of the Virginia Department for the Visually Handicapped. In 1980, John Dalton, governor of Virginia, commissioned him to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia for a term of seven years.

Past Director Dotson and his wife, Bobbie, have two children.

1985-87

ROBERT J. DRABEK

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Robert J. Drabek, of Winner, South Dakota, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 68th annual convention held in Dallas, Texas, USA, June 1985.

Past Director Drabek is involved in private business. He has also served as his community’s chamber of commerce director and president.

Active in the association since 1966, Past Director Drabek has held the offices of club president, district governor and council chairman.

For his service to the association, Past Director Drabek has received a Key Member Award, five Extension Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, four Certificate of Appreciation Awards, the International Leadership Award, two International President’s Awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the Association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Also a leader in other community organizations, Past Director Drabek has served on both the Campfire Girl and Boy Scout councils and as a United Fund director. He is an active member of his church, serving on local and state leadership committees.

Past Director Drabek and his wife, Bev, also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children.

1998-00

RONALD L. DUFFE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ronald L. Duffe, of New Richmond, Wisconsin, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st International Convention held in Birmingham, England, June 29-July 3, 1998. As director, he served on the Headquarters Operations and Finance Committee and as its chairman in 1999-2000. Past Director Duffe was also appointed to the International board in 2000-2001.

A member of the Roberts Lions Club, Past International Director Duffe has been a Lion since 1972. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman and district governor. In addition, he has been a coordinator for the Wisconsin Lions Mission to Mexico program; served as director and president of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, director and president of the Wisconsin Past District Governor’s organization, and as an area Global Leadership Team Leader for the International Association. He also served as treasurer on the USA-Canada Lions Leadership Forum.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor’s Award, multiple International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, an International President’s Leadership Award, five International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Goodwill, the highest recognition given by the association. He is a progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a Wisconsin Lions Foundation Birch-Sturm Fellow.

Past Director Duffe is a retired accountant/controller. He and his wife Judy have two grown children and a granddaughter.

2005-07

ROBERT J. EICHHORN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Robert J. Eichhorn of Metairie, Louisiana, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention, held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Eichhorn is a retired Director from the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for the City of New Orleans and Orleans Parish. In addition, he is an emergency management consultant and adjunct instructor for the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

A charter member of the New Orleans Uptown Lions Club, Past Director Eichhorn has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, deputy district governor at large, district cabinet secretary/treasurer, district Leo chairperson, multiple district Leo chairperson and district governor. Additionally, he has served as Advisor, Trustee, Treasurer and President of the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation. Past Director Eichhorn served two years as a board member of the Louisiana Lions League for Crippled Children and Program Book Chairperson for the NFL New Orleans Saints and Lions exhibition football games.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the District Governor Extension Award, two Leo Chair Achievement Awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, an International President’s Special Membership Award, International President’s Extension Award, International President’s Commendation Award, three International President’sMedals, Friend of Humanity Award and Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Eichhorn has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the American Public Works Association, American Society of Professional Emergency Planners, National Coordinating Council of Emergency Management, Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association, chairperson of the Southeast Louisiana Hurricane Task Force and co-chairperson of the local Emergency Planning Committee for Orleans Parish. He has been a member of the Orleans Parish Communications District and board member of WRBH, radio for the blind and print handicapped in New Orleans. Past Director Eichhorn also was selected to the 2005-06 National Register’s Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals and received the City of New Orleans Mayor’s Medal of Honor.

1970-71

REYNALDO ELIZONDO R.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Reynaldo Elizondo R., of Monterrey, Mexico, was elected a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 53rd annual convention held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA, July 1-4, 1970.

A member of the Monterrey Lions Club, Past Director Elizondo has served as deputy district governor, district governor, and president of the Governors’ Council for Multiple District B. He is the recipient of five Extension Awards, the Higgins Medal and a Presidential Award. Past Director Elizondo is also a Special Master Key Member.

Past Director Elizondo is a private accountant. He and his wife, Maria Dolores, have six children.

2012-14

KALLE ELSTER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Kalle Elster, from Tallinn, Estonia, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Elster is a manager.

A member of the Keila Lions Club since 1994, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, zone chairperson and LCIF district coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including Lion of the Year, zone, region and district chairperson awards, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Elster is active in numerous professional and community organizations, and is the recipient of the IRU Award for TOP Road Transport Manager. 

Past Director Elster and his spouse, Mai, have two sons. 

2014-16

JACK EPPERSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jack Epperson from Dayton, Nevada, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Epperson is a retired CEO of a technical and research company.

A member of the Dayton Valley Lions Club, and a Lion since 2001, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, district GLT coordinator and region chairperson. He has also been a board member of Lions in Sight of California and Nevada and chairperson of the Nevada Prison Eyeglass Recycling Project.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including Lion of the Year, District Governor Excellence Award, Membership Key Award, International Leadership Award and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Epperson is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the American Legion and the Knights of Colombus.

Director Epperson and his wife, Mary, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son, two daughters and eight grandchildren. 

2018-19

RODOLFO ESPINAL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Rodolfo Espinal, from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Espinal has been a part of the communications industry for over 55 years and has over 40 years of interpretation experience. He has also performed voice-over work and provided public relations services. He is currently president of Respinal & Asociados.

He has been a member of the Club de Leones Santo Domingo Central since 1980. He has held a number of offices within the association and has served in a variety of speaking and training roles through the years. He served as a designated speaker of the DMR before FOLAC from 2012-2015 and has acted as a coordinator and accompanying translator for international dignitaries visiting the country.

In recognition of this service he has been received an International President’s Award and two International President’s Leadership Awards. In addition to recognition for 30 years of perfect attendance, he has received more than 25 certificates of appreciation, over 100 certificates of recognition and more than 30 recognition plates. Director Espinal is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

1999-01

MASSIMO FABIO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Massimo Fabio, of Siena, Italy, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999.

Past Director Fabio is a chief executive officer of a company.

A Lion since 1973 and a member of the Firenze Lions Club since 1979, Past Director Fabio has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, region chairman, district governor and council chairman. In addition, he has served as multiple district chairman of international relations.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Fabio has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, one extension award, two International President’s Medals, two International President’s Leadership Awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Fabio is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is president of the Italian Association for International Relations and Conventions and a member of the board of directors of Aluiss University in Rome. He has served as the deputy director general of the Italian Industry’s Confederation, was a member of the Italian National Council for Economy and Labour and was a member of the board of directors of Florence University.

Past Director Fabio and his wife, Minnie, have a daughter.

1973-75

ENRIQUE FADUL ESTEFAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Enrique Fadul Estefan, of Bogota, Colombia, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 56th International Convention in Miami Beach, Florida, USA, in June 1973.

Past Director Fadul is an economist and the general manager of one of the largest insurance agencies in Colombia.

Past Director Fadul is a charter member of the Bogota Norte Lions Club, where he has held all club offices and has recorded over 36 years of perfect attendance. He has twice served as a district governor and has received six presidential appreciation awards, an Extension Award, and the 100% District Governor Award. He is a Key Member and the recipient of the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon association members.

Past Director Fadul is currently the director of a rehabilitation center sponsored by his Lions club, for hearing and speech-impaired children.

Past Director Fadul and his wife, Aurora, have three children and seven grandchildren.

1996-98

PAUL FAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Paul Fan, of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 79th International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 9-12, 1996.

Past Director Fan is an information vendor and is also involved with finance and property.

A member of the Braemar Hill Lions Club since 1980, Past Director Fan has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor and district governor. He has been chairman of the Lions Nature Education Center, THE LION (Hong Kong edition) Publication Board, the Club Officers School and the District Membership Committee. In addition, he was vice chairman of the 34th OSEAL Forum, the host committee for the 75th Lions International Convention, the Lions Eye Bank and Research Foundation and the SightFirst China Project. In April 1997, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) appointed Director Fan administrator of a US$15.38 million SightFirst program grant which will support efforts to fight cataract in the People’s Republic of China during the next five years.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Fan has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, two International President’s Leadership Awards, three International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow and a Lead Gift Donor to Campaign SightFirst.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Fan is an adjudicator for immigration tribunal for the Hong Kong government and an advisory committee member to the Securities and Futures Commission. He has previously served as a council member of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. He is a justice of the peace for the Hong Kong government and a recipient of Her Majesty the Queen’s Badge of Honour.

Past Director Fan and his wife, Mary, have one son and two daughters.

2014-16

EDWARD FARRINGTON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Edward Farrington from Milford, New Hampshire, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Farrington is a technical operations manager.

A member of the Milford Lions Club since 1995, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, council chairperson, district LCIF chairperson, multiple district convention chairperson and district GLT coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including 100% Club President Award, District Club President of the Year, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and an International Leadership Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Farrington has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including board member for the Milford planning board, school board, budget committee and ethics committee. 

Director Farrington and his wife, Elaine, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have three daughters and six grandchildren. 

2005-07

H. DAVID FIANDT

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

H. David Fiandt of Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Fiandt is an independent insurance agent and Certified Insurance Counselor.

A member of the Fort Wayne Central Lions Club since 1976, Past Director Fiandt has held many offices within the association, including club president, cabinet
secretary, lieutenant governor, district membership chair, district leadership chair, multiple district convention chair and district governor. Additionally he has

served on the youth exchange committee, participated in four missions to Honduras and participated in an adult exchange in France. He is a trustee of the Indiana Lions Foundation and has sponsored 19 Lions.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including three International President’s Awards and two International President’s Leadership Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a W. P. Woods Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Fiandt is active in numerous professional and community organizations.

Past Director Fiandt and his wife, Beverly, also a member of the Fort Wayne Central Lions Club and Melvin Jones Fellow, have four children and two grandchildren.

2016-18

LUIZ GERALDO MATHEUS FIGUEIRA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Luiz Geraldo Matheus Figueira from Brasília, Brasil, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Figueira is a retired legislative advisor.

A member of the Brasília Metropolitano Lions Club since 1984, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, district LCIF coordinator and GLT coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Master Key Award, Senior Builder Key Award, two Leadership Awards, two Extension Awards and two International President’s Awards. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Director Figueira Marilene and his wife, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two daughters, one son and six grandchildren. 

2016-18

MARKUS FLAAMING

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Markus Flaaming from Espoo, Finland, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Flaaming is a retired leadership training consultant.

A member of the Lions Club of Vantaa Kaivoksela since 2009 and a Lion since 1977, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district LCIF chairperson and district governor. He has also been a member of the Nordic Cooperation Committee since 2007.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, 100% District Governor Award and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Director Flaaming and his wife Susanna, also a Lion, have two daughters and three grandchildren.

1988-90

TOM A.B. FOORT

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Tom A.B. Foort, of Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel, Zuid Holland, The Netherlands, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of the International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 7lst annual convention in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 29-July 2, l988.

Past Director Foort is retired.

A Lion since 1962, Past Director Foort is currently a member of the Rotterdam Host Lions Club. He has also been a member of clubs in Zaire, Algeria and Angola. He has held many offices in the association, including club secretary, club president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman.

For his contributions to the association, Past Director Foort has received various awards including the 100% Club President Award, four Extension Awards, two District Governor Extension Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, six International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association can give to its members.

Active in his community, Past Director Foort holds membership in the Port of Rotterdam, Marine Club and is a knight in the Order Oranje Nassau. He also supports scouting and sports activities.

Past Director Foort and his wife, Zizi, have one daughter and two grandsons.

1995-97

ARVE FOSSUM

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Arve Fossum, of Tangen, Norway, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 78th International Convention, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4-7, 1995.

Past Director Fossum is the owner of a company.

A member of the Stange Lions Club since 1975, Past Director Fossum has held many offices within the association, including club president, vice district governor, district governor and council chairman. He also served as district and multiple drug awareness chairman, is a representative for Norwegian Lions to Norway’s Humanitarian National Team and is a travel adviser for Lions-Quest Foundation in Norway.

Past Director Fossum has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Fossum is the chairman and an honorary member of Miosegne’s Vocalists’ Association and has received an honorary medal from the Norwegian Chorus Association. He is also a past member of the Stange Local Council.

Past Director Fossum and his wife, Ragnhild, have two sons and a daughter.

1983-85

JAMES O. FRENDEWEY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

James O. Frendewey, of Iron Mountain, Michigan, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 66th annual convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA,
June 22-25, 1983.

Past Director Frendewey is retired.

A Lion and member of the Iron Mountain Lions Club since 1960, Past Director Frendewey has served as club president, zone chairman, district governor and multiple district council chairman.

For his efforts on behalf of the association, Past Director Frendewey has received the 100% District Governor Award, two Extension Awards, a Key Member Award, three International President’s Awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association.

Active in the community, Past Director Frendewey has served on the Upper Michigan Lions Eye Bank Committee and the Bay Cliff Health Camp for physically handicapped children. In addition, Past Director Frendewey was president of his local PTA chapter, a post commander for the American Legion, a Boy Scout leader and president of both the Michigan Tech. Local Alumni Association and the Dickinson County Industrial Development Corporation.

Past Director Frendewey and his wife, Rose, have four children and eight grandchildren.

2013-15

ROBERTO FRESIA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Roberto Fresia, from Albissola Marina, Italy, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Fresia is a professional insurance agent.

A member of the Savona Torretta Lions Club since 1981, and a Lion since 1978, he has held many offices within the association, including president, district governor, zone and region chairperson and LCIF multiple district coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and four International President’s Medals. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Fresia is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Aurora Insurance Agents Fund, Savona Referee Association and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church. 

Past Director Fresia and his wife, Raffaella, have three daughters. Two of his daughters are Leos and one is a Lion. 

1995-97

GARY W. FRY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Gary W. Fry, of Mitchellville, Iowa, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 78th International Convention, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4-7, 1995.

Past Director Fry is an educator.

A Charter Member of the Mitchellville Lions Club, Past Director Fry has been a Lion since 1972. He has held many positions within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor, district governor and council chairman. He also served on the Planning Committee for the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in 1991, 1998 and 1999. Past Director Fry was the Host Committee Chairman of the Forum in 1994, the same year he participated in the North American Membership Summit.

In recognition of his contributions to the association, Past Director Fry has received the 100% District Governor Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active in his community, Past Director Fry is the chairman of the Mitchellville Planning and Zoning Commission.

He and his wife, Joann, also a Lion, have two children.

1999-01

MOTOHIRO FUJII

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Motohiro Fujii, of Fukuyama, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999.

Past Director Fujii is president of the Fujii Trading Company.

A member of the Fukuyama Higashi Lions Club since 1976, Past Director Fujii has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, region chairman and district governor.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Fujii has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the Guiding Lion Award, the 20-year Charter Monarch Chevron Award, the District Governor Excellence Award, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, an International President’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Fujii has received recognition from the Minister of Justice, the Fukuyama Police, the Fukuyama Revenue Office and from the president of the Japan Commerce and Industry Chamber.

Past Director Fujii and his wife, Kyoko, have two sons and a daughter.

1995-97

MASANORI FUKUI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Masanori Fukui, of Kyoto, Japan, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 78th International Convention, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4-7, 1995.

Past Director Fukui is the president of three companies.

A member of the Yamashiro Lions Club since 1965, Past Director Fukui has held many positions within the association, including club president, deputy district governor, district governor, council chairman and assistant coordinator for the multiple district council chairmen of Japan. He was also a member of several district committees.

Past Director Fukui has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, a 35-Year Monarch Chevron, an International President’s Award, a District Governor Excellence Award, a District Governor Extension Award, the Campaign SightFirst District Governor Award, the CSF Operation Four of Ten Purple and Gold Ribbon Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Fukui is vice chairman of the Kyoto Tea Cooperative Association and president of the Uji Society of Excellent Corporations.

Past Director Fukui and his wife, Kimiko, have a son and two daughters.

2009-11

YASUMASA FURO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Yasumasa Furo, from Dazaifu, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director Furo is the CEO of a confectionery manufacturer, restaurant and gallery.

A member of the Dazaifu Lions Club since 1982, he has held many offices within the association, including club director, secretary and president, district vice cabinet secretary, 6R health committee member, region chair, zone chair, committee chairperson, multiple district 337 annual convention committee vice chairperson, district governor, MERL team leader, multiple district council of governors vice chairperson, multiple district 337 council of governors chairperson, district honorary advisor, and OSEAL Forum steering committee member.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including four International President Certificates of Appreciation, International Leadership Award, two International Presidential Awards, CSF II Friend of Humanity Medal, CSF II Knight of Service, 25 Year Milestone Chevron, 100% Governor Award, International President’s Award for Extension, CSF II International Chairperson Award, Constitutional Area Top Governor Award, Top Sector Coordinator within NC, Knight of Lionism Pin and a Leadership medal. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Furo is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is currently the President of the Fukuoka Industry Promotion Association, President of the Dazaifu Tourist Association, Board Chairperson of the Dazaifu Umegae-Mochi Cooperative Association, Commissioner of the Fukuoka Tourist Federation, and a Councilor for the Fukuoka Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Kyushu National Museum Promotion Foundation. He has also received 16 awards from numerous organizations, including the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Fukuoka board of Education and the Fukuoka Sports Association, and seven Certificates of Appreciation from the Fukuoka Prefectural Governor.

Past Director Furo and his wife, Toshiko, have three daughters.

2005-07

RYU FUSHIMI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ryu Fushimi of Yokohama, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Fushimi is the chairperson of 14 companies, including a security company.

A member of the Yokohama Minato Marine Lions Club since 1976, Past Director Fushimi has held many offices within the association, including club secretary, club president, district extension chair, district steering committee chair, multiple district chair and district governor. Additionally, as district governor, he helped charter seven new clubs and highly contributed to membership development.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including six International President’s Awards and an Extension Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions awards, Past Director Fushimi has received numerous civic awards, including the Kanagawa Community Service Award and Headquarters of Kanagawa Police Award from the governor of Kanagawa Prefecture. In recognition of his achievements in sports and martial arts, he received the Testimonial of Japan Sports Association and the Yomiuri Syoriki Sports Award.

Past Director Fushimi and his wife, Tomoko, also a member of the Yokohama Minato Marine Lions Club, have three children and four grandchildren.

R-06/05

1981-83

WILLIAM F. GACKLE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

William F. “Bill” Gackle, of Kulm, North Dakota, U.S.A., served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 64th annual convention held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA,
June 17-20, 1981.

Past Director Gackle is self-employed in farming and ranching with implement and hardware affiliations. He is a veteran of WWII, serving three years in the USAAF and six years with the North Dakota National Guard and a former state legislator, having served 16 years in the North Dakota House of Representatives.

A Lion and member of the Kulm Lions Club since 1965, Past Director Gackle has served in a number of positions including club president, district governor and zone chairman.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Gackle has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, District Governor’s Extension Award, Membership Development Awards, various appreciation and certificate awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association can give to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Gackle and his wife, Marilyn, have four children.

2006-08

JOSEPH F. GAFFIGAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Joseph F. Gaffigan of Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 89th International Convention held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA June 30 through July 4, 2006.

Past Director Gaffigan is an attorney.

A member of the Suburban Lions Club since 1981, Past Director Gaffigan is currently serving as LCIF Campaign 100 Area Leader for Constitutional Area 1-A. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, multiple district 22 council secretary and district governor. Additionally, he has served as district and multiple district membership chair, leadership chair, constitution & by-laws chair and convention chair. He has served as trustee of the Multiple District 22 Vision Research Foundation, general counsel of district 22 C and chairperson of the Lions Eye Bank in district 22 C. While serving as international director, he also served as sector coordinator for Campaign SightFirst II and as chairperson of Lions Clubs International’s Constitution & By-Laws Committee. He also served as board appointee in 2008-09.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Senior Master Key, the 100% Club President’s Award, two club Prince of Pride Awards, the District 22 C Bull Throwers Award, 100% District Governor Award, the District Governor Excellence Award, nine International President’s Awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International President’s Leadership Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is a James A. McCarty Fellow, Dr. Arnall Patz Fellow and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Gaffigan and his wife, Eileen, also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son, Bobby, a daughter-in-law, Jeannie, and four grandchildren, Danny, Landon, Mikey and Maddie.

2017-19

WILLIAM GALLIGANI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

William Galligani from Nimes, France, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Galligani is a retired bank executive and entrepreneur.

A member of the Nimes Alphonse Daudet Lions Club, and a Lion since 1968, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor and European Forum committee member.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Galligani has received numerous awards, including an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Galligani has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including as president of Nimes Passion, director of the Hubert Pascal Foundation, and vice president of the Automobile Club of Gard Lozere Ardeche.

Director Galligani and his wife, Minh, have two daughters.

2012-14

JAIME GARCÍA CEPEDA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jaime García Cepeda, from Bogotá, Colombia was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director García is an engineer at a software company.

A member of the Santa Fe De Bogota Ciudad Salitre Lions Club, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, council chairperson and GMT/GLT advisor.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including five International President’s Leadership Medals, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director García is active in several professional and community organizations, including the Association of Colombian System Engineers and the Colombian Software Industry Federation.

Past Director García is married to Ana, who is also a Lion.

2002-04

PROF. JACQUES GARELLO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Prof. Jacques Garello, of Marseille, France, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Garello is a professor of economics at a French university.

A member of the Marseille Prospective Lions Club since 1971, Past Director Garello has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and international trainer for the first Train-the-Trainer workshop held in French. In addition, he helped to develop the Train-the-Trainer system in MD 103 and has served as a trainer at approximately 20 Train-the-Trainer workshops in MD 103. He has also designed Lions training materials, including tapes and videos on “Knowledge of International Lionism” and “Knowledge of French Lionism.”

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Garello has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the International President’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Garello is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is Officier Palmes Academiques, a member of the Mont Pelerin Society, a member of the Philadelphia Society, president of the Association for Economic Freedom and Social Progress and president of the Institute of Economic Studies in Europe. He is also the recipient of the Chevalier ORDRE National Du Merite, the Academic Grand Prize for Political Science and Ethics and the Legion of Liberty Award.

Past Director Garello and his wife, Gisele, have three sons, four granddaughters and two grandsons.

1996-08

DR. DWAYNE GARRETT

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Dwayne Garrett, of Wentzville, Missouri, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 79th International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 9-12, 1996.

Past Director Garrett is a veterinarian.

A member of the Wentzville Lions Club since 1966, Past Director Garrett has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, vice district governor and district governor. In addition, he has served as his district’s extension chairman, and as both vice chairman and chairman of the Council of Governors.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Garrett has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, an Extension Award, three International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Garrett is a member of five professional organizations, and is a past president of the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation. He served for nine years on the Wentzville R-IV Board of Education, two years as vice president and five years as president. He received the first Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, a service award from the Wentzville school district and was recognized as a 4-H Leader in veterinary science.

Past Director Garrett and his wife, Jeanette, have one son and three grandsons.

1997-99

EDWARD R. GEAR

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Edward R. “Ed” Gear, of Eugene, Oregon, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 30-July 5, 1997. He served on the Membership Committee his first year and as chairperson of the Service Activities Committee his second year.

Past Director Gear joined the Eugene River Road, Oregon, Lions Club in 1971. He has also been a member of the Hinesville, Georgia, Lions Club and the South Salem, Oregon, Lions Club, where he served as district governor. He is currently a member of the Eugene Downtown, Oregon, Lions Club. Past Director Gear served as Campaign SightFirst district chairperson, multiple district council chairperson, multiple district leadership chairperson and multiple district Train the Trainer. He also served as a trustee of the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor’s Award, an Extension Award, an International President=s Leadership Award, six International President=s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President=s Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and received the Helen Keller Benefactor Award from the Lions of Oregon. The Lions of California presented him with a Helen Keller Fellow Award and the Lions of Texas made him a lifetime member of the Texas Lions Camp. He has also received many professional awards, including the Legion of Merit from the United States Army and the Distinguished Service Award from the Governor of Oregon.

Past Director Gear is a graduate of Texas A & M University and the University of Oregon. He and his wife, Elaine, have been married for 50 years and have three daughters, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is retired from the United States Army and the real estate business.

Past Director Gear continues to serve Lions Clubs International as a member of the faculty of the Lions Leadership Institutes (nine institutes), general chairperson of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Reno, Nevada, on the faculty of the Lions Clubs International District Governor-elect School (five years) and is currently a Campaign SightFirst II national coordinator.

2000-02

PHILIPPE GERONDAL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Philippe Gerondal, of Brussels, Belgium, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 83rd International Convention, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, June 19-23, 2000.

Past Director Gerondal is a university professor, a judge and an honorary lawyer.

A member of the Brussels Cooperation Lions Club since 1979, Past Director Gerondal has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, region chairman, council chairman and district governor.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Gerondal has received numerous awards including two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, two International President’s Medals, two Guiding Lion Awards, an Extension Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Gerondal was also a member of the Brussels Bar Council, general secretary of the Brussels University Alumni and president of the Brussels Young Bar Association.

Past Director Gerondal and his wife, Chantal, who is also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children.

1995-97

LEONARD GIFFEN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Leonard “Len” Giffen, of Milford, Nova Scotia, Canada, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 78th International Convention, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4-7, 1995.

Past Director Giffen is an organizational development consultant, president of Innovative Marketing Group Ltd.

A Life Member of the Milford and District Lions Club, Past Director Giffen has been a Lion since 1969. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, deputy district governor and district governor. He was also chairman of several district and multiple district committees and served as presenter and moderator at a number of International Conventions.

Past Director Giffen has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, numerous District Governor Appreciation Awards, two Extension Awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, an International President’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Giffen is an active volunteer in many community organizations and has served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and the Community Recreation Association. He also was a member of the Curriculum Development Committee on Management for Voluntary and Not-For-Profit Organizations for the Canadian Center of Philanthropy and the National Advisory Committee for Grants to National Social Service Organizations for Health Canada.

Past Director Giffen and his wife, Anita, have three children and four grandchildren.

1976-78

RODOLFO GILL PALEARI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Rodolfo Gill Paleari, of Asuncion, Paraguay, served a two-year term as director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 59th International Convention, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA,
June 23-26, 1976.

Past Director Gill Paleari is an attorney and for many years was the director of the Colegio de Abogados del Paraguay. Currently, he is a judge in the Court of Appeals of Paraguay.

He served three consecutive terms as president of the Asuncion-La Encarnacion Lions Club, was publisher of Paraguay’s Lions magazine for three years, and was a 100% District Governor. He is a member of the Permanent Advisory Committee of the Latin American Forum and was chairman of the association’s second Latin American Forum held in Asuncion, Paraguay.

In recognition of his outstanding service on behalf of the association, Past Director Gill Paleari has received the International President’s Medal of Merit, eight International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Key Member.

He and his wife, Elena, have two daughters and five grandchildren.

1912-14

STEPHEN M. GLASS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Stephen M. Glass, from Bridgeport, West Virginia, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Glass is an attorney and retired FBI management and program analyst.

A member of the Clarksburg Lions Club since 1981, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, council chairperson, district governor, Leo chairperson, LCIF chairperson, GMT and certified guiding Lion. He has also chaired the West Virginia State Convention, and presented at several West Virginia Lions Leadership schools.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Excellence Award, 100% District Governor’s Award, Grand Master Key, International President’s Leadership Medal, Evan Hugus Award from the WVU Eye Institute, six International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Glass is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including formerly serving as president of the Bridgeport High School Academic Boosters, chairperson of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church Administrative Board, Clarksburg Housing Authority and commissioner of Harrison County Deputy Sheriffs Civil Service Commission.

Past Director Glass and his wife, Cindy, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have a daughter.

2013-15

ALEXIS VINCENT GOMÈS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Alexis Vincent Gomès, from Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, was elected to serve a two-year term as a Director of Lions Clubs International at the Association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Gomès is a lawyer.

Member of the Pointe-Noire Eucalyptus Lions Club since 1983, he has held many offices within the Association, including secretary, president, zone and region president, district governor, council chairperson, multiple district convention chairperson, international relations chairperson, district honorary committee chairperson and GLT area leader. He is a member of the African Lions Steering Committee, and was elected to serve as Chairperson of the All Africa Conference from 2014 to the Conference in Togo (Feb. 2018). Past Director Gomès is LCI’s Board appointee (2017-2018) and LCIF’s Board trustee (2017-2018), and also a member of the 2017 Centennial Action Committee for the Africa continent.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the Friend of Humanity Award, four International President’s Medals and several International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and also a Second Century Ambassador.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Gomès is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Order of Mono (Republic of Togo), the Order of Merit (Republic of Ivory Coast), Commander of the Order of Merit (Congo-Brazzaville).

Past Director Gomès is married to Eliane. The couple has several children and several grandchildren.

2017-19

TOM GORDON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Tom Gordon from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Gordon is a retired educator and owner of a human resources training company.

A member of the Newmarket North Lions Club since 1982, he has held many offices within the association, including club secretary, treasurer, and president, zone and region chairperson, district governor and council chairperson and multiple district GLT coordinator. In addition, Director Gordon has presented training and information seminars at local, multiple district, and international conventions. Director Gordon is also a Lions Quest trainer and trainer-of-trainers and has presented Lions Quest workshops across Canada and the USA since 1988. He is also a member of the faculty of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, the Extension Award, two International Leadership Awards, and two International President’s awards. He is also aProgressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Gordon has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, and has served on the board of directors of York Region Addiction Services, Habitat for Humanity and Lions Quest Canada.

Director Gordon and his wife, Gillian, who is also a Lion, have two daughters, one son, two nieces, three grandchildren and four grandnieces.

1998-00

JOSE MARIA RIBEIRO GORGULHO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jose Maria Ribeiro Gorgulho, of Agueda, Portugal, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st annual Convention, held in Birmingham, England,
June 29-July 3, 1998.

Past Director Gorgulho is a businessman and the owner of a company.

A member of the Agueda Lions Club since 1980, Past Director Gorgulho has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman and district governor. In addition, he has served as his multiple district’s council secretary-treasurer and leadership development chairman.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Gorgulho has received numerous awards including the 100% District Governor Award, four International President Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Gorgulho is a member of several community organizations. He is the co-founder of Centimfe Technology Center of Industry.

Past Director Gorgulho’s wife, Laura, is also a Lion. They have two sons.

2007-09

RYUICHI GOTO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ryuichi Goto from Chiba, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Past Director Goto is the owner of a private educational organization.

A member of the Kashiwa Chuo Lions Club since 1980, Past Director Goto has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor, district and multiple district Youth Exchange chairperson and multiple district Leadership Development chairperson. He also served several times as a Senior Lions Leadership Institute faculty member, a Faculty Development Institute instructor, a District Governor-elect Seminar group leader, GMT Constitutional Area Leader and a GLT Constitutional Area Vice Leader. Past Director Goto also served as chairperson of LCI’s membership development committee.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Goto has received numerous awards, including two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Leadership Awards, 12 International President’s Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Goto is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a director of the Japan Retinitis Pigmentosa Association.

Past Director Goto and his wife, Hiroko, have four children and four grandchildren.

2002-04

K. M. GOYAL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

K. M. Goyal, of New Delhi, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Goyal is in the electronics field.

A member of the Delhi Metropolitan Lions Club since 1982, Past Director Goyal has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district cabinet secretary, district governor and council chairperson. In addition, he served as an honorary treasurer and a member of the LCCI and is a life member of the Lions Hospital and Research Center.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Goyal has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the District Lion of the Year Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the Supreme Extension Award (20 clubs), the Guiding Lion Award, the 100-Member Key Award (Key of Nation), three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, two International President’s Leadership Awards, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Goyal is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a life member of the South Dehli Club, the National Sports Club of India and the Rajasthan Parishad. In the past, he has served as honorary secretary and honorary treasurer of CETMA.

Past Director Goyal and his wife, Nisha, also a Lion, have four daughters, four grandsons and two granddaughters.

2005-07

TERRY GRAHAM

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Terry Graham of Newcastle, Ontario, Canada, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Director Graham is a retired industrial mechanical millwright.

A member of the Newcastle Lions Club since 1991, Director Graham has held many offices within the association, including club secretary, club membership chair, club treasurer, club director, club president, district leadership chair, multiple district MERL chair, district LCIF chair, district treasurer and district governor.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the District Governor’s Appreciation Award, two International Certificates of Appreciation, an International Leadership Medal, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants to its members. He is also a Life Member of the Lions Foundation of Canada and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Graham is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Director Graham’s wife, Jean, is also a member of the Newcastle Lions Club and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

1987-89

KENNETH G. GREEN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Kenneth G. Green, of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, served a two-year term as director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 70th annual convention held in Taipei, Taiwan, July 1-4, 1987.

Past Director Green is a pharmacist and president of three pharmacies.

A Lion since 1973 and currently a member of the St. John’s Lions Club, Past Director Green served on the board of directors during 1990-91. He has held a number of positions within the association, including club president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman. Past Director Green was also a founding director and chairman of the Lions Foundation of Canada, chairman of the Lion Max Simms Memorial for the Handicapped and a member of the Canadian Diabetic Association Lion Liaison Committee.

For his many contributions to the association, Past Director Green has received a Key Member Award, an Extension Award, the 100% District Governor Award and two International President’s Awards. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his work as a Lion, Past Director Green was the deputy mayor of Badger’s Quay, president of the Bonavista North Regional Development Association and recipient of the Bowl of Hygeia Award for outstanding community service through pharmacy.

Past Director Green and his wife, Minnie, have two sons, Mark and Paul.

2013-15

CYNTHIA “CINDY” B. GREGG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Cindy B. Gregg, from Bells Vernon, Pennsylvania, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Gregg is a retired music teacher.

A member of the Rostraver Township Lions Club since 2000, she has held many offices within the association, including president, district governor, council chairperson, district MERL coordinator and district LCIF coordinator.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards including the Club Excellence Award, Leadership Award, two President’s Medals, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the Certified Guiding Lion Medal and the Joseph L. Wroblewski Award. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Gregg is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Arts Education Collaborative Leadership Institute, National Association for Music Education, and the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. 

Past Director Gregg and her husband, Tom, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have a son and a daughter, both of whom are Lions. They have one grandchild. 

1999-01

STANLEY GROSSMAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Stanley “Stan” Grossman of Springfield, New Jersey, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999.

Past Director Grossman is a retired director of vocational education.

A member of the Springfield Lions Club since 1967 with 33 years perfect attendance, Past Director Grossman has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor, cabinet treasurer, cabinet secretary, district governor and council chairman. In addition, he serves as secretary of the Lions Eye Research Foundation and as treasurer of the Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey. He has also served as Campaign SightFirst group coordinator, multiple district Peace Poster Contest chairman, and district and multiple district white cane chairman.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Grossman has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the Harold P. Nutter Distinguished Service award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Grossman is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a trustee of the board of directors of Senior Citizen Housing of Springfield, New Jersey and a member of Phi Delta Kappa. Past Director Grossman is past president of the New Jersey Industrial Arts Education Association and also past president of the New Jersey Vocational and Arts Education Association. He is an Eagle Scout and has been recognized by the Boy Scouts of America with the Silver Beaver Award.

Past Director Grossman’s wife, Ruth, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children and five grandchildren.

2011-13

JAGDISH GULATI

Jagdish Gulati, from Allahabad, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 94th International Convention, held in Seattle, Washington, USA, July 4 to July 8, 2011.

Past Director Gulati is an educational entrepreneur.

A member of the Allahabad City Lions Club since 1988, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, district governor, cabinet secretary, multiple council secretary, multiple district leadership chair and area leadership representative. He also served as a trainer and faculty for Senior Lions Leadership Institute, Emerging Lions Leadership Institute, Regional Leadership Institute and the District Governor Elect seminar.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% President Award, District Governor Excellence Award, Best District Chairperson Award, Best Multiple District Chairperson Award, Best Cabinet Secretary Award, Membership Ambassador Key Award, eleven Club Extension Awards, five International President’s Leadership Awards and four International President’s Awards. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Gulati is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as patron of the U.P. Technical Institutions Foundation and as the additional general secretary of the U.P. Petroleum Traders Association. He is also the founder and past president of the Automobiles Dealers Association.

Past Director Gulati and his wife, Geeta, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son and one daughter.

2003-05

ASOKA DE Z. GUNASEKERA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Asoka de Z. Gunasekera, of Colombo, Sri Lanka, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Past Director Gunasekera is an attorney-at-law and notary public, justice of the peace, unofficial magistrate and company director.

A member of the Nugegoda Lions Club since 1974, Past Director Gunasekera has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, cabinet secretary and district governor. In addition, he has served as the chief advisor to the district cabinet from 1984 to the present and as a Train- the-Trainer for his district.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor’s Award, seventeen District Governor Appreciation Awards, a Chevron Award, seven Club Extension Awards, several Key Member Awards, seventeen International President Certificates of Appreciation, three International President Leadership Awards, six International President’s Awards and Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow, has had 26 years of perfect attendance and was named Lion of the Year by his district in 1981-82.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Gunasekera is active in numerous professional and community organizations and has attended more than 25 international conferences and seminars in an official capacity. He is the founding president of the Sri Lanka-China Business Council and the immediate past president of the Ananda College Old Boys Association. In the past, he served as the legal advisor and thereafter secretary for the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and Ministry of Policy Planning, vice president of Asia Pacific Telecommunity, chairperson of the Rent Board of Review, a council member of the World Union of Transport and the founding chairperson of Sri Lanka Telecom Services Ltd.

Past Director Gunasekera and his wife, Buddheni, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have one daughter.

2016-18

ELISABETH HADERER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Elisabeth Haderer from Overveen, the Netherlands, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Haderer is a sales and management trainer.

A member of the Haarlem over den Duin Lions Club since 1999, she has held many offices within the association, including zone chairperson, district governor, district GLT coordinator and multiple district council chairperson. She was also the general secretary of the 2011 Europa Forum in Maastricht.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards, including the District Governor Extension Award and three International President’s Awards. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

2011-13

DAVE HAJNY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dave Hajny, from Ennis, Montana, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 94th International Convention, held in Seattle, Washington, USA July 4-8, 2011.

Past Director Hajny is retired.

A member of the Bozeman Lions Club, and a Lion since 1994, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, council chair and district governor. He also served as Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation vice president, Montana PDG Association president and a faculty member at the Regional Lions Leadership Institute.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including two Club Lion of the Year Awards, a PID Dr. Jack Dobush Fellowship, a PID Gary Tschache Fellowship, a Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Fellowship, a Presidential Leadership Medal, five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Hajny is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Madison Valley Hospital Foundation, the American Legion and the United States Selective Service Board for Montana. He has also served as chairperson of the Madison Valley Rural Fire Board.

Past Director Hajny and his wife, Marie, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have three sons, one daughter and seven grandchildren.

2000-02

BUSTER D. HALL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Buster D. Hall, of Anchorage, Alaska, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 83rd International Convention, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, June 19-23, 2000.

Past Director Hall is a business owner.

A member of the Anchorage Captain Cook Lions Club, Past Director Hall has been a Lion since 1970. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, district governor, cabinet secretary/treasurer and council chairman. Past Director Hall was a facilitator for the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum and has been a trainer under the Train- The-Trainer program since 1987. He also served as trustee for the Lion’s Sight and Hearing Foundation of Washington and Northern Idaho.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Hall has received numerous awards including Lion of the Year, eight District Governor Appreciation Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, five Extension Awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, an Advanced Membership Key, two International President’s Leadership Awards, an International President’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Hall is a past president of the Alaska Marine Dealers Association, a life member of the Alaska Boat Association, a life member of the Pioneers of Alaska, past president of the Alaska Children’s Services and the 1994 Volunteer of the Year for the American Diabetes Association, Alaska affiliate.

Past Director Hall and his wife, Cheryl, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have four children and four grandchildren.

2012-14

JUDY HANKOM

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Judy Hankom, from Hampton, Iowa, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Hankom is a retired assistant business manager for the Hampton- Dumont Community School District.

A member of the Hampton Lions Club since 2001, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, district governor, council chairperson, district and multiple district women’s membership chairperson, and district extension chairperson. She has also served as chairperson of the First Lions Women’s Symposium in Iowa, Great Plains Lions Leadership Institute faculty member, Club Excellence Process facilitator, Campaign SightFirst II Group coordinator, Iowa KidSight screening volunteer and Special Olympics Opening Eyes volunteer.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards, including the club Lion of the Year, Iowa Lions Foundation Warren Coleman Honorary Award, International President’s Leadership Medal, five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Hankom is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including former chair of the Trinity Lutheran parish board and past president of the Hampton Public Library board.

Past Director Hankom and her husband, Ron, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children and two grandchildren.

1998-00

G. A. HANNING

G. A. “Tony” Hanning, of Dunedin, New Zealand, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st International Convention, held in Birmingham, England, June 29-July 3, 1998.

Past Director Hanning is Director of Catholic Education in the diocese of Dunedin.

Past Director Hanning joined the Strathtaieri Lions Club in 1978 as a charter member. A member of the Green Island Lions Club since 1979, Past Director Hanning has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, region chairman and zone chairman. He has also served as his district’s legal, constitution and insurance chairman.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Hanning has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, a 20-year chevron, several district governor certificates of appreciation, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Hanning is an associate of the New Zealand Educational Institute and served four years as secretary of Camp Quality South, a camp for child cancer patients and their families. He serves as a member of the National Finance Committee of the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools. He is a past national executive member of the New Zealand Catholic Education Council.

Past Director Hanning and his wife Genny, also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have six children and six grandchildren.

2006-08

WILLIAM C. HANSEN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

William C. Hansen of Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 30-July 4, 2006.

Past Director Hansen retired after 19 years as president and CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind, a position he assumed upon completing a 27-year United States Air Force career where he retired as a full Colonel in 1988.

A member of the Rochester Lions Club since 1988, Past Director Hansen has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairperson. He also has chaired and served on a number of district and multiple district committees, including Strategic Planning, Membership, Leadership and LCIF.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the association’s highest award, the Ambassador of Good Will. He also has received two International President’s Awards and seven International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a Life Member.

Past Director Hansen is the recipient of the Multiple District 11 S. A. Dodge Award, Multiple District 49 Anne Sullivan Award for Humanitarian Service, the Lions of Colorado Anne Sullivan Award, the Lions of Colorado Humanitarian Service Award, Lions of Virginia Humanitarian Service Award and District 11- A2 H. L. Pocklington Award. He is a Life Member of the North Carolina Lions Foundation and is a WP Woods Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Hansen is active in numerous professional and community organizations. Past Director Hansen’s wife, Carole, is a Lion, Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a recipient of three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. She has more than 30,000 volunteer hours associated with Leader Dog and other Lions activities. The two have been married for 48 years and have one daughter.

2012-14

JOHN A. HARPER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

John A. Harper, from Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Harper is a retired senior deputy administrator for the Division of Public Health.

A member of the Cheyenne Sunrise Lions Club since 1979, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, district governor, council secretary, cabinet secretary, LEHP coordinator, district diabetes committee chairperson and single district LCIF coordinator. He also served as a Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation trustee, RMLEIF trustee and advisor, Ex-officio Allen H. Stewart Lions Camp, Lions of Wyoming Foundation trustee and District 15 Summit Committee member and chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the Lions of Wyoming Foundation Silver Lion Award from the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute Foundation, 100% District Governor Award, an International President’s Letter of Commendation, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Harper is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including Wyoming Protection and Advocacy, Inc., Wyoming Public Employees Association, Wyoming Public Health Association and Wyoming Seat Belt Coalition. He has also been a member of International Food Service Executives Association, Wyoming School Business Officials, Wyoming Safe Kids, Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, the Wyoming Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council, the Wyoming Child Care Certification Board and a founding member of the Wyoming Health Resources Council and the Rocky Mountain Public Health Education Consortium.

Past Director Harper has also received numerous honors and awards, including the Donor Alliance Donate Life Award, the Rocky Mountain Public Health Education Consortium Outstanding Service Award and Donor Alliance recognition for creating the Wyoming Cares/Wyoming Shares and Wyoming’s Donor Registry.

1985-87

THOR HAUGE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Thor Hauge, of Fagernes, Norway, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 68th annual convention, held in Dallas, Texas, USA, June 1985.

Past Director Hauge is a retired finance manager.

A Lion since 1969, Past Director Hauge has held the offices of club president, zone chairman and district governor. He has also chaired both the Scandinavian and Norwegian Convention Committees, as well as the International Youth Camp for the handicapped.

For his efforts on behalf of the association, Past Director Hauge has received an Extension Award, seven International President’s Awards, seven International President’s Certificate of Appreciation Awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association.

Past Director Hauge and his wife, Edith, have one daughter and one son.

1993-95

GEORGE F. HAZELBAKER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

George F. Hazelbaker, of Duncan, Oklahoma, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 76th annual convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-9, 1993.

Past Director Hazelbaker retired in 1990 with 30 years of service with the U.S. Department of Labor, after which he and his family operated a retail gift store for 13 years. He retired a second time in 2003.

A Lion since 1971 and a charter member of the Duncan Evening Lions Club, past Director Hazelbaker has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He has also been on the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation, chairman of the Oklahoma Lions Irrevocable Trust and president of the Oklahoma Lions Eye Bank from 1981-82.

For his many contributions to the association, Past Director Hazelbaker has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Lions of Oklahoma, as well as the highest award, the Dr. Robert Bob McCullough Meritorious Award. He has been awarded four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three President’s Awards and has been given the highest award of Ambassador of Good Will. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Hazelbaker has been active in many civic organizations. He has been treasurer of the Claridy Creek Mall Association, a committeeman for the Boy Scouts and is active in his church, as well as active in the Christians Concerns organization.

Past Director Hazelbaker and his wife Ann have a deceased son, a deceased daughter and one grandson.

2005-07

WAYNE A. HEIMAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Wayne A. Heiman of Manawa, Wisconsin, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention, held in Hong Kong June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Heiman is human resources director.

A member of the Manawa Lions Club since 1986, Past Director Heiman has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, district membership chair, district LCIF chair, district governor, multiple district membership chair and multiple district council chair. Additionally he has served on the International Convention Elections Committee, as moderator at two USA/Canada Forums, as a co-presenter at a USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum, as a presenter at numerous meetings and conventions and in multiple positions at the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, including director.

In recognition of his service to the association Past Director Heiman has received numerous awards, including the Club President’s Excellence Award, the District Governor’s Award, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and the International President’s Leadership Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Heiman is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Waupaca Area Toastmasters, the Society for Human Resource Management and the Manawa Zoning Board of Appeals. In the past he was a Manawa City council alderman and chair of the Finance & Personnel Committee. He was previously a member of the Marion Jaycees.

Past Director Heiman’s wife, Cheryl, is also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow.

1991-93

KARI HEINANEN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Kari Heinanen, of Helsinki, Finland, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 74th International Convention, held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia,
June 18-21, 1991.

Past Director Heinanen is the owner of a catering and food marketing company.

A member of the Helsinki Marjaniemi Lions Club since 1971, Past Director Heinanen has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, council chairman and chairman of the Nordic Committee.

For his contributions to the association, Past Director Heinanen has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Heinanen and his wife, Irene, have two daughters.

2003-05

RANDY L. HEITMANN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Randy L. Heitmann, of Cambridge, Nebraska, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Past Director Heitmann is the owner of Heitmann Tax Services, a taxation and accounting business.

A member of the Cambridge Lions Club since 1986, Past Director Heitmann has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district governor, USA/Canada district chairperson, council chairperson and Long Range Planning chairperson. In addition, he has held several positions in the Nebraska Lions Foundation and USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forums.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor’s Award, the LCIF Certificate of Appreciation, the International Horizon Award, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, three International President’s Leadership Awards, the International President’s Award and Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, a Nebraska Lions Foundation Dennis Hull Fellow and has had 16 years of perfect attendance.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Heitmann is active in numerous professional and community organizations, such as member of the Tri-Valley Medical Foundation, treasurer of Cross Creek Golf Links and chairperson of the board of Tri-Valley Health Systems. In the past, he served as chairperson of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and in numerous positions for the Congregational United Church of Christ.

Past Director Heitmann and his wife, Kathy, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children, all of whom are Lions and Melvin Jones Fellows.

2004-06

CLIFFORD S.A. “CLIFF” HEYWOOD

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Clifford S.A. Heywood of Auckland, New Zealand, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 87th International Convention, held in Detroit, Michigan, USA/Windsor, Ontario, Canada, July 5-9, 2004.

Past Director Heywood is the Operations Manager in the National Navy Museum of New Zealand.

A member of the Devonport Lions Club since 1986, Past Director Heywood has held many offices within the association, including club president, multiple district council chair, district vice governor and district governor. Additionally, he has served as a leadership trainer, MERL team leader and project coordinator, GMT area leader and GLT area leader.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President’s Award, 100% Club Secretary Award, three District Governor Appreciation Medals, eight District Governor Certificates of Appreciation, the International President’s Leadership Medal, several International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, 10 International President’s Medals and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Heywood is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and the Museums Association of New Zealand.

Past Director Heywood and his wife, Helen, also a Lion, have one son and two grandchildren.

1978-80

GEORGE ARTHUR HIGGS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

George Arthur Higgs, of Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia, served a two-year term as an international director after his election at the 61st International Association of Lions Clubs Convention held in Tokyo, Japan, in June 1978.

Past Director Higgs, a property investor, has served as a 100% district governor, deputy district governor, council chairman, extension chairman and a district Leo chairman. He has also served as multiple district council chairman.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Higgs has received a District Governor Extension Award, New Club Extension Award, Membership and Advancement Keys, seven International President’s Awards, and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor given by the association to its members. He has had perfect attendance since joining the Lions in 1961.

Past Director Higgs served as a pilot with the Royal Australian Air Force and is a Justice of the Peace. His wife’s name is Jean.

1989-91

HOMER E. HILL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Homer E. Hill, of Lindon, Colorado, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 72nd annual convention held in Miami/Miami Beach, Florida, USA,
June 21-24, 1989.

Past Director Hill is involved in farming and ranching.

A Lion since 1952 and a charter member of his current club, the Woodlin Lions Club, Past Director Hill has served as club president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman. He also has 44 years perfect attendance.

For his contributions to the association, Past Director Hill has received the 100% District Governor Award, a Membership Advancement Key Award, two Extension Awards, two Certificate of Appreciation Awards and four International President’s Awards. He has also received the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active in the community, Past Director Hill belongs to several livestock associations, and has held positions on the local and state boards of education. He has also served for 15 years as chairman of his church board.

Past Director Hill and his wife, Alice, have three daughters, a son and 12 grandchildren.

2007-09

DR. PATRICIA HILL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Patricia Hill from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Past Director Hill is a psychologist.

A member of the Edmonton Host Lions Club since 1990, Past Director Hill has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district governor and council chairperson. She also served as district chairperson for Membership, Environment, Convention and International Cooperation and Understanding. Additionally she has served as a committee member for the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum, multinational coordinator for Campaign SightFirst II, secretary for the Lions Eyebank (Alberta) Society, Past Director of the Lions Eye Research Institute of Northern Alberta and presenter and multiple forums and conventions.

In recognition of her service to the association, Past Director Hill has received numerous awards, including multiple Club President’s Appreciation Awards, District Lion of the Year, an Extension Award, induction into the Multiple District 37 Hall of Fame, several District Governor’s Certificates of Appreciation, five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and an International President’s Medal. She is also a Judge Brian Stevenson Fellow, Denise and Jack Isaman Fellow and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Hill is active in numerous professional and community organizations. She is a member of the Psychologists Association of Alberta, the Canadian Psychological Association and the Community League. In the past, she served as president of the Alberta Association of Psychologists and the Association of Canadian Educators of the Hearing Impaired.

Past Director Hill and her husband, Gregory Holmes, also a Lion, have two children.

2011-13

MARK HINTZMANN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Mark Hintzmann, from Watertown, Wisconsin, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 94th International Convention, held in Seattle, Washington, USA July 4-8, 2011.

Past Director Hintzmann owns and operates a special needs school bus company.

A member of the Watertown Lions Club since 1992, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, district membership chair, vice district governor, district governor and council chair. He also served as District Convention Chairperson, MD 27 Convention Chairperson, MD 27 Leadership Chairperson and Host Chairperson, 2010 USA/Canada Forum.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including Club Lion of the Year, three Governor Appreciation Awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International Leadership Award and two International President’s Awards. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Hintzmann is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including being a member of the Wisconsin School Bus Association.

Past Director Hintzmann and his wife, Jayne, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have a son.

1990-92

DR. KLAUS HOFFMANN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Klaus Hoffmann, of Vienna, Austria, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 73rd International Convention, held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, July 11-14, 1990.

Dr. Hoffmann is a lawyer and president of the Austrian Bar Association.

He is a member of the Vienna-Gloriette Lions Club where he served as president and secretary. He has been a district governor, council chairman and, in 1979, was president of the Europa Forum, the annual meeting for Lions clubs members from throughout the continent.

In recognition of his services on behalf of Lions Clubs International, Dr. Hoffmann has received the 100% District Governor Award, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members.

Past Director Hoffmann and his wife, Dr. Eva, have two children.

2004-06

JAN A. HOLTET

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jan A. Holtet of Rasta, Norway, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 87th International Convention, held in Detroit, Michigan, USA/Windsor, Ontario, Canada, July 5-9, 2004.

Past Director Holtet is a professor.

A member of the Lørenskog Vest Lions Club since 1984, Past Director Holtet has held many offices within the association, including club president, leadership development chairperson and public relations chairperson on the district and multiple district levels, region chairperson, vice district governor, district governor and multiple district council chairperson. Additionally he has served as the development advisor for Multiple District 104’s Eye Care Program in Uganda, chairperson of the board of Lions Quest Foundation in Norway and member of the board of Lions Aid Norway.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President’s Award, the International President’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Holtet is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has won the Nansen Award for Achievements in Polar Research and has been a member of the municipality board of Lørenskog.

Past Director Holtet and his wife, Sølvi, a member of the Lørenskog/Fjellhamar Lions Club, have four children and eight grandchildren.

2015-17

G. S. HORA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

G.S. Hora, from Siliguri, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Hora is a practicing chartered accountant.

A member of the Siliguri Greater Lions Club since 1985, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, district convention chairperson, LCIF multiple district coordinator, district centennial coordinator and foundation director for the Eastern India Lions Leadership Academy.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Hora has received numerous awards, including the Senior Builder Key Award, three Extension Awards, two Leadership Awards and six International President’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Hora is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the India Red Cross Society, St. John’s Ambulance Association and the Gyan Jyoti College. 

Director Hora Ravinder Kaur, also a Lion and a Melvin Jone Fellow, have two daughters and one son. 

2005-07

MIKLÓS HORVÁTH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Miklós Horváth of Budapest, Hungary was elected to serve a two-year term as aMdirector of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 88^th Convention, held in Hong Kong, June 27 through July 1, 2005. 

Past Director Horváth is a business consultant specializing in international trade. 

A member of the Budapest Cosmopolitan Club Branch, sponsored by the Budapest Szechenyi Lions Club, and a Lion since 1989, he has held many offices within the association, including cabinet secretary, vice district governor, leadership development chairperson, membership and extension chairperson, district governor, district GLT coordinator, GMT area leader and host committee chairperson for the board of directors meeting in Budapest. He also served as faculty member for several Lions Leadership Institutes, Faculty Development Institutes, DGE School in both French and English, and president of the Europa Forum in 1998.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including eight District Governor’s Awards, seven Certificates of Appreciation, two Membership & Extension Awards, one Leadership Award, seven International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, eight International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Horváth and his wife, Éva Galik, also a Lion, have three children and five grandchildren.

2005-07

SHEIKH KABIR HOSSAIN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Sheikh Kabir Hossain, of Dhaka, Bangladesh, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention, held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Hossain is involved with insurance and a Chinese restaurant.

A Lion since 1976 and a member of the Dhaka Down Town Lions Club, Past Director Hossain has held many offices within the association, including club president, cabinet treasurer, district chairperson, region chairperson, district governor and council chairperson. In addition, he served as a member of the Bangladesh Lions Foundation, as a district coordinator of the SightFirst Campaign and as a

participant in six Southeast Asian Forums, as well as several relief operations.

In recognition of his service to the association Past Director Hossain has received numerous awards, including an Extension Award, the 100% Attendance Award, the Membership Growth Award, a 20-Year Membership Award, the 100% Club President’s Award, the Guiding Lion Award, the District Governor’s Appreciation Award, the District Governor’s Commendation Award, the District Governor’s Special Club Extension Award, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, a Founder Membership Growth Award, three International President’s Leadership Awards, a Presidential Extension Award and two International President’s Medals. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Hossain is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a life member of the Bangladesh National Society for Blindness, the Bangladesh Family Planning Association, the Bangladesh Red Crescent/Red Cross Society and the Bangladesh Lions Foundation. He is also vice chairperson of the Islamia Eye Hospital in Dhaka, founder chairperson of the Sheikh Mosharraf Hossain Higher Secondary School and chairperson of the governing body of Sheikh Mujibar Rahman Degree College. In the past, he served as chairperson of the Bangladesh Red Crescent/Red Cross Society and as president of the Ideal College. He also served as founder president of the Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College in Dhaka.

Past Director Hossain and his wife, Masuda, also a Lion, have three children and one grandchild.

1978-80

JOHN E. HOYLE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

John E. Hoyle, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the 61st annual convention, held in Tokyo, Japan in June 1978.

Lion Hoyle has served as a 100% district governor and multiple district council chairman during his many years as a member of the association. He has received numerous awards for his service on behalf of the association, including two Extension Awards, a Master Key Award, six International President’s Awards, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a Lion. In addition, Past Director Hoyle has a perfect attendance record of 33 years. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Hoyle is a member of the Specialty Advertising Association speakers bureau, New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Specialty Advertising Association of New England. He has received three awards for the outstanding use of specialty advertising and was nominated Outstanding Young Man of the Year by the Massachusetts Jaycees in 1979.

Past Director Hoyle and his wife, Nativa, have three children and four grandchildren.

2018-19

RICHARD L. C. HUANG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Richard L.C Huang, from Taoyuan, Taiwan was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Huang is currently CEO of Loctai Enterprise Co. with 32 years of experience in the industry.

A member of Taotuan Kuei Shan Pouai Lions Club since 1987, Director Huang has held a number of positions including regional chairperson, district governor, GLT coordinator, GST coordinator and OSEAL Forum special liason.

He is the recipient of a Best President Award and a DG Champion Award. Additionally, for his service he has been awarded four International President’s Awards and named as a Humanitarian Partner.

Director Huang and his wife, Kuei-Chen Chung, are both long serving Lions and Melvin Jones Fellows.

1995-97

RONALD L. HUBER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ronald L. “Ron” Huber, of Greensboro, North Carolina, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 78th International Convention, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4-7, 1995.

Past Director Huber is the retired owner of a retail-vending corporation.

A member of the High Point (Host) Lions Club, Past Director Huber has been a Lion since 1965. He has held many positions within the association, including club president of two Lions clubs, deputy district governor, district governor, council chairman and an eight-year term as a voluntary multiple district secretary- treasurer. He served as his district’s white cane, LCIF and membership chairman and was a Campaign SightFirst group coordinator. Past Director Huber was also a member of the board of directors of the North Carolina Eye and Human Tissue Bank and an executive committee member, as well as a life member of the North Carolina Lions Foundation. During his international board term, he served as chairman of the Membership Committee. He is currently the MD31 Membership Chairman.

Past Director Huber has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including the Key Member Award, a Guiding Lion Award, the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, three Extension Awards, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Huber has been active in his church and many community and professional organizations.

Past Director Huber and his wife, Jane, also a Lion, have three daughters and five grandchildren.

2015-17

HOWARD HUDSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Howard Hudson from Santa Barbara, California was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Past Director Hudson is a certified public accountant.

A member of the Santa Barbara Host Lions Club since 1981, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, club secretary, club treasurer, district governor, cabinet secretary, cabinet treasurer , and multiple district extension chairperson. He is currently serving as the Constitutional Area I, Area H GMT coordinator. Past Director Hudson is also a Second Century Ambassador.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Lions Canine Companions for Independence Life Membership and Fellowship, Builder Key Award, the Senior Builder Key Award, five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Hudson is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including Bugles Across America, Brookmore Apartment Corp., Front Porch Communities & Services, Surgical Eye Expeditions International and the First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara.

Past Director Hudson and his wife, Lynn, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons, three grandsons and one granddaughter.

1990-92

RAY HUGHSTON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ray Hughston, of Brownsville, Texas, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of the International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 73rd International Convention, held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA,
July 11-14, 1990.

Past Director Hughston is an insurance agent.

A member of the Brownsville Downtown Lions Club since 1948, Past Director Hughston has held many offices in the association, including club president, zone chairman, council chairman and district governor. He was also the state Journey For Sight chairman for two years.

For his contributions to the association, Past Director Hughston has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, 100% District Governor Award, an Extension Award, two International Presidential Awards, a Key Member Award, the International President’s Commendation Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. As a district governor, he organized eight Lions clubs and eight Lioness clubs. Past Director Hughston is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active in many professional and community organizations, Past Director Hughston is a former director of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers and past president of the Professional Insurance Agents of Texas. He is a past director of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, the Gladys Porter Zoo and the Community Concert Association. Past Director Hughston is also a member of the Confederate Air Force.

Past Director Hughston and his wife, Norma, have four sons.

1993-95

DR. WILLIAM IANNACCONE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. William Iannaccone, of Walnut Creek, California, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 76th International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-9, 1993.

Past Director Iannaccone is a Doctor of Chiropractic.

A Lion since 1976, Past Director Iannaccone is a member of the Walnut Creek Host Lions Club. He has held many positions within the association, including club president (twice), zone chairman, cabinet secretary and district governor. He has also served as a presenter at two USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forums and was a group leader at the district governors-elect school. Past Director Iannaccone is very active locally, having served as president of the Lions Wilderness Camp for Deaf Children, president of the Ear of the Lion Foundation, president of the Lions Blind Center of Oakland, trustee and president of the Lions Eye Foundation of California/Nevada, Inc., and editor of the Lions Eye Foundation’s periodical, “The Retina.”

Past Director Iannaccone has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, a Master Key, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, several extension awards, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants to its members. He is a Life Member and Helen Keller Fellow of the Lions Eye Foundation and a Life Member and recipient of the Alexander Graham Bell Award of the Ear of the Lion Foundation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Iannaccone and his wife, Cindy, have four children and eight grandchildren.

2009-11

CARLOS IBAÑEZ

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Carlos Ibañez, from Panama City, Panama, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director Ibañez is a retired general manager.

A member of the Panama Lions Club since 1974, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, district cabinet secretary- treasurer, deputy governor, and special advisor to district governor for 20 years. He also served as a Director of the Multiple District Convention in Panama, Director of the International 20K program and General Director of Campaign SightFirst in Panama.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including a 100% Secretary Medal, 100% Club President Medal, 11 International President Certificates of Merit, an International President Medal and a Key Membership Plaque. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Ibañez is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a current member of the Panama Chamber of Commerce, Agricultural American Chamber of Commerce, Camara Maritima De Panama and the U.S. Maritime Corporation.

Past Director Ibañez’s wife, Laura, is a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

1994-96

PHILLIP J. INGWELL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Phillip J. “Phil” Ingwell, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 77th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 12-15, 1994.

Past Director Ingwell is a retired educator in Human Resource Management.

A Life Member of the Madison (Central) Lions Club with perfect attendance since 1967, Past Director Ingwell has held many positions within the association, including club president, district governor, council chairperson and cabinet secretary-treasurer. He also served as general chairperson for the USA/CANADA Lions Leadership Forum held in Tucson, Arizona, USA in September 2000.

Past Director Ingwell has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, a District Governor’s Extension Certificate, a Train-the-Trainer Award, the Colorado Lions Foundation Humanitarian Award, an International President’s Leadership Award, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Key Member, a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a Birch-Sturm Fellow for Wisconsin.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Ingwell is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a three-year past commander of American Legion Post 501, Meriter Hospital and Marine Corps Toys-for-Tots volunteer, Friends of Meriter Hospital Board of Directors trustee and a member of both the UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Volunteer Advisory Board and the Lions Eye Bank Personnel Committee.

Past Director Ingwell and his wife, Betty, have a son, a daughter and two granddaughters.

1996-98

TERENCE BOSWELL INNISS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Terence “Terry” Boswell Inniss, of Port of Spain, Trinidad, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 79th International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 9-12, 1996.

Past Director Inniss is an attorney at law.

A member of the Port of Spain (Central) Lions Club since 1964, Past Director Inniss has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor and district governor. He also served as sector coordinator for Campaign SightFirst and as a multiple district trainer.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Inniss has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, the Master Key Award, three Extension Awards, two Guiding Lions Awards, three International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and Life Member, and holds a record of 33 years perfect attendance.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Inniss is involved in many professional organizations. He is chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Retired Persons and vice president of the Glaucoma Association of Trinidad and Tobago.

Past Director Inniss and his wife, Ann, have three daughters, two sons and five grandchildren.

1997-99

JACK ISAMAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jack Isaman, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,
June 30-July 5, 1997.

Past Director Isaman is a professional accountant and business manager.

A member of the Calgary (Northeast Eyeopener) Lions Club, Past Director Isaman has been a Lion since 1980. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. In addition, he is the director of both the Lions of Alberta Foundation and the Multiple District 37 Lions Eye Bank. Past Director Isaman also served as director of the Lions Christmas Telethon and author of his multiple district’s policy manual.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Isaman has received the 100% District Governor Award, an Extension Award, a Leadership Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Isaman’s wife, Denise, is also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

2008-10

ROSANE T. JAHNKE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

ROsane T. Jahnke, of Balneário Camboriú, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Jahnke is a former teacher, businesswoman and lawyer who has presided over a governmental foundation that regulates all policy related to special education.

A member of the Balneário Camboriu Centro Lions Club and a Lion since 1991, Past Director Jahnke has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, council chairperson, and GLT Leader in Brazil. She has also served as a member of the LCIF steering committee. She has attended 23 International Conventions and 19 area forums.

In recognition of her service to the association, Past Director Jahnke has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, eight International President’s Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a Helen Keller Knight of Sight.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Jahnke has been active in numerous professional and community organizations. She was president of the Federation of Families and Friends of Children with Special Needs and has served as president of the Association of Women Against Cancer.

Past Director Jahnke has three sons, who are also Progressive Melvin Jones Fellows, and five grandchildren, two of whom are also Melvin Jones Fellows.

1994-96

KAMLESH JAIN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Kamlesh Jain, of Indore, India, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 77th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 12-15, 1994.

Past Director Jain is an attorney, a tax consultant and the managing director of a company.

A member of the Indore Lions Club since 1968, Past Director Jain has held many positions within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman, and chairman of his district’s membership and project committees. Past Director Jain was also involved in the establishment of his district’s eye bank and served as chairman of the District Governors-elect Orientation for incoming Indian district governors.

Past Director Jain has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, two Leadership Awards, the International President’s Special Commendation Award, six International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Jain is a trustee of Jain High School and College and a member of of his state’s Welfare Association for the Blind.

Past Director Jain and his wife, Kanchan, have four children.

2018-19

JONGSEOK KIM

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jongseok Kim, from Changwon, Republic of Korea was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Kim is President and CEO of Seungil Co. Ltd. and has worked in the industry for over 30 years.

He has been a member of Masan With Lions Club since 2006 and served as club president from 2007 through 2008. Director Kim has held numerous positions within the association including district governor, multi district council chairperson, and board member of Korean Lions State Council.

In recognition for his service he has received many awards including a District Governor’s Award and Multi District Council Chairperson’s Award. He has also been awarded an International President’s Award, an International President’s Leadership Award, as well as an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation. Director Kim is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

2008-10

KWANG-SOO JANG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Kwang-Soo Jang, from Seoul, South Korea, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Jang is the president of a construction firm.

A member of the Sae Ulsan Lions Club and a Lion since 1995, Past Director Jang has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chairperson, vice district governor, district governor and council chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Jang has received numerous awards, including the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the International President’s Award, the International President’s Leadership Award and the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Jang has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Kyungpook National Unviersity Alumni board of directors, the Ulsan Branch of the Korea Specialty Construction Association, the Human Rights Commission of the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency and the Ulsan Peace Forum.

Past Director Jang and his wife, Myung-Un Kim, have three children and four grandchildren.

2017-19

NICOLÁS JARA ORELLANA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Nicolás Jara Orellana from Quito, Ecuador, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Jara is a director of hematology and oncology as well as a professor of medicine.

A member of the Quito Eugenio Espejo Lions Club, and a Lion since 1990, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, multiple district LCIF coordinator, multiple district centennial coordinator and GMT area leader.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Jara has received numerous awards, including two International Leadership Awards and seven International President’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Jara has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the administration board of Hospital Metropolitano, vice- minister of health in Ecuador and president of the Ecuadorian Society of Hematology.

Director Jara and his wife, Margarita, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons, one daughter and two grandchildren.

2012-14

SANGEETA JATIA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Sangeeta Jatia, from Kolkata, West Bengal, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Jatia is an economics graduate from Calcutta University.

A member of the Calcutta Midtown Lions Club since 1988, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, district Sight First chair, district coordinator, vice district governor and multiple district Leadership chair. Additionally, she served as a member of Mission 30 and Team 20K, a GMT area leader, on the DGE Seminar Faculty and as coordinator of the India edition of LION Magazine.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards including Lion of the Year, Membership Advancement Key, six Extension Awards, 11 International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Jatia and her spouse, Arvind, also a Lion, have two children.

2005-07

HOWARD A. JENKINS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Howard A. Jenkins of Columbus, Mississippi, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Jenkins is in military personnel management.

A member of the Columbus East Columbus Lions Club since 1981, Past Director Jenkins has held many offices within the association, including club secretary, club president, council chairperson, multiple district Constitution and By-law Committee chairperson, Sight Foundation trustee, White Cane chairperson, Leadership Development chairperson and district governor. Additionally he served on the 2004 elections committee and as the Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing regional director, area director and state coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including two District Governor Extension Awards, one 100% Secretary Award,
one 100% District Governor Award, two Presidential Leadership Medals, two Presidential Awards, six Presidential Certificates and one Founder’s Membership Growth Award. In 2001, Past Director Jenkins was inducted into the Mississippi Lions Hall of Fame. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Jenkins is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He previously served on the Boy Scout Executive Committee, Boy Scout Committee and was secretary for a Boy Scout troop for three years. In 2004 he was named an Ageless Hero by the mayor and city council.

Past Director Jenkins and his wife, Linda, also a member of the Columbus East Columbus Lions Club, have four children and six grandchildren.

2012-14

SHERYL M. JENSEN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Sheryl M. Jensen, from Rotorua, New Zealand, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Jensen is an arthritis educator with a background in school teaching.

A member of the Rotorua Sulphur City Lions Club since 1994, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, district leadership chairperson, region chairperson, district governor, council chairperson, MERL chairperson and National Executive Management Committee member.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards including a 100 % Attendance Award, a 100 % President’s Award, a Club Membership Growth Award, a District Governor’s Award, an International President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Leadership, a International Visionary Leadership Certificate, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Jensen is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including acting as a Justice of the Peace and as a marriage and funeral celebrant. In the past, she also served as a Sunday school teacher and a Cub/Scout Leader and participated in the Young Farmers Club. She is the recipient of a Competent Toastmasters Certificate. 

Past Director Jensen and her husband, Kevin, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have a son and daughter. 

2007-09

LARRY JOHNSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Larry Johnson from Vienna, West Virginia, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Past Director Johnson is a banker.

A member of the Parkersburg Lions Club since 1974, Past Director Johnson has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district governor and council chairperson. Additionally he has served as district LCIF chairperson, multiple district LEHP chairperson, on his multiple district’s Constitutional & By-laws Committee and on the West Virginia Leadership School Committee. He has also participated in numerous international Lions events, including several international conventions, USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forums and Lions Day with the United Nations.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Johnson has received numerous awards, including a 100% Club President Award, several District Governor’s Citations and Certificates of Achievement, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, a Leadership Award, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also the recipient of the Leonard Jarrett Award from the West Virginia Lions Sight Conservation Foundation and is a Bill Eason Fellow and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Johnson is active in numerous professional and community organizations. In the past, he served as president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, president of the United Way of the Mid-Ohio Valley, chapter chairperson of the Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, treasurer of the Parkersburg/Wood County Convention and Visitors Bureau and a member of the Wood County Board of Education.

Past Director Johnson and his wife, Rachel, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son.

2009-11

RONALD JOHNSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ronald Johnson, from Sebago, Maine, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director Johnson runs his own business.

A former Leo and member of the Sebago Lions Club since 1984, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, district secretary/treasurer, district governor, district MERL chair, district CSF group coordinator, district CSFII co-coordinator, long-range planning chair, diabetes chair, membership chair, multiple district extension chair and multiple district Leo chair.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the Guiding Lion Award, 100% District Governor Award, District Governor Excellence Award, Certified Guiding Lion Award, eight International Extension Awards, Five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, two International Leadership Medals and an International President’s Medal. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and an Illinois Foundation Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Johnson is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a current member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

Past Director Johnson and his wife, June, also a Lion, have a son, Lion Greg; a daughter, Kim; and three granddaughters.

1986-88

KENNETH ELLIOT JONES

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Kenneth Elliot Jones, of Hamilton, New Zealand, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 69th annual convention, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA,
July 9-12, 1986.

Past Director Jones is a former farmer and is chairman of a grain co-operative.

Active in the association since joining in 1970, Past Director Jones has served as a club president, zone chairman, cabinet chairman, district governor and council chairman. In honor of his contributions, he has received the 100% District Governor Award, the District Governor Extension Award, the International President’s Commendation Award, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Jones is the current chairman of the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust.

Past Director Jones and his wife, Margaret, have one daughter, two sons and three grandchildren.

2012-14

STACEY W. JONES

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Stacey W. Jones, from Miami Gardens, Florida, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Jones is a retired secondary school principal.

A charter member of the Florida E-Lions Club and a Lion since 1992, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, membership chairperson, district governor, council chairperson, district and multiple district LCIF chairperson and certified guiding Lion. He has also served as director of the Florida Lions Foundation, president of the Florida Lions Eye Bank, director of the Florida Lions Camp, director of Florida Lions Conklin Center, presenter and moderator at several USA/Canada Leadership Forums and volunteered for two medical/dental missions to the Philippines.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the club Lion of the Year, 100% President’s Award, 100% Governor’s Award, Club Excellence Award, International President’s Leadership Medal, International President’s Commendation, district and multiple district Pilot Awards, Membership Builder’s Key, an Extension Award, three International President’s Awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Jones is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including Norland United Methodist Church, life member Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and previously active with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Society for The Study of Education, National Association of School Administrators and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Past Director Jones and his spouse, Mary, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have a daughter and son.

1993-95

DR. CARLOS E. JUSTINIANO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Carlos E. Justiniano, of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 76th annual convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-9, 1993.

Past Director Justiniano is an orthodontist and president of his real estate corporation.

A Lion since 1979, Past Director Justiniano is a member of the Mayaguez Lions Club. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He is a SightFirst district coordinator and Leo Club advisor. Past Director Justiniano has served as a group leader at a governor’s school. He also served as a discussion leader and moderator at USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forums, moderator and presenter at the Latin American and Caribbean Forums and has visited the Southwest Asia and African Forums.

Past Director Justiniano has received many awards on behalf of his service to the association, including the 100% Club President Award, 100% District Governor Award, a Master Key, an Extension Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, a Leadership Award, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants to its members.

Past Director Justiniano has served in several professional and civic organizations American Red Cross, Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Cancer Society and Puerto Rico State Guard. He is president elect of the Puerto Rico Dental Society, member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontist, World Federation of Orthodontist and all of the constituent organizations; Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontist, Puerto Rico Orthodontic Society and the West District Dental Society.

He and his wife, Sara, both Progressive Melvin Jones Fellows, have three children; Carlos, Rafael and Sara I., who are also Melvin Jones Fellows. His father, Rafael, also served as an international director for the association from 1987-89. The only case in the history of the association that a father and son have been international directors.

2007-09

MAURICE M. KAHAWAII

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Maurice M. Kahawaii from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Past Director Kahawaii is a retired neighbor island terminal manager for Chevron USA.

A member of the Kona Lions Club and a Lion since 1986, Past Director Kahawaii has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson and district governor. He has also served as district chairperson of MERL, Extension and LCIF.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Kahawaii has received numerous awards, including the District 50 Outstanding President Award, a Best Zone Award and several International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Kahawaii is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is an officer in the Kona Hawaiian Civic Club and the AHA Hawaii ‘Oiwi, the Native Hawaiian Convention. He is also a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, the Kona Toastmasters and the West Hawaiian Men’s Golf Club. In the past, he served on the board of Past Directors for the Hilo Red Cross and the Hilo Boys and Girls Club, was president of the Big Island Fleet Safety Organization, was involved with the Aiea Jaycees, and served on the chambers of commerce for Kauai, Maui and Hawaii.

Past Director Kahawaii and his wife, Lani, have a blended family of six children and six grandchildren.

1993-95

DIMITRIOS KALANTZOPOULOS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dimitrios “Mimis” Kalantzopoulos, of Athens, Greece, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 76th annual convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-9, 1993.

Past Director Kalantzopoulos, a civil, mechanical and electrical engineer, is a consulting engineer and runs a construction company. He is a member of several professional, scientific and cultural organizations.

A Lion since 1954 and a charter member of the Athens Lions Club, Past Director Kalantzopoulos was one of the founders of Lions clubs in Greece. He was twice appointed provisional district governor, and subsequently the first elected district governor of district 117 Greece-Cyprus, and has held many other offices within the association. Past Director Kalantzopoulos also served and is active in various capacities at several Europa Forums.

Past Director Kalantzopoulos has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% Club President Award, two 100% District Governor Awards, the International Leadership Award, three Extension Awards, eight International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

He and his wife, Dora, have two children and three grandsons.

2003-04

DR. RYOJI KAMEI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Ryoji Kamei, of Kishiwada City, Osaka, Japan, was appointed to serve as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs in April 2003.

Past Director Kamei is a doctor of medicine.

A member of the Kishiwada Chuo Lions Club since 1964, Past Director Kamei became a Lion in 1963. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson and district governor. On the multiple district level, he served as supervisory auditor, LCIF chairperson, Research and Long Range Planning chairperson, Constitution and By-laws chairperson, leadership development chairperson and council chairperson. In addition, he served as SightFirst sector coordinator and as convention chairperson for the 2002 annual convention in Osaka, Japan.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Kamei has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the District Governor Excellence Award, two Leadership Awards, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Kamei is active in numerous professional and community organizations and has served as a member of the Board of Education in Kishiwada City, Osaka, Japan.

Past Director Kamei and his wife, Keiko, have three children and six grandchildren.

1993-95

ASHPOLL KAPOOR

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ashpoll Kapoor, of Nairobi, Kenya, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 76th International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-9, 1993.

Past Director Kapoor is a director of several trading companies and industries in East African countries.

A member of the Nairobi North Lions Club, Past Director Kapoor has been a Lion since 1968. He has held many positions within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor and district governor.

Past Director Kapoor has received numerous awards for his contributions to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, six International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, nine International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good will Award, the highest honor the association presents to its members. Both Past Director Kapoor and his wife, Asha Rani, are Progressive Melvin Jones Fellows.

Past Director Kapoor is active in many community and professional organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce.

He and his wife have three children.

2010-12

EDISSON KARNOPP

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Edisson Karnopp, from Santa Cruz Do Sul, Brazil, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 through July 2, 2010.

Past Director Karnopp is a retired attorney.

A member of the Santa Cruz Do Sul-Centro Lions Club and a Lion since 1976, Past Director Karnopp has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, council chairperson, GMT area leader, GMT constitutional area leader, LCIF steering committee member and the Centennial Action Committee member.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the District Governor Model of Excellency, four Leadership medals, six President’s certificates, seven International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

He has also received more than 200 public recognitions which include the Medal of Farroupilha Honor, the highest award of the Gaucho Parliament, the Santa Cruz Do Sul Citizen Emeritus, the Citizen of Santa Cruz and the first Santa Cruz do Sul Ambassador.

Past Director Karnopp and his wife, Rosenete, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have three sons and three grandchildren.

2008-09

SHINJI KAYAMORI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Shinji Kayamori, from Nagoya, Japan, was appointed to serve for one year as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Kayamori is a corporate counselor and retired CEO.

A member of the Nagoya West Lions Club and a Lion since 1980, Past Director Kayamori has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chairperson and district governor. He has also served as a board committee appointee and national coordinator for Campaign SightFirst II, and is a graduate of the Senior Lions Leadership Institute.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Kayamori has received numerous awards, including the District Governor’s Certificate of Appreciation, 35 Member Key Award, two District Governor Special Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International President’s Leadership Award and the Humanitarian Partner Award. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Kayamori has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as a director for the Japanese Society for Burn Survivors, the Asia Crime Prevention Foundation, Aichi Prefecture Eye Bank and the Kayamori Foundation of Informational Science Advancement. He is a recipient of the Financial World Laboratory Prize of Management.

Past Director Kayamori and his wife, Michiko, have three sons and six grandchildren.

2011-13

PONGSAK “PK” KEDSAWADEVONG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Pongsak “PK” Kedsawadevong, from Muang District, Petchburi, Thailand, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 94th International Convention, held in Seattle, Washington, USA, July 4 to July 8, 2011.

Past Director Kedsawadevong is the owner of a real estate company.

A member of the Petchaburi Lions Club since 1995, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, district leadership chair, multiple district convention chair, multiple district membership chair, Thailand Lions 50th Anniversary Grand Celebration chair, district honorary advisor and district twinning chair. He also chaired a project for two mobile medical service cars for eye and ear care to His Majesty the King and the Thai Encyclopedia for Youth Project.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President Award, the Club Lion of the Year Award, the 100% District Governor Award, an Extension Award, five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and two International President’s Awards. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Kedsawadevong is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He was appointed by His Majesty the King to act as Associate Judge of the Juvenile and Family Court of Petchaburi Province. In the past, he served as chair of the King Mongkut Hospital Foundation and vice chair of the Foundation for the Blind under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King.

Past Director Kedsawadevong and his wife, Siriporn, have two children.

1995-97

MOSLEM ALI KHAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Moslem Ali Khan, of Dhaka, Bangladesh, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 78th International Convention, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4-7, 1995.

Past Director Khan is the director of an intercountry development organization and the managing director of a printing and publishing company.

A member of the Dhaka (Banani) Lions Club, Past Director Khan has been a Lion since 1976. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He also served as chairman of his multiple district Membership Committee and was a sector coordinator for Campaign SightFirst.

Past Director Khan has received many awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% Club President Award, a Key Member Award, two International Leadership Awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Khan is the president of the Bangladesh-United States Friendship Association and the Rajshahi University Old Student’s Association. He is also chairman and founder of the Deshanterkati High School and chairman of the Deshanterkati Medical Project and Hospital. For his outstanding contributions in the field of social work, he has received the Justice Abu Sayeed Chowdhury Award from the former president of Bangladesh,

the Atish Dipankar Gold Medal and the Akram Khan National Gold Medal. Past Director Khan and his wife, Hosne Ara, have three children.

2007-09

VINOD KHANNA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Vinod Khanna from New Delhi, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Past Director Khanna is a businessman specializing in self-adhesive papers and tile adhesives and importing building materials.

A member of the New Delhi South Lions Club and a Lion since 1977, Past Director Khanna has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district governor, multiple district Lions Quest chairperson, council chairperson and multiple district Club Extension chairperson. He served as a member of two international convention election committees and as chairperson of the Parade of Nations Indian Contingent at two international conventions. He has also served as treasurer of “All Lions Meet,” editor of the “Indian Lions” magazine, treasurer and vice chairperson of the MDCCI Indian coordination body and member of the ISAAME Forum organizing committee.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Khanna has received numerous awards, including a Club Lion of the Year Award, the 100% Club Attendance Award, an Extension Award, a 25 Member Key Award, a District Lion of the Year Award, a District P.R.O. Gem of the Year Award, the District Governor’s Outstanding Award, a Best Zone Chairperson Award, three International President’s Certificates, the 100% District Governor’s Award, three International President’s Leadership Awards and six International President’s Medals. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Khanna is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has served as trustee of the Lions Hospital in Khizarabad, the District 321-A1 Lions Service Trust and the District 321-A2 Lions Blood Bank. He has also served as an executive member of multiple social organizations.

Past Director Khanna and his wife, Renu, also a Lion, have three children.

2015-17

SANJAY KHETAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Sanjay Khetan from Birganj, Nepal, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Khetan is a civil engineering consultant.

A member of the Birganj Adarshnagar Lions Club since 1993, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, council secretary, council chairperson, GLT area leader and multiple district leadership development chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, Senior Master Key Award, eight Extension Awards, Contributing Membership Bronze Award, the Helping Hands Award and nine International President’s Awards. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Khetan is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Nepal Heart Foundation, Nepal Red Cross Society, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, the Janjati Kalyan Ashram and the Nepal Engineers Association. 

Director Khetan and his wife, Sangeeta, also a Lion, have two daughters. 

1991-93

NOBUHARU KIKUCHI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Nobuharu Kikuchi of Sendai, Miyagi, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 74th International Convention held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, June 18-21, 1991.

Past Director Kikuchi owns a funeral service company.

A member of the Sendai Aoba Lions Club since 1967, Past Director Kikuchi has held many positions in the association including club president, cabinet secretary, deputy district governor and district governor. He has also served as Lion Magazine Editorial Committee chairman.

For his contributions to the association, Past Director Kikuchi has received the 100% District Governor Award, five International President’s Awards, a Key Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member of the association. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active in his community, Past Director Kikuchi is chairman of the Miyagi Prefecture Juvenile Guidance Association, the Sendai City Juvenile Guidance Association and the Sendai City Counseling Research Center. He is also board chairman of the Aigo Welfare Association.

Past Director Kikuchi and his wife, Yoshiko, have three children.

2009-11

BYEONG-DEOK KIM

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Byeong-Deok Kim, from Seoul, Republic of Korea, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director Kim works in the manufacturing industry.

A member of the Seoul Chung Woo Lions Club since 1985, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, district governor, council chair, multiple district LCIF chair, Team 20K Coordinator and GMT Leader. He has also served as the Korea Lions Sight for Kids Program Chair and the Pyeongyang Lions Eye Hospital Supporting Committee Chair.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the District 354 D Lion of the Year Award, the President’s Certificate of Appreciation, the Leadership Award, the Presidential Award, the LCIF Friend of Humanity Award, the LCIF Humanitarian Partnership Award, the CSFII Lead Gift Donor Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants to its members. He is also a Humanitarian Partner andMelvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Kim is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as vice chairperson of the Kyungbock High School Alumni Association, vice chairperson of the Graduate School of Yonsei University Business Administration Alumni Association, senior vice chairman of Special Olympics Korea and vice chairman of Special Olympics East Asia. In the past, he served as the national director of Special Olympics Korea. He is also the recipient of two Plaques of Appreciation from the Mayor of Seoul, a Special Award from the Chairman of Afghanistan Refugee Relief Project and the 2005 Advanced Traffic Culture Award from the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs.

Past Director Kim and his wife, Keum-Joo Park, have three sons.

1998-00

IL YUN KIM

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Il Yun Kim, of Seoul, Republic of Korea, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of the International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st International Convention, held in Birmingham, England, June 29-July 3, 1998.

Past Director Kim serves as president of the Korea Lions Parliamentarians’ League.

A member of the Seoul Dae Sung Lions Club, Past Director Kim has been a Lion since 1976. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chairman, district governor, district auditor and council chairman. In addition, Past Director Kim organized the Moscow Lions Club, the first Lions club in Russia.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including an extension award, three International President’s Awards, a Medal of Distinction and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Kim founded and was president of Kyongiu University. He has served as a member of the Korea Committee for UNESCO and is the president of the Korean-Brazilian Parliamentarians Friendship Association. He has also served as the Construction and Transportation Committee Chairman of the Korean National Assembly.

Past Director Kim and his wife, Soon-Ja Lee, have three sons and three daughters.

2012-14

TAE-YOUNG KIM

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Tae-Young Kim, from Incheon, Korea, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Kim is the CEO of TCMC Construction Management Company. He is an architect and consultant engineer with a doctorate degree in architectural engineering.

A member of the Inchon Wolmi Lions Club since 1989, he has held many offices within the association, club president, region chairperson, district governor and multiple district Lions Quest chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including two International President’s Awards, an International Leadership Award, several Presidential Certificates of Appreciation, the Humanitarian Partner Bronze – Diamond Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Kim is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as vice chairperson of the Construction Management Association of Korea and the Ministry of Justice’s Crime Prevention Unit in Incheon. He is also the director of the Saeul Foundation of Culture and an adjunct professor at the University of Incheon Graduate School. Director Kim is also the recipient of the Prime Minister Award and numerous awards from ministers and mayors. 

Past Director Kim and his wife, Sea-Hee Oh, have two sons. 

1999-01

DR. TOMMY KING

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Tommy King, of Columbia, Mississippi, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999.

Past Director King is a professor of psychology and dean of graduate programs at William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

A member of the Columbia Lions Club since 1983, Past Director King has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, region chairman and district governor. He served on the international convention election committee and nominating committee and was a board appointee. In addition, he established the Mississippi Lions Deaf Camp.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director King has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, an Extension Award, an International Leadership Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director King is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association. He has served as president of the Mississippi Reading Association and as president of the Jones and Marion County chapters of the American Cancer Society.

Past Director King and his wife, Sandra, have one son and two grandsons.

2009-11

HORST KIRCHGATTERER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Horst Kirchgatterer, from Wels/Thalheim, Austria, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director Kirchgatterer is a retired bank manager, and currently works as a consultant.

A member of the Wels Pollheim Lions Club since 1974, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, district governor and council chair. He is also a leader of the Global Membership Team.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including a Governors Appreciation Award, two Presidential Awards and a Founder’s Membership Growth Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Kirchgatterer is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is currently president of the Upper Austrian Bridge Federation and of the HSV Bridge Club, as well as a layman judge at the State Court in Wels. He has also received a Medal of Merit from the State of Upper Austria, Medal of Merit from the town of Wels and the Humanitarian Award from the Town of Wels.

Past Director Kirchgatterer and his wife, Brigitte, have two sons, one daughter and eight grandchildren.

1999-01

ROBERT KLEIN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Robert “Bob” Klein, of Stony Point, New York, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999.

Past Director Klein is a retired regional staff director of the New York State United Teachers.

A member of the North Rockland Lions Club since 1975 with 32 years perfect attendance, Past Director Klein has held many offices within the association, including charter club president, district governor and director of the Multiple District 20 Past District Governor Organization. In addition, he is the founding president and was a steering committee member of the New York State and Bermuda Lions Foundation. He has served as a discussion leader and moderator at the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum.

In 2001, Past Director Klein was appointed as Chairperson of the LCIF 9/11 Central Steering Committee that distributed US$3.2 million for September 11 victims and their families. He was the fund administrator for the LCIF September 11 Fund.

In 2005, Past Director Klein was appointed by the Lions international president to serve as the Lions representative to UNICEF in New York. As such, he is an appointed member of the NGO Committee for UNICEF’s Working Group on Violence Against Children. He is also involved with the US Fund for UNICEF and the Lions-UNICEF School-in-a-Box program.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Klein has received numerous awards, including the Lion of the Year award, the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award, the 100% Club President Award, a 30 Membership Key Award, Extension and Rebuilding Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, three International President’s Awards, an International President’s Leadership Medal, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. In addition, he is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, Helen Keller Fellow and a Governor of Excellence.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Klein is past chairman of the board of the Association for Visually Impaired and is a member of the board of directors of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. He is also founder of the Van Tassell Society, a Lions affinity group working to promote the activities of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and chairman of the agency’s Major Gifts committee.

Past Director Klein and his wife, Evelyn, also a Lion, have two children and six grandchildren.

2017-19

ARDIE KLEMISH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ardie Klemish from Anita, Iowa, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Klemish is a retired banking and insurance compliance officer.

A member of the Adair Lions Club since 1999, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and multiple district GLT coordinator.

In recognition of her service to the association, Director Klemish has received numerous awards, including a Membership Key Award, an International Leadership Award, two Extension Awards and an International President’s Award. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Director Klemish has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Iowa State Fair, the Casey Federated Women’s Club, 4-H and as a church organist and choir director.

Director Klemish’s husband, Ken, is a past district governor and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

2012-14

DONAL W. KNIPP

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Donal W. Knipp, from Auxvasse, Missouri, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Knipp is a retired manager in the refractory industry and owner/manager of a retail grocery store.

A member of the Auxvasse Lions Club since 1968, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone and region chairperson and district governor. He is a Certified Guiding Lion and has also served on the Missouri Lions Research Foundation and as chairperson of the MD 26 State and International Convention.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including five District Governor Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, an International President’s Leadership Medal, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Knipp is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including honorary board member of Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation, deacon and treasurer of the Grand Prairie Baptist Church and member of Gideons International. In the past, he served as Auxvasse mayor and councilman, and president of the Auxvasse Community Center. He is also a recipient of the Auxvasse Jaycee’s Distinguished Service Award.

Past Director Knipp and his wife, Betty, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have a son and a daughter.

1997-99

CHARLES E. KOSTRO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Charles E. Kostro, of Acton, Massachusetts, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 30-July 5, 1997.

Past Director Kostro is a retired engineering program manager.

A member of the Acton Lions Club since 1970, Past Director Kostro has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair and district governor. He served as director, secretary, vice president and president of the Massachusetts Lion Eye Research Fund Inc. and, in 1990, initiated a District Youth Speech Program and set a district record for eye research donations. He has also served as a District Governor Elect Seminar group leader, an International Convention Election Committee chairman, a Lions Leadership Institute faculty member, a LCIF September 11 Central Steering Committee member, USA/Canada Planning Committee member and Key Leader for the North American Healthy Club Initiative. He is currently serving as a member of the Women’s Eye Health Task Force Advisory Board based at The Schepens Eye Research Institute. He also served as Host Chairperson for the Lions Club International Convention in Boston in 2006 and as General Chairperson for 2009 USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. He is currently serving as the LCIF Coordinator for MD 33.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, a Key Member Award, the Top Ten International Understanding and Cooperation Award, numerous International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, eight International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and has received the Dr. Charles L. Schepens Lifetime Award for Dedication to Eye Research.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Kostro is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has received a Managerial Instructor Award from Honeywell Worldwide Information Systems, Inc., an Excellence Award for Engineering Program Management from Bull Worldwide Systems, Inc. and numerous Engineering Management Certificates of Recognition. He is a co-founder of the Acton Summer Baseball Program and a past president of the Acton/Boxboro Regional High Football Boosters. He has been a youth hockey coach, baseball manager and a semi-pro baseball coach.

Past Director Kostro and his wife, Claire, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have three sons and three granddaughters.

2012-14

SUNIL KUMAR R.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Sunil Kumar R., from Secunderabad, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Kumar is a tourism consultant, marketing and professional trainer.

A member of the Hyderabad North Lions Club since 1985, he has held many offices within the association, including Leo club president, Lions club president, district governor, zone and region chairperson, multiple district council treasurer and CSFII group coordinator. Additionally, he served as the ISAAME Forum Organizing Committee chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% District Governor Award, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including as a member of the Federation of AP Chambers of Commerce & Industry and as a Free Mason. In the past, he was active with the Jaycees (Junior Chamber International – JCI) as Indian national president, world vice president and world executive vice president. 

Past Director Kumar and his spouse, Kavitha, also a Lion, have two sons. 

2002-04

WHADY LACERDA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Whady Lacerda, of Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Lacerda is a state attorney.

A Lion since 1975 and a member of the Cuiaba Leste Lions Club since 1990, Past Director Lacerda has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Lacerda has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor’s Award, four International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Lacerda is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is the president of the Sports Association of the Ministry of Justice for the State of Mato Grosso. He is also a member of the State Council for the Elderly and president of the Lions Sight Institute. In the past he served as president of the Lions Foundation in the Fight Against Cancer and as a member of the National Council of Catholic Bishops.

Past Director Lacerda and his wife, Mirts, also a Lion, have four daughters, two sons, three granddaughters and two grandsons.

2000-02

PREM LAHOTY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Prem Lahoty, of Calcutta, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 83rd International Convention, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, June 19-23, 2000.

Past Director Lahoty is a businessman.

A Lions since 1972 and a member of the Calcutta Midtown Lions Club since 1976, Past Director Lahoty has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and cabinet secretary. He has also served as multiple district Constitution and By-Laws Committee chairman and multiple district Youth Exchange chairman.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Lahoty has received numerous awards, including four International President Certificates of Appreciation, the 100% District Governor award, four International President’s Awards, an Extension Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Lahoty is a member of several community groups including Indian Red Cross, National Association for the Blind and Marawari Relief Society.

Past Director Lahoty and his wife, Saveeta, have three children and six grandchildren.

2003-05

ERKKI J. J. LAINE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Erkki J. J. Laine, of Espoo, Finland, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Past Director Laine is the managing director and owner of a company.

A member of the Espoo Kivenlahti Lions Club since 1973, Past Director Laine has held many offices within the association, including club president, Leo advisor, district governor, multiple district public relations chairperson, multiple district Leo chairperson and council chairperson. In addition, he was a Coordinating Lion for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as a group leader of the District Governor-elect school. He also served as Leo seminar moderator at the 2000 Lions International Convention.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President’s Award, the 100% District Governor’s Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Leadership Awards, six International President’s Awards, the Top Ten International Understanding and Cooperation Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon association members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Laine and his wife, Kaarina, also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children.

2013-15

ESTHER LaMOTHE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Esther LaMothe, from Jackson, Michigan, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany, July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director LaMothe is a retired school administrator.

A member of the Jackson Eyeopeners Lions Club, and a Lion since 1995, she has held many offices within the association, including secretary, president, district governor, zone and region chairperson, district and multiple district leadership development chairperson and council chairperson. She has also been a moderator and presenter at several USA/Canada Forums and international conventions.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President, the Certified Guiding Lion Award, the Member Key Award, two International President’s Leadership Medals, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director LaMothe is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including Eversight and the Ladies Professional Golf Association Wendy’s Charity Classic.

Past Director LaMothe has two sons.

2017-18

ALICE LAU

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Alice Lau from Guangzhou, China, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Lau is the chairperson of a non-profit foundation.

A member of the Dream Achievement Lions Club since 2004, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and board appointee.

In recognition of her service to the association, Director Lau has received numerous awards, including an Extension Award, six International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

2009-11

HAMED OLUGBENGA BABAJIDE LAWAL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Hamed Olugbenga Babajide Lawal, from Ikorodu, Nigeria, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6 through 10, 2009.

Past Director Lawal is a managing director in the civil engineering industry.

A member of the Ikorodu Doyen Lions Club since 1982, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, district committee chairperson, Lions Day with the UN multiple district chairperson, member of Mission 30, member of Team 20K, GLT area advisor, member of the Africa Lions Steering Committee, faculty at the All Africa Conference and former chairperson of the Lions Leadership of Africa and ISAAME.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including an Appreciation Award for Charter President, Lion of the Year Award, two Achievement Awards, Lion of the Decade Award, three Merit Awards, four Appreciation Awards, Best Region Chairman Award, Pillar of Service Award, Distinguished Service Award, Passion For Service Award, Everyday Heroes Award, DG Excellence Award, Recognition Award, 11 International President’s Appreciation Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Lawal is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is currently the Babalaje of Egbe Bobajolu (Okunrin) of Ijebu land and Vice President of Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In the past, he has served as President of Ijebu Muslim College Old Students’ Association, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Chairman Board of Governors of Ijebu Muslim College, Lord Mayor, a Fellow of Ijebu-Ode Metropolitan Club and Chairman of the club’s business venture – Metro Arena Board of Directors.

Past Director Lawal has two sons, one daughter and six grandchildren.

2007-09

ED LECIUS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ed Lecius from Merrimack, New Hampshire, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Past Director Lecius is a community policing coordinator and co-director of emergency management for the Nashua Police Department.

A member of the Nashua Lions Club since 1971, Past Director Lecius has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, LCIF chairperson, international convention chairperson and Campaign SightFirst II sector coordinator. He has also served as president of Lions Camp Pride and the New England Lions Council, and as chairperson of the New England Lions Council LCIF Dinner.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Lecius has received numerous awards, including six Club Lion of the Year Awards, a District Lion of the Year Award, two International President’s Medals, three International President’s Certificates and an Extension Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Lecius is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has served as director of the Nashua Police Athletic League and the New England Community Police Partnership, fire commissioner and park recreation commissioner. He is an honorary member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 789 and is the recipient of the Daniel Webster Council BSA Top Scout Award, the Big Brothers-Big Sisters Big Brother of the Year Award, the City of Nashua Service to Youth Award and the Care Givers Top Care Giver Award.

Past Director Lecius and his wife, Elaine, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children.

2017-19

CONNIE LECLEIR-MEYER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Connie LeCleir-Meyer from Mondovi, Wisconsin, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director LeCleir-Meyer is a senior training program manager.

A member of the Altoona Lions Club, and a Lion since 2000, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district governor and district and multiple district GLT coordinator.

In recognition of her service to the association, Director LeCleir-Meyer has received numerous awards, including an International Leadership Award and an International President’s Award. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Director LeCleir-Meyer has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the American Legion, National Association of Professional Women, Boy Scouts of America and her church choir.

Director LeCleir-Meyer’s husband, Michael, is also a Lion.

l987-89

HELMER N. LECY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Helmer N. Lecy, of Arkdale, Wisconsin, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 70th annual convention, held in Taipei, Taiwan in July l987.

Past Director Lecy is retired.

A charter officer of the Roche-A-Cri Lions Club with 27 years of perfect attendance, Past Director Lecy has held many positions in the association, including club secretary and president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman. He also served as a board member and president of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and was a national/multinational coordinator for Campaign SightFirst.

For his many contributions to the association, Past Director Lecy has received four Extension Awards, the Advancement Key Member Award, the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his service as a Lion, Past Director Lecy has been involved in a number of other community organizations. These include the 4-H Clubs of America, the Boy Scouts and the Roche-A-Cri School Board. He is also active in his church.

Past Director Lecy and his wife, Myrtle, have four children and five grandchildren.

2018-19

GEOFF LEEDER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Geoff Leeder, from Harpenden, England was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Leeder worked within the pharmaceutical industry for more than 45 years and is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Before retiring he was a compliance and quality manager and also has been a key member of a design and implementation team to build a new pharmaceutical factory.

He has been a member of the Lions Club of Luton since 1976 and held a number of positions within the association including GLT area leader and has served as faculty for ALLI, FDI, as well as the LCICon CGL seminar. He has also served as Europa Forum Program director as well as committee chair and is a long serving LCIF Coordinator.

For his service he has been recognized with seven International President’s Awards and 14 International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. In addition to being a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow he has been awarded a number of recognitions including a 100% Club President’s Award, a 100% District Governor Award, and a Founder’s Membership Growth Award.

Director Leeder is a licensed amateur radio enthusiast who has provided AV support in addition to his many roles within the association.

2013-15

YVES LÉVEILLÉ

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Yves Léveillé, from Québec, Canada, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Léveillé is a bank manager.

A member of the Ormstown Lions Club, and a Lion since 1988, he has held many offices within the association, including president, district governor, zone and region chairperson, and council chairperson. He has also been the president of the Quebec Lions Foundation and District U-1 Convention, and a member of Campaign SightFirst I.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President, 100% District Governor, and the Leadership Medal. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Léveillé is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce of du Haut-Saint-Laurent. 

Past Director Léveillé and his wife, Dominique, also a Lion and a Fellow Melvin Jones, have a son, a daughter and five grandchildren. 

2002-04

CHING-LI LEE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ching-Li Lee, of Kaohsiung, Multiple District 300 Taiwan, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Ching-Li Lee works in the construction business.

A member of the Kaohsiung Host Lions Club since 1974, Past Director Ching-Li Lee has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, committee chairperson, district cabinet treasurer, district governor, multiple district chairperson of the Leadership Committee and multiple district chairperson of the International Relationship Committee. In addition, he served on the Resolutions Committee at the 39th Orient and South Eastern Asia Lions (OSEAL) Convention in Korea and on the Instruction Committee at the 40th OSEAL Convention in Thailand.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Ching-Li Lee has received numerous awards, including the District Governor Excellence Award, two International President’s Awards, the International President’s Leadership Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Ching-Li Lee is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is the head of the board of directors of the World Lee’s Family, a chairperson of the Kaohsiung Fathers’ Pattern Association and a director and committeeman of the Kaohsiung branch of the Taiwan Renovation Guardians’ Organization & Red Cross. Past Director Ching-Li Lee is also the recipient of the Award of the Minister of Interior, the Award of the Minister of Justice and the President’s Award.

Past Director Ching-Li Lee and his wife, Chiu-Kuei Li Tseng, have one daughter, two sons and six granddaughters.

1990-92

DOUGLAS K.K. LEE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Douglas K.K. Lee, of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 73rd International Convention, held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, July 11-14, 1990.

Past Director Lee is a retired banker after 27 years in the industry, and is still active in many public and professional organizations.

Past Director Lee, a life member, has been a Lion since 1960. He served as president of the Kuala Lumpur (Host) Lions Club twice and as district governor and council chairman of Multiple District 308 (Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei). He has also served as a member of his multiple district cabinet as an advisor for many years.

Past Director Lee has received much recognition for his work on behalf of Lions Clubs International, including seven International President’s Awards, the Master Key Award, six Extension Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members.

He and his wife, Ruby, have three children and four grandchildren.

2003-05

HOWARD LEE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Howard Lee, of Farnham, England, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Past Director Lee is senior partner in a firm of chartered accountants.

A member of the Farnham Lions Club since 1976, Past Director Lee has held many offices within the association, including club twinning officer, club public relations officer, club traveling Lion, club social chair, club membership chair, club president, zone chair, district Drug Trust chair, district membership chair, district international relations officer, district Future Planning chair, district Nominations & Resolutions chair, district diabetes trustee, district Service & International chair, district Belarus Projects Group chair and district governor. On the multiple district level, he has served as diabetes coordinator, club development chair, constitutions and resolutions chair, auditor, treasurer and Conventions Ltd. director. Additionally he was a member of the Nominations Committee for the 1992 International Convention in Hong Kong and was an international fiscal agent.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the New Club Extension Award, the Zone Chairperson Growth Award, the 100% District Secretary Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the District International Relations Officer’s Award, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, two Leadership Medals, two International President’s Awards and Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Lee is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as director of the Farnham Working Men’s Conservative Club Company Ltd. He is also a member of the Blacknest Golf Club. In the past, he served as director of MedicAlert for British Isles and Ireland.

Past Director Lee and his wife, Claire, have two children.

2010-12

DR. SANG-DO LEE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Sang-Do Lee, from Daejeon, Republic of Korea, was appointed to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s board meeting held in Sydney, Australia, in July 2010.

Past Director Lee is an ear, nose and throat doctor.

A member of the Jungwon Lions Club since 1981, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair and district governor. He also served as member of the Korea Lions Golden Jubilee Commemorative Publication Committee and the Korean LION Magazine Editorial Committee.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Attendance Award, several International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, two International President’s Awards and the Campaign SightFirst II Knight of Service Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow and a Humanitarian Partner.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Lee is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is currently an adjunct professor at Chungnam National University Hospital and executive director of the Korea University Alumni Association. In the past, he was an adjunct professor at the Keimyung University Medical College, director of the Daejeon City Medical Association and a member of the Medical Dispute Conciliation Committee for the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Past Director Lee and his wife, Yong-Me Kim, have two daughters, one son and four grandchildren.

2002-04

SHI-WOOK LEE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Shi-Wook Lee, of Yongin City, Korea, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Lee is a chairperson of an international corporation.

A Lion since 1977 and a member of the Chonju Dongjo Lions Club since 2000, Past Director Lee has held many offices within the association, including club president, council secretary, district governor, council chairperson and international board appointee. In addition, he served as chairperson of the 1993 OSEAL Forum, as co- chairperson of the host committee for the 1995 International Convention and as advisor of the council for Multiple Districts 354 and 355.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Lee has received numerous awards, including the Master Key Award, the International President’s Leadership Award, four International President’s Awards, three Club Extension Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, nine International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Lee and his wife, Chang-Sik Hong Lee, have three sons and two grandsons.

1992-94

TOM LEHMAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Tom Lehman, of Seeley Lake, Montana, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 75th International Convention, held in Hong Kong, June 23-26, 1992.

Past Director Lehman is an auctioneer.

A Lion since 1961 and currently a member of the Seeley Lake Lions Club, Past Director Lehman has held many positions within the association. He has served as club president and was twice a 100% district governor. On the international level, he was a member of the Nominations and Elections Committee and chairperson of the Parade Contest Committee. In 1987-88, Past Director Lehman was an appointee to the International Board of Directors, and during 1985-87 and 1996- 97, he was a member of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum Planning Committee.

Past Director Lehman is a life member and has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the Senior Master Key, four Extension awards, the Guiding Lion Award, seven International President’s awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Lehman and his wife Judy, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have six children and eight grandchildren.

1980-82

K. M. “KEN” LENTFER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

K. M. “Ken” Lentfer, of West Pennant Hills, New South Wales, Australia, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 63rd annual convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-5, 1980.

Past Director Lentfer is the managing director of two companies in property development and investments.

A Lion since 1958 and a life member of his club, Past Director Lentfer has served as club president, district governor and multiple district council chairman. He also has 40 years of perfect attendance.

In appreciation of his service to the association, Past Director Lentfer has received numerous awards including the 100% District Governor Award, eight International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Lentfer is a life governor of the N.S.W. – A.C.T. Save Sight Foundation, the N.S.W. – A.C.T. Public Health Care Foundation and a justice of the peace. For his services to the community he has been honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Past Director Lentfer and his wife, Marcia, have two children and six grandchildren.

1994-96

NESIM LEVI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Nesim Levi, of Istanbul, Turkey, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 77th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 12-15, 1994.

Past Director Levi holds a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering and is a retired CEO of an industrial group.

A charter member of the Istanbul (Yesilyurt) Lions Club since 1977, Past Director Levi has held many positions within the association, including club president, cabinet secretary-treasurer, cabinet secretary and district governor. He also served as his multiple district’s leadership chairperson and was chairperson of the Europa Forum in 1991. He served as a group leader in numerous District Governor-elect seminars and as an instructor in several Leadership Institutes.

Past Director Levi has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including a Key Member Award, 100% District Governor Award, five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, eleven International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Levi is active in many civic and professional organizations, including the Kidney Foundation. He is the director of the Appliance Manufacturer’s Association and serves as a trustee on the board of the Sight Conservation Foundation. He is also active in management and leadership training.

Past Director Levi and his wife, Birsen, have three children.

2015-17

ROBERT M. LIBIN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Robert M. Libin from Rego Park, New York, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Libin is a retired attorney.

A member of the Rego Park-Forest Hills Lions Club since 1989, he has held many offices within the association, including club secretary, district governor, district LCIF chairperson, LCIF district coordinator and club director. He is also the foundation director for Lions District 20-K1 Foundation and foundation secretary for the Brandel-Murphy MD 20 Lions Youth Foundation.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including Lion of the Year, the Senior Master Key Award, Life Membership Award, Friend of Humanity Award, five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and two International President’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Libin has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the American Bar Association, the Queens County Bar Association, Eagle Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. 

Director Libin and his wife, Michelle also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one daughter, two grandsons and one granddaughter.  

2015-17

RICHARD LIEBNO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Richard Liebno, from Westminster, Maryland, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Liebno is retired from the sales and marketing industry.

A member of the Deer Park Lions Club since 1974, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district campus club chairperson, district extension chairperson, club treasurer, cabinet secretary, district governor and council chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Liebno has received numerous awards, including the Club President Excellence Award, a Membership Key Award, a Leadership Award and an International President’s Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Liebno is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society and Grace Lutheran Church. 

Director Liebno is married to Grace, who is also a Lion. 

1972-74

ENRIQUE LIM

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Enrique Lim, of Manila, Republic of the Philippines, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s 55th International Convention held in Mexico City, Mexico,
June 28-July 1, 1972.

Past Director Lim, an industrial chemist, is an industrial consultant, board chairman and president of a manufacturing and marketing complex and a part-time lecturer.

He has held numerous offices within the association, including club president and district governor. For his contributions to service, he has received the 100% District Governor Award, Key awards, Extension awards, 13 International President’s awards and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. Past director Lim is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Lim’s numerous community and professional activities include being the president of the Hospital/Laboratory/Scientific Equipment and Supply Industry Association, vice president of World Lims Family Association, member of the board of directors and general fund campaign chairman of the Philippine Rizal Red Cross, past president of the Philippine Rubber Industry Association and South Metro Manila Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Past Director Lim and his wife, Victorina, have four children.

2016-18

MAGNET LIN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Magnet Lin from Taipei, Taiwan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Lin is a Chief Learning Officer in the hospitality industry.

A member of the Taipei Capital Lions Club since 1983, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, multiple district GLT coordinator and centennial coordinator. He was also chairperson of the 2011 OSEAL Forum.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, Leadership Award, 100% District Governor Award, LCIF Friend of Humanity Award, four International President’sAwards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Lin has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Ministry of Interior Affairs of the Republic of China, President of the Ya-Jen Culture Foundation and President of International Chinese Speakers Alliance. 

Director Lin and his wife, Fanny, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons, one daughter and one grandchild. 

2014-16

ROBERT S. LITTLEFIELD, Ph.D.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

LCIF – TRUSTEE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AREA I

Dr. Robert S. Littlefield from Oviedo, Florida, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the associations 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014. Following his term on the LCI Board, he was appointed to a three-year term (2016-2019) as a Trustee on the LCIF Board of Directors representing Constitutional Area I (largest constitutional area membership). He is Chairperson of the 2019 DGE School scheduled for Oak Brook, IL, and Milan, Italy.

Director Littlefield is Founding Director of the Nicholson School of Communication and Media at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

A member of the Fargo (ND) Lions Club since 1984, and associate member of the Oviedo Winter Springs Lions Club (FL) since 2016, Littlefield has held many offices within the association, including district governor, LCIF district coordinator, GLT district coordinator, council chair, multiple district convention chair, multiple district public relations chair, and is a certified guiding Lion. He served as president of the North Dakota Past District Governors’ Association and was inducted into the ND Lions Hall of Fame in 2017.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the District Governor Excellence Award, nine Presidential Certificates of Appreciation, an International Leadership Award, the Senior Builder Key Award, and five International President’s Medals. He is Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a Second Century Ambassador.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Littlefield is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the National Communication Association, the American Forensic Association, the National Speech and Debate Educators Association, and the Pi Kappa Delta National Forensic Honorary.

Director Littlefield and his wife, Lion Kathy, have two children and two grandchildren.

2016-18

SAM H. LINDSEY JR.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Sam H. Lindsey Jr., from Hilltop Lakes, Texas, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Lindsey is a Chief Financial Officer.

A member of the Buffalo Lions Club since 2008, and a Lion since 1972, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, district GMT membership and new club growth team member, district GMT coordinator, district international relations chairperson and region chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Lindsey has received numerous awards, including the Senior Master Key Award, a Leadership Award, four Extension Awards and an International President’s Medal. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Director Lindsey and his wife, Jodye, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two daughters and four grandchildren.

1982-84

R. HAL LONG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

R. Hal Long of Garber, Oklahoma, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 65th International Convention held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA,
June 30-July 3, 1982.

Past Director Long is retired. He formerly was a co-owner in farm implement dealerships, farming and ranching, and oil production and exploration.

A member of the Garber Lions Club since 1951, Past Director Long has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman and district governor. In addition, Past Director Long has served as president of the Oklahoma Lions Boys Ranch, president of the Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation, director of the Oklahoma Lions Eye Bank and chairman of the Oklahoma Lions Irrevocable Trust. He was a board appointee in 1984-85 and 1989-90. He served as chairman of the District Governor-elect seminar in Australia, sector coordinator for Campaign SightFirst and served on planning committees for USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forums.

In recognition of his service on behalf of the association, Past Director Long has received numerous awards including the 100% District Governor Award, a Master Key Award, a 40-year Perfect Attendance Award, three International President’s Leadership Awards, nine International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

The Lions of Oklahoma have awarded him the Dr. Robert D. “Bob” McCullough Meritorious Award, which is given for outstanding service, loyalty and devotion to the objects and furtherance of Lions Clubs International.

Active in his community, Past Director Long has served as president and secretary of the Garber Chamber of Commerce, as city councilman and also as a 10-year board member of the Area Vocational-Technical School, Oklahoma State Council on Vocation Education and the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. He is also active in many other community and civic organizations.

Past Director Long is a member of his church’s choir. He and his wife, Jean, have two children and two grandsons.

1983-85

RALPH H. LONG

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ralph H. Long, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, served a two-year term as Director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the Association’s 66th Annual Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, June 22-25, 1983.

Past Director Long is a barrister and solicitor in his own law practice.

A Lion and member of the Vancouver Chinatown Lions Club since 1959, Past Director Long has a distinguished record of service to the association. He has served as club president, zone chairperson, district governor and as chairperson and later secretary for the British Columbia Lions Society for Crippled Children.

For his work on behalf of the association, Past Director Long has received three District Governor’s Appreciation Awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, Multiple District 19’s Distinguished Service Award, District 19A’s 1980 Man of the Year Award and four International President’s Awards.

Past Director Long’s accomplishments as a public servant are many. He was named Man of the Year in 1976 by the Brotherhood Interfaith Committee and was made an honorary citizen of the State of Washington in 1981. In addition, Past Director Long was chosen to receive the 1983 C. Douglas Taylor Award from the Canadian Rehabilitation Council for the Disabled for his distinguished leadership in the development of services to the disabled in Canada.

Past Director Long and his wife, Irene, have three children. ###

2004-06

SOMSAKDI LOVISUTH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Somsakdi Lovisuth, of Bangkok, Thailand, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 87th International Convention, held in Detroit, Michigan, USA/Windsor, Ontario, Canada, July 5-July 9, 2004.

Past Director Lovisuth is in the import and export business.

A member of the Bangkok Cosmopolitan Lions Club since 1986, Past Director Lovisuth has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chairperson, zone chairperson, youth exchange chairperson and district governor.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Lovisuth has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Lovisuth and his wife, Somran, also a member of the Bangkok Cosmopolitan Lions Club and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children.

2008-10

DOUGLAS A. LOZIER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Douglas A. Lozier, from Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Lozier is a corporate environmental manager.

A member of the Carmel Lions Club since 2000 and a Lion since 1976, Past Director Lozier has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, deputy district governor and district governor. He has also served as a leadership chairperson and a trustee of the Indiana Lions Foundation.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Lozier has received numerous awards, including several Club President awards, a 100% District Governor award, four International President’s Medals and two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Lozier has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the National Environmental Safety and Health Association, the American Society of Safety Engineers and the Purdue University Alumni Association.

Past Director Lozier and his wife, Kathy, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have a daughter and a granddaughter.

2016-18

N. ALAN LUNDGREN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

N. Alan Lundgren from Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Lundgren is an accountant and asset manager.

A member of the Gilbert Lions Club, and a Lion since 1980, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, district GLT coordinator and multiple district convention chairperson. He was also a member of the Public Relations Committee as a Board appointee in 2014-15.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, Builder Key Award, Extension Award, two International President’s Awards, and the Ambassador of Goodwill. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow, a Helen Keller Fellow and a life member of the Arizona Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.

Director Lundgren has three sons and 10 grandchildren. He is proud to say his family is a “three generation Lions family,” with two of his sons, and their wives, and two of his grandchildren being Lions members. 

2017-19

VIRINDER “V.K.” LUTHRA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Virinder “V.K.” Luthra from Patna, Bihar, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Luthra is a manufacturer of outdoor advertisements.

A member of the Patna Vishal Lions Club, and a Lion since 1970, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and multiple district council chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Luthra has received numerous awards, including 18 Extension Awards, two International Leadership Awards, a Key of Nations Award and three International President’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Luthra has been active in professional and community organizations, including the Indian Red Cross, Patna Women’s College and Indian Railways User Consultative Committee.

1994-96

RONAL A. LUXTON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ronal A. Luxton, of Temuka, New Zealand, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 77th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 12-15, 1994.

Past Director Luxton is a pharmacist.

A member of the Temuka Lions Club since 1974, with 26 years perfect attendance, Past Director Luxton has held many positions within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He has served as his district’s Leadership, Membership and Train-the-Trainer chairman. He is also an Honoured Member of the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust. He has served his multiple district as administration chairman and as a member of the multiple district management committee.

Past Director Luxton has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, an Extension Award, several International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, several International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the organization. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Luxton has served as chairman of the Temuka High School Board of Trustees, an advisory board member of the Bramwell Booth cottages for Intellectually Handicapped Adults and has been a member of the numerous professional and community organizations. He is also a justice of the peace.

Past Director Luxton and his wife, Janet, have two daughters and a grandson.

2018-19

MARK S. LYON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Mark S. Lyon, from Brookfield, Connecticut, USA, was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Lyon has worked in corporate legal administration and financial services for 36 years. He is currently board administration manager with Synchrony Financial.

He has been a member of the Brookfield Lions Club since 1996 and has held a number of offices within the association, including district governor, GLT district coordinator, cabinet secretary, multiple district council chairperson and multiple district GLT coordinator.

In recognition for his service, he has received numerous awards including an International President’s Award and an International President’s Leadership Award. He has also been recognized as a Connecticut Knight of the Blind and a Connecticut Ambassador of Sight in addition to receiving four International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, he is the recipient of a number of project and service related certificates.

Director Lyon is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. His wife Carolyn Faris Lyon is also a longtime Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow.

2008-10

SHYAM MALPANI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Shyam Malpani, from Mumbai, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Malpani is a practicing chartered accountant in Mumbai.

A member of the North Bombay Lions Club since 1986, Past Director Malpani has held many offices within the association, including club president, multiple council chairperson, multiple district membership chairperson and the multiple district chairperson of the Women Empowerment Committee. In addition, he has served on the Election and Nomination committees at several international conventions.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Malpani has received numerous awards, including the 100% President’s Excellence Award, the District Chairperson Award, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and seven International President’s Medals.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Malpani is a trustee of the Sheriff Ashok Mehta Educational Trust and was recognized with the Tourism and Hospitality Award in 2002 by the India International Tourism Council.

Past Director Malpani and his wife, Sunita, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children.

2018-19

DR. NAWAL J. MALU

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Nawal J. Malu, from Auragabad, India was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Malu is an asthma and allergy specialist and has devoted the last 30 years in the field of allergy within India. He is a member of the Indian Medical Association and currently serves as managing director for Yashoda hospital.

He has been a member of the Aurangabad Mid Town Lions Club since 1989 and has held a number of positions within the association including Multiple District Lions Quest chairperson, Multiple District Retention chairperson and editor for the district bulletin.

In recognition for his service he has received five International President’s Awards and four International President’s Leadership Awards. He has also received an Excellence Award of Editor and has accepted a 100% Attendance Award for every year since he join the association.

In addition to his Lions activities, he has been instrumental in the development and day to day operations of several clinics including the Lion Blood Band, the Lions Eye Hospital, and two ICCU on wheels.

Director Malu and his spouse Dr. Geeta Nawal Malu, also a Lion are both Melvin Jones Fellows.

2013-15

TERESA MANN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Teresa Mann, from Hong Kong, China, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Mann is an investment professional.

A member of the Hong Kong Shouson Hill Lions Club, and a Lion since 1993, she has held many offices within the association, including district governor, region and zone chairperson , district leadership development chairperson, district GLT coordinator, sector coordinator campaign Sight First II and board appointee.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards including two Leadership Awards, eight International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Mann is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Hong Kong Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce – Central & Western District, the Macau Eye Bank and the Women’s Association of China.

Past Director Mann has two daughters, one son and two grandchildren. 

2013-15

RAJU V. MANWANI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Raju V. Manwani, from Mumbai, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Manwani is a business professional.

A member of the Mumbai Sol Lions Club, and a Lion since 1983, he has held many offices within the association, including president, club membership chairperson, district governor and council chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% Attendance Award, the Leadership Award, the Supreme Key Award and 18 International Presidents Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Manwani is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Taekwondo Association of Maharashtra, Jai Shree Shyam Parivar Chudidham Trust, Prevention Council and the Goregaon Sports Club.

Past Director Manwani, his wife, Nimmi, and two daughters are all Lions and Melvin Jones Fellows. 

1994-96

JOSEPH MARCHEGGIANI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Joseph Marcheggiani of Carmel, Indiana, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 77th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 12-15, 1994.

Past Director Marcheggiani is a professor emeritus at Butler University, a certified public accountant and the member of many professional organizations.

A member of the Carmel Lions Club, Past Director Marcheggiani has been a Lion since 1963. He has held many positions within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He also served his district as chairman of its Extension, Convention and Long Range Planning committees. Past Director Marcheggiani served as a sector coordinator for Campaign SightFirst, a member of Indiana Lions sight missions to Guatemala and Mexico and a trustee of the Indiana Lions Speech and Hearing Project. He currently serves on his state’s Long Range Planning committee and is a trustee of the Indiana Lions Foundation.

Past Director Marcheggiani has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, 26 Extension Awards, a Key Member Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, nine International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Marcheggiani is active in many professional organizations.

Past Director Marcheggiani and his wife, Connie, have four children, fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

2015-17

HELMUT MARHAUER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Helmut Marhauer from Hildesheim, Germany, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Marhauer is a retired chief of police and a security consultant.

A member of the Hildesheim Lions Club since 1994, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, council chairperson, District 111 NH ambassador and co-chairperson for the parade at the 2013 Hamburg Convention. He was also a participant for the LCI Disaster Relief and Development Summit in 2011.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards,

including the Membership Key Award, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Marhauer is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Order of Knights and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

Director Marhauer and his wife, Gisela, have one daughter, one son and three granddaughters.

1986-88

RODOLFO ALFREDO MARINELLI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Rodolfo Alfredo Marinelli of Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 69th Annual International Convention, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, July 9-12, 1986.

Past Director Marinelli is a businessman.

A Lion since 1965, and charter member, now a Life Member, of the Santa Rosa Lions Club, Past Director Marinelli has been active within the association as a club president, district governor and council chairman. As a district governor, Past Director Marinelli organized 10 Lions clubs and eight Leo clubs. He has served three times as a board appointee and nine times as group leader of the District Governors-elect Seminar. He has also served on the International Committee of Campaign SightFirst. He is the founder and honorary president of the Lions Cyberspace Circle on the Internet.

In recognition of this service, he has received the Extension Award, the Master Key Award, 15 Member Key, nine International President’s Awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association. He also was the first Lion in Argentina to become a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Marinelli has also served his community as a director of business associations and sports clubs, and he has been recognized as a leader in business.

He and his wife, Nylda, have two daughters and three grandsons.

2008-10

ART MARSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Art Marson from La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23- 27, 2008.

Past Director Marson is a college administrator in grants, development and auxiliary services.

A member of the La Crosse Lions Club and a Lion since 1977, Past Director Marson has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, zone chairperson, region chairperson and council chairperson. In addition, he served as convention chairperson, membership chairperson and multiple district campus club chairperson. In the past, he was also president of the Pin Traders Club of Wisconsin and director of the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Marson has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President’s Award, his district’s Honored President Award, the International President’s Award, the International Leadership Award, an Extension Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Senior Builder Key Award. He also has 30 years perfect attendance and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Marson is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is the chairperson of the City of La Crosse International Relations Committee, treasurer of the La Crosse-Dubna (Russia) Friendship Association and director of the La Crosse-Luoyang (China) Friendship Association. He is also a member of the Fulbright Association, Chamber of Commerce, Royal Order of Moose and the Association of Career and Technical Education.

Past Director Marson and his wife, Jo Ann, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children.

1998-00

NILSON MARTINEZ

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Nilson Martinez, of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was elected to serve a two-year term as director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st International Convention, held in Birmingham, England, June 29-July 3, 1998.

Past Director Martinez is a civil engineer.

A member of the Santo Domingo “Naco” Inc. Lions Club since 1972, Past Director Martinez has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He has served as the chairman of the Association of Past District Governors. He is a charter member and was the first director of his district’s Lions Leadership Training. Past Director Martinez also was the executive chairman of two national conventions.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Martinez has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, a Master Key Award, six Certificates of Appreciation, three Presidential Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. Past Director Martinez has had perfect attendance for 24 years and is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Martinez and his wife, Hilda, have two sons, a daughter, and two grandchildren.

1994-96

THOMAS H. MATNEY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Thomas H. Matney of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 77th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 12-15, 1994.

Past Director Matney is a human resource development supervisor.

A member of the Harrodsburg Lions Club since 1979, Past Director Matney has held many positions within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He also served as secretary of the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation and as chairman of numerous district and multiple district committees.

Past Director Matney has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, two Leadership Awards, an International President’s Award, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Matney is a cubmaster, chairman of the Curriculum Materials Committee for the Harrodsburg Middle School and a member of his county’s United Way fundraising committee.

Past Director Matney and his wife, Ruth, have one son.

2014-16

RATNASWAMY MURUGAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ratnaswamy Murugan, from Kerala, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Murugan is a chartered engineer engaged in construction, health care, hospitality and education.

A member of the Trivandrum Host Lions Club since 1986, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, zone and region chairperson, CSFII sector coordinator and multiple district GMT coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, Membership Advancement Key Award, two International Leadership Awards and three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Murugan is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Institution of Engineers, Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce, Trivandrum Management Association, Regional Cancer Association and the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI).

Director Murugan and his wife, Prema, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children, also Lions, and three grandchildren.

2000-02

ED MCCORMICK

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ed McCormick, of Valley Center, Kansas, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 83rd International Convention, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, June 19-23, 2000.

Past Director McCormick is a retired senior industrial engineer.

A member of the Valley Center Lions Club, and a Lion since 1978, Past Director McCormick has held many offices within the association, including club, district and multiple district offices. He has served as member of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum including the planning committee (2000-10), the executive committee (2006-10), secretary of the executive committee (2008-10) and the 2007 general chairman in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has also served as chairman of the District Governors Elect Seminar in 2010 and 2013. In addition, he has served as a board appointee to the International Board of Directors in 1995- 96, 2010-2011 and 2013-2014.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director McCormick has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, a Master Key Award, six International President’sAwards and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director McCormick and his wife, Linda, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children and five grandchildren.

2013-15

WILLIAM “BILL” MCKINNEY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

William “Bill” McKinney, from Highland, Illinois, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director McKinney is a retired general manager of Livestock Market.

A member of the Marine Lions Club since 2012 and a Lion since 1973, he has held many offices within the association, including president, district governor, council chairperson and co-coordinator for Campaign SightFirst I.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including Lion of the Year, an International President’s Medal and two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director McKinney has two children and four granddaughters.

1997-99

GILLES MELANÇON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Gilles Melançon, of Repentigny, Quebec, Canada, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 30-July 5, 1997.

Past Director Melançon is a retired assistant division manager for labor relations with the Bell Telephone Company of Canada.

A member of the Repentigny (La Seigneurie) Lions Club, Past Director Melançon has been a Lion since 1964. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman. In addition, in 1979 he was the co-chairman and in 1996, the senior vice president for the International Conventions held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He was also the Quebec representative for the Lions Club Pan-Canadian Walkathon and a Guiding Lion for three new clubs.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Melançon has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, an International President’s Leadership Award, five Extension Awards, an Advancement Key, a 30-Year Monarch Chevron, five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow and a Life Member, has had 35 years of perfect attendance and was named a Brian Stevenson Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Melançon has been a member of the Repentigny Chamber of Commerce and has served his church as warden and parish secretary. He was also the founding president of minor league baseball and the international midget tournament in Repentigny, and co-chairman of the Pioneers of Telephone welfare committee.

Past Director Melançon and his wife, Denise, have three children and five grandchildren. His wife is an affiliate member of the Montreal-Ahuntsic Lions Club.

1995-97

LAURI MERIVIRTA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Lauri Merivirta, of Pori, Finland, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 78th International Convention, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4-7, 1995.

Past Director Merivirta is doctor of veterinary medicine.

A member of the Pori (Ulvila) Lions Club since 1974, Past Director Merivirta has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, region chairman, district governor and council chairman. He also served as a member of the Ecuador Eye Clinic committee.

Past Director Merivirta has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Merivirta is a city councilman and a member of the board of directors of an insurance company.

He and his wife, Tuire, have four children.

2011-13

CAROLYN A. MESSIER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Carolyn A. Messier, from Windsor Locks, Connecticut, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 94th International Convention held in Seattle, Washington, USA July 4-8, 2011.

Past Director Messier is the executive director of the Lions Low Vision Center in Connecticut and a low vision therapist.

A member of the Windsor Locks Lions Club, and a Lion since 1990, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, cabinet secretary, zone chair, region chair, district membership chair, leadership development chair, vice district governor, district governor, council chair and council secretary/treasurer. She also served as a member of the Memphis USA/Canada Forum Committee, has presented at numerous DG/VDG schools and several district/state conventions, has presented or moderated at six USA/Canada Forums and has been actively involved for many years in the New England Lions Council.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards including the Club Lion of the Year, 100% Club President Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, an International President’sLeadership Award, three International President’s Medal, the International Directors Recognition Award and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is W.P. Woods Fellow, an Ambassador of Sight, a Knight of the Blind, a Loyal Shepherd Fellow and has been honored by the Board of Education Services for the Blind for outstanding work with the visually impaired. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Messier is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired. She has previously served as a New England board member for the Fidelco Lions Advisory Board and the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation.

Past Director Messier and her husband, Normand, a past district governor and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons.

2010-11

DR. DOMENICO MESSINA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Domenico Messina from Trapani, Italy, was appointed to serve as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s board meeting held in Sydney, Australia, in July 2010.

Past Director Messina is a doctor of anatomic pathology and oncology and chief of the Anatomic Pathology Department at Hospital of Trapani.

A member of the Trapani Lions Club and a Lion since 1985, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district governor, SightFirst Campaign coordinator and faculty member of the Lions Senior Institute.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President Award, the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, two International President’s Medals, the 100% District Governor Award and the Founder’s Membership Growth Award. He is also an honorary member of five Lions clubs in District 108 YB and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Messina is active in numerous professional organizations, including serving as a national council member of the Lega Italiana per la Lotta ai Tumori (Italian Cancer League) and a regional council member of the Anatomic Pathology Society.

Past Director Messina and his wife, Rosa, have two daughters.

2016-18

JOYCE MIDDLETON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Joyce Middleton from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Middleton is a computer engineer.

A charter member of the Bridgewater Community Lions Club since 2008, and a Lion since 2002, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, LEO advisor, district membership, leadership, extension and retention chairperson, zone chair, cabinet secretary, district governor, multiple district GMT coordinator and council secretary. Director Middleton was also co-chairman of the multiple district Youth Camp & Exchange program and a chairperson of the Peace Poster Contest

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, two Club President Excellence Awards, District Governor Excellence Award, Extension Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciations and three International President’s Medals. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Director Middleton has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts and the National Braille Press.

Director Middleton and her husband, Martin, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son and one daughter, who are also Lions. 

2001-03

ROBERT W. MILLER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Robert W. “Bob” Miller, of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 84th International Convention, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, July 2-July 6, 2001.

Past Director Miller is a retired vice president of operations at a dairy corporation.

A member of the West Penn Township Lions Club since 1959, Past Director Miller has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, cabinet secretary/treasurer, deputy district governor and district governor. He also served as advisor to the Pennsylvania State Council, State International Convention committee chair, treasurer of the Pennsylvania Lions Sight Conservation Research Foundation and Pennsylvania Lions Building Project chair. In addition, he has served 22 years as chairperson of the District Sight Conservation and Eye Research Committee and is a National Multi-National Campaign SightFirst II Coordinator.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Miller has received numerous awards including the Helen Keller Award, the Club President’s Award, a Hearing and Speech Action Award, a Key Award, a 100% District Governor’s Award, a Joseph L. Wroblewski Award, five International President’s Awards and an International Leadership Award. He has also received 20 Distinguished Service Awards from the Pennsylvania Lions Sight Conservation and Eye Research Foundation, several Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation Fellow, a W. P. Wood Fellow and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Miller is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He serves as a trustee and member of the executive committee of the Phoebe Retirement Home, which cares for the elderly and infirm. He has also served as master of the Free and Accepted Masons, manager of Little League, board member of the Manufacturers Association, member of the Pennsylvania Laboratory Directors Association and chairperson of the salary committee of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference of the UCC.

Past Director Miller and his wife, Judith “Judy,” also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons and two grandsons.

1995-97

FLOYD MILLER JR.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Floyd Miller Jr. of Twin Falls Idaho, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 78th International Convention, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4-7, 1995.

Past Director Miller is a businessman.

A member of the Twin Falls Lions Club since 1965, with 34 years perfect attendance, Past Director Miller has held many positions within the association, including club president, deputy district governor, district governor and council chairman. He has also served as the chairman of several club and multiple district committees, including Lions-Quest, Youth Exchange and Membership and Extension.

Past Director Miller has received numerous awards for his contributions to the association, including the 100% Club President Award, 100% District Governor Award, a Membership Development Growth Award, an Extension Award, two International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, two International President’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a Key Member.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Miller is active in Gideon’s International and is a member of the Idaho Manufacturing Housing Association, the Miss Idaho Scholarship Pageant board and the Miss Idaho Association of Local Pageants. He is a certified judge of the Idaho preliminary pageants for the Miss America competition.

Past Director Miller is well known across Southern Idaho for his singing ability and currently is the vocalist for the “Reflections.” Others have included the Magic Valley Choral Society, Magichords (Barbershop Chorus), Festival of Trees celebration and the West Coast Mennonite Men’s Chorus.

Past Director Miller’s wife, Marjorie, is also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

2013-15

MICHAEL E. MOLENDA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Michael E. Molenda, from Hastings, Minnesota, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Molenda is an attorney.

A member of the Rosemount Lions Club since 1984, he has held many offices within the association, including secretary, president, district governor, zone and region chairperson and council chairperson. He has also served as chairperson for the Campaign SightFirst and the Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation. He was also a member of the 92nd Lions Club International Convention Host Committee in Minneapolis.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the District Governor Excellence Award, a Leadership Medal, the Progressive Helen Keller Award, a Michigan A. Charles Weir Fellowship, two International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and three International President’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Molenda is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Minnesota and Dakota County Bar Associations, the Minnesota Association for Justice, the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Swimming Officials Association (MSOA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Past Director Molenda and his wife, Linda, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have a daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons. 

2016-18

NICOLIN CAROL MOORE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Nicolin Carol Moore from Arima, Trinadad and Tobago, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Moore is a human resource consultant.

A member of the Arima Lions Club since 2000, and a Lion since 1992, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor, multiple district LCIF coordinator, multiple district GLT coordinator and multiple district council chairperson.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, District Governor Excellence Award and two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Director Moore has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including member of the Board of Governors of the University of Trinidad and Tobago and member of the Human Resource Association of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Director Moore and her husband, Rudy, have two sons, one daughter and two grandchildren.  

2005-07

ROBERT W. MOORE Ph.D.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Robert W. Moore of Stockholm, New Jersey, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention, held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Moore is a retired high school teacher. He received a Ph.D. in Modern History and Literature from Drew University.

A member of the West Milford Lions Club since 1984, Past Director Moore has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, cabinet treasurer, council chair, vice governor and district governor. Additionally, he has served as moderator at the USA/Canada Forum and on the State Convention Committee, State Finance Committee, Resolutions Committee and Constitution and By-laws Committee.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the West Milford Lion of the Year Award, 100% Club President’s Award, 100% District Governor Award, Rebuilding Club Award, District Pioneer of the Year Award, Multiple District 16 Harold Nutter Distinguished Service Award, International President’s Award, three International President’s Medals, three International President’s Certificates and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor a Lion can receive. Past Director Moore is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Moore is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is currently a member of the Harmony Lodge, Northern Valley of New Jersey Scottish Rite, National Education Association, New Jersey Education Association and National Council of History Educators. He is also chairman of the board of trustees of the New Jersey Camp for Blind Children. He previously served on the board of directors of the National Education Association and the New Jersey Education Association Executive Committee. Director Moore was named to the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers several years in a row.

Past Director Moore’s wife, Past District Governor Elspeth, is also a member of the West Milford Lions Club and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

1966-68

VIRGIL P. MOSHANSKY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Virgil P. Moshansky, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs after his election at the association’s annual convention held in New York City, New York, USA in
July 1966.

Past Director Moshansky was appointed a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta in 1976. A Lion since 1955 and a life member, Past Director Moshansky served as a club president, zone chairman, district governor and chairman of the Council of Governors.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received the Master Key Award, the 100% District Governor Award, four Extension Awards, the International Leadership Award, five International President’s Awards, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon association members.

Prior to his judicial appointment, Past Director Moshansky was active in numerous professional and community organizations. He was appointed as a Queen=s Counsel and served as a Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta and on the National Council of the Canadian Bar Association. He is a member of the Canadian Judges conference and the International Commission of Jurists and was awarded the Canadian Centennial Medal in 1967. He has also served as mayor of Vegreville, Alberta, and as a director of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.

A licensed pilot and aircraft owner, Past Director Moshansky was appointed by the Government of Canada to head the Commission Inquiry (1989-92) into the March 10, 1989, Air Ontario F-28 jet crash at Dryden, Ontario. His 2000 page report and recommendations received international attention and acceptance in the aviation community. He was the recipient of the Aerospace Laurel Award for 1993 from Aviation Week and Aerospace Technology Magazine (New York, N.Y.), such award being presented annually Ato honor individuals who have made significant contributions in the field of aerospace.@ In 1995, he was the recipient of both the prestigious Trans Canada (McKee) Trophy, presented by the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute in recognition of Aoutstanding achievement in promoting aviation in Canada@ and the Transport Canada Canadian Aviation Safety Award for Aexceptional contribution to aviation safety.@

1997-99

SALIM MOUSSAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Salim Moussan, of Beirut, Lebanon, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 30-July 5, 1997.

Past Director Moussan is the owner of a trading company.

A member of the Beirut (St. Gabriel) Lions Club since 1988, Past Director Moussan has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman and district governor. In addition, he is founder and chairman of the Lions Eye Center in Lebanon. Past Director Moussan has also been a presenter at three international conventions and was chairman of the 23rd South Asia, Africa and Middle East Forum.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards from his club and district. He has also received an LCIF Certificate of Appreciation, three Extension Awards, five District Governor Extension Awards, three International President’s Leadership Awards, three International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Moussan is active in numerous professional and community organizations.

Past Director Moussan and his wife, Alia, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have four children.

1997-99

ERNST A. MUSIL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ernst A. Musil, of Vienna, Austria, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,
June 30-July 5, 1997.

Past Director Musil is an insurance company director.

A charter member of the Wien (Johann Strauss) Lions Club since 1978, Past Director Musil has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman. He was a sector coordinator for Campaign SightFirst, and served as extension and membership chairman. In addition, he assisted in the organization of Lions clubs in Eastern European countries.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including two 100% Club President Awards, the District Governor’s Excellence Award, the 100% District Governor Award, one International President’s Leadership Award, four International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Musil has also been honored by the Red Cross and the Chamber of Commerce.

Past Director Musil’s wife, Christine, is also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

2008-10

DR. JERIMIAH MYERS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Jerimiah Myers, from Kodiak, Alaska, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Myers is an optometrist.

A member of the Kodiak Lions Club since 1982, Past Director Myers has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor and council chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Myers has received numerous awards, including three Project Chairperson of the Year awards and two Volunteer of the Year awards, the Humanitarian Award, and the 100% Governor Award. Past Director Myers is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Myers is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a 27-year member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and vice president of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, and has served as president of both the Kodiak Parent Teachers Association and the Kodiak Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Past Director Myers has four children and two grandchildren.

1998-00

RICK MYERS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Rick Myers, of Fremont, Nebraska, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st International Convention, held in Birmingham, England, June 29-July 3, 1998.

Past Director Myers is a lawyer.

A member of the Elkhorn Lions Club since 1980, Past Director Myers has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, multiple district secretary and council chairman. In addition, he has served three times as a member of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum Planning Committee and was chairman of the International Convention Elections Committee in 1991. He served as chairman of the Nebraska Lions Foundation in 1997-98.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Myers has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, a District Governor’s Excellence Award, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, an International President’s Leadership Award, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Myers is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a member of the Omaha and Nebraska Bar Associations. Past Director Myers is the past president of the Nebraska Association of Bank Attorneys.

Past Director Myers’ wife, Marsha, is also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

1999-01

M. NAGARAJAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

M. Nagarajan, of Madurai, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999.

Past Director Nagarajan is a principal of a post-graduate pharmacy college.

A member of the Madurai Palace Lions Club since 1983, Past Director Nagarajan has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman and district governor. In addition, he has served as multiple district membership chairman and vice chairman of the Lions Coordinating Committee of India.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Nagarajan has received numerous awards, including the Best President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, a Master Key Award, a Leadership Award, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Nagarajan is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a senate member of Tamilnadu Medical University in Chennai, India, a fellow of the Indian Institute of Chemistry and serves on the board of several corporations.

Past Director Nagarajan and his wife, Indra, also a Lion, have one son.

2017-19

DATUK K. NAGARATNAM

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Datuk K. Nagaratnam from Malacca, Malaysia, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Nagarantnam is a retired medical practitioner.

A member of the Lions Club of Malacca since 1978, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, zone chairperson, board appointee and GMT area leader.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Nagarantnam has received numerous awards, including six Extension Awards, a Grand Master Key Award, 21 International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Nagarantnam has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the State Pardon Board, St. John’s Ambulance and cricket, cycling and ruby associations.

1993-95

TSUTOMU NAGOSHI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Tsutomu Nagoshi, of Kurayoshi, Tottori, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 76th annual convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-9, 1993.

Past Director Nagoshi is a businessman.

A member of the Kurayoshi Lions Club since 1961, Past Director Nagoshi has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor and district governor.

Past Director Nagoshi has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, a 30 year Monarch Chevron, five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active in many civic and professional organizations, Past Director Nagoshi is president of the Kurayoshi City Cultural Protection Council, vice president of the Kurayoshi Chamber of Commerce, president of the Kurayoshi Cultural Treasure Association and vice president of the Kurayoshi City Tourism Association.

Past Director Nagoshi and his wife, Teru, have three children.

2016-18

YASUHISA NAKAMURA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Yasuhisa Nakamura from Saitama, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Nakamura is president of a transportation company.

A member of the Omiya Kita Lions Club since 1993, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district chairperson of the YCE and International Cooperation committees, zone chairperson and district governor.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Nakamura has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Saitama Prefecture Truck Association and the Saitama Prefecture Police Advisory Committee. 

Director Nakamura and his wife, Noriko, also a Lion, have one son. 

1999-01

PHIL NATHAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Phil Nathan, of South Woodham Ferrers, England, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28-July 2, 1999.

Past Director Nathan is a stockbroker and director of a company.

A Lion since 1982 and a charter member of the South Woodham Ferrers Lions Club since 1989, Past Director Nathan has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, Campaign SightFirst group coordinator, district governor and council chair. In addition, he has served as district and multiple district Leo Club chairperson, multiple district youth chairperson and youth outreach officer, deputy chairperson of the Europa Forum, Europe West Area Impact Team leader and board appointee. He also served as Europa Forum president in 2006.

In recognition of his service to the association Past Director Nathan has received numerous awards, including two 100% Club President Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, two International President’s Leadership Awards, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, seven International President Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Membership Key Holder, a Bert Mason Humanitarian Award recipient and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Nathan is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a Fellow of the Securities and Investment Institute, a member of the Institute of Directors, a charity steward of the Stock Exchange Veterans, a board member of the Stock Exchange Benevolent Fund, chairman of the board of the MedicAlert Foundation and a Freeman of the City of London. He currently holds trustee status on six different boards of trustees for registered charitable trusts. In 2001, he was recognized by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with an MBE (Member of the British Empire).

Past Director Nathan’s wife, Heidi-Anne, is also a Lion.

2014-16

YOSHINORI NISHIKAWA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Yoshinori Nishikawa from Himeji, Hyogo, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Nishikawa is the board chairperson of Nishikawa Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Medical Corporation ‘Konotorikai.’

A member of the Himeji Shirasagi Lions Club since 1975, he has held many offices within the association, including zone and region chairperson, district governor, council chairperson and multiple district SightFirst chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Hiroyuki Oguni Award, Campaign SightFirst II Knight of Service Award, Senior Master Key Award, an LCIF Certificate of Appreciation and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a Humanitarian Partner Bronze – Ruby.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Nishikawa has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Himeji Medical Associations and the Shingu High School Nursing Department.

Director Nishikawa and his wife, Junko, also a Lion, have one son, two daughters and four grandchildren. 

2017-19

DON NOLAND

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Don Noland from St. Peters, Missouri, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Noland is retired sales representative.

A member of the Harvester St. Charles Lions Club since 1980, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, club secretary, zone chairperson, district governor and council chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Noland has received numerous awards, including an International Leadership Award, a Master Key Award and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

1984-86

JAMES N. O’CONNOR

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

James N. O’Connor, of Gurnee, Illinois, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 67th International Convention, held in San Francisco, California, USA, in July 1984.

Past Director O’Connor is a CPA and recently retired as managing partner of an accounting firm.

Currently a Life Member of the Gurnee Lions Club, Past Director O’Connor has held the positions of club president, district governor and council chairman. He has served as chairman of all major functions in his district and was a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee of the Lions Illinois Eye Research Institute.

For his efforts on behalf of the association, Past Director O’Connor received an Extension Award, a Key Member Award, the 100% District Governor Award, seven International President’s Awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon association members.

Past Director O’Connor, an active member of his community, has served as choir director, parish council president and finance committee member for his church. He was a member of the American Federation of Musicians for 30 years and is presently serving as a trustee of the Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Past Director O’Connor and his wife, Joan, have six children and 16 grandchildren.

2003-05

DR. GEN OKUBO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Gen Okubo, of Nagasaki, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Past Director Okubo is governor and director of a medical corporation.

A member of the Nagasaki Higashi Lions Club since 1965, Past Director Okubo has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, district governor, Multiple District Activities Committee chair, Multiple District Membership Committee chair, Multiple District Constitution & By-Laws Committee chair, SightFirst International Understanding Committee chair and OSEAL Senior Leadership Institute faculty member.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 35-Year Attendance Award, the Master Key Award, the Senior Master Key Award, the 30-Members Award, the 25-Year Chevron Award, the SightFirst Campaign Award, the CSF Donation Over US$1,500 Award, three International President’s Awards, the International President’s Leadership Award, two Extension Awards, two Membership Growth Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon association members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Okubo and his wife, Mihoko, have three children and four grandchildren.

2006-08

FABRÍCIO OLIVEIRA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Fabrício Oliveira of Catolé do Rocha, Brazil, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2006.

Past Director Fabrício is a businessman, with a Post-Graduate Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), and a Degree in Administration.

A member of the Catolé do Rocha Lions Club since 1985, Past Director Fabrício has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, council chairperson and district governor. Additionally, he has served as district LCIF chair, SightFirst committee chair, leadership development chair, multiple district DGE seminar coordinator and chair of the district Lions Foundation. Past Director Fabrício also served as District Governors-Elect Seminar group leader.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, an Extension Award for organizing nine new Lions clubs, the District Governor Excellence Award, seventeen International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the Paradigm Award, nine Leadership Awards, ten International President’s Awards, International Director Recognition Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association to its members. He has also received a Key Award for helping induct thirty new Lions members, an Extension Certificate for sponsoring five new Leo clubs, Global Vision Medal for his SightFirst efforts and a LCIF Helping Hands Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Fabrício is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He previously served as the Secretary of Industry and Commerce of the State of Paraiba and an administration council chairperson of several companies, as director of the National Confederation of Shopkeepers, chair of the Federation of Shopkeepers of the State of Paraiba, chair of the Chamber of Shopkeepers of Catolé do Rocha and chair of Manoel Vitoriano de Freitas Foundation supporting institution of the Children’s Hospital Erninia Evangelista.

Past Director Fabrício and his wife, Amariles, also a member of the Catolé do Rocha Lions Club and Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children and a granddaughter.

2008-10

ELLIS SURIYATI OMAR

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Ellis Suriyati Omar, from Kuching, Malaysia, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Omar is a company director.

A member of the Kuching City Lions Club and a Lion since 1979, Past Director Omar has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor and council chairperson. She has also served as a national coordinator for Campaign SightFirst II.

In recognition of her service to the association, Past Director Omar has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President award, the District Governor Certificate of Appreciation, the International President’s Leadership Torch Extension Award and three International President’s medals. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Omar has been active in numerous professional and community organizations. She is the chairperson of the Lions Nursing Home in Kuching, president of the Sarawak Netball Association and the recipient of the Sarawak Sate Award.

Past Director Omar and her husband, Zaidi, have three children.

1989-91

HEINZ ONDREJKA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Heinz Ondrejka, of Falun, Sweden, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 72nd International Convention, held in Miami/Miami Beach, Florida, USA,
June 21-24, 1989.

Past Director Ondrejka is a retired executive administrator and financial director of a meat manufacturer.

A Lion and member of the Falun Lions Club since 1963, Past Director Ondrejka has served as club president, zone chairman, district governor, council chairman and as chairman of several multiple district committees.

For his contributions to the association, Past Director Ondrejka has received the 100% District Governor Award, two Extension Awards, seven International President’s Awards, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association can give to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active in the community, Past Director Ondrejka serves as a member of the board of several companies and is a member of numerous professional and community organizations.

Past Director Ondrejka’s wife’s name is Mejt.

2009-11

DANIEL O’REILLY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Daniel O’Reilly, from Stickney, Illinois, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director O’Reilly serves as the president of the Village of Stickney, Illinois, and runs his own business.

A member of the Stickney-Forest View Lions Club since 1984, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, district governor and vice council chair. He has also served as the district chair for the USA/Canada Forum, chairman for the district convention and chairman of the host committee for the 2007 International Convention in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% President Award, Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellow Award, three 100% Zone Chairman Awards, three 100% Region Chair Awards, eight Governor Appreciation Awards, 100% Governor Award, Super Chairman Candy Day Award, District Governor Extension Award, International Extension Award, Senior Master Membership Key, four International President Certificates of Appreciation and two International President Medals. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director O’Reilly is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a current member of the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind Advisory Committee.

Past Director O’Reilly and his wife, Maryanne, have two sons.

2003-05

WILLIAM R. “W. R.” O’RILEY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

W. R. O’Riley, of Maryville, Missouri, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Past Director O’Riley is an insurance and real estate broker.

A member of the Maryville Host Lions Club since 1988, Past Director O’Riley has held many offices within the association, including club chair of the Membership, Visitation and Special Project committees; club Leo advisor; club president; member of numerous district committees; district governor; council chair and multiple district extension chair. Additionally he has served as a moderator and presenter at several USA/Canada Leadership Forums and as a member of the 2001 and 2006 international convention nominating committees. He has participated in several Lake Viking Kids Kamps (for visually impaired youth) and in MD26 Leo conferences. While serving on the board he was vice-chairperson of the Public Relations Committee, vice chairperson of the LCIF Executive Committee, chairperson of the LCIF Finance Committee, and a member of the Long Range Planning Committee. He also served on the International Committee for Campaign SightFirst II.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, club Lion of the Year Award, the District Leo Extension Award, the International President’s Excellence Award, the District Governor Service Award, the Council Chairperson’s Award, the Leo Club Extension Award, two Lions Club Extension Awards, six International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Medals, a Multiple District Extension Award and Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He has also been the recipient of the Multiple District 26 Quality Lion Award each year since its inception in 1993 and is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director O’Riley is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the National Association of Realtors, the National Association of Insurance Agents, the Association of Risk Managers of Mid-America, the Nodaway County Senior Center, the Northwest Missouri Veterans Home, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and the Maryville Chamber of Commerce. In the past, he served as mayor of the City of Maryville and on the Maryville City Council. He is the recipient of the Maryville Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, the Northwest Missouri State University Turret Award and the Missouri Governor’s Certificate of Appreciation. He is a veteran and a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Past Director O’Riley and his wife, Carole, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one daughter and two grandchildren.

1986-88

CURTIS L. ORR

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Curtis L. Orr, of Beaverville, Illinois, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 69th International Convention, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA,
July 9-12, 1986.

Past Director Orr is retired from the grain business.

A member of the Beaverville Lions Club, Past Director Orr has served the association as a club president, zone chairman, district governor and on a number of district committees in his 39 years as a member. He also served as president of the Lions of Illinois Foundation in 1980-82.

In honor of his service, Past Director Orr has received the 100% District Governor Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, seven International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Orr has a history of community involvement in addition to his Lion activities. He was active on his local planning commission, the Iroquois County Board of School Trustees, the Iroquois Memorial Hospital Board and the Iroquois County Board.

Past Director Orr and his wife, Donna, have two sons, two daughters, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

1979-81

GASPAR E. ORTIZ TAPIA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Gaspar E. Ortiz Tapia, of the Republic of Panama, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 62nd International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in June 1979.

Past Direct Ortiz Tapia is manager and president of his own civil engineering firm.

A Life Member of the David Lions Club, Past Director Ortiz Tapia has held several club offices, as well as serving as zone chairman, region chairman, district governor, district chairman and chairman of the council of governors. He has also served as National/Multi-National Coordinator of Campaign SightFirst.

For his efforts on behalf of the association, he has received his 40-year Monarch Chevron, six International President’s Awards, 20 President’s Appreciation Awards, 15 Governor’s Appreciation Awards, two International Leadership Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon association members. He has also recorded 40 years of perfect attendance. Past Director Ortiz Tapia is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Besides his Lion activities, he is serving as a volunteer deputy chief of the Firefighters of Chiriqui and is a veteran member of the Panamanian Engineer and Architects Society, Chiriqui Chapter.

He and his wife, Raquel, have six children and 14 grandchildren.

2016-18

ARUNA ABHEY OSWAL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Aruna Abhey Oswal from Gujrat, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

A member of the Baroda Stadium Lions Club since 2014, and a Lion since 1989, she has held many offices within the association, including district governor, multiple coordinator CSF II, LCIF multiple district coordinator, board appointee and vice chairperson of LCIF Steering Committee.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards, including the Friend of Humanity Award, two Extension Awards, five International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, thehighest honor the association gives to its members. She is also a Humanitarian Partner and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. She has been honored with the “Life Time Achievement Award” by the Mother Teresa International Committeeand has received the Jain Ratna Award given by the Prime Minister of India.

In addition to her Lions activities, Director Oswal is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the World Council of Religion for Peace, the Loomba Foundation, Indian Council for Human Relations and World Jain Confederation.

Director Oswal’s mentor, friend, philosopher, guide and inspirational was the late Shri. Abhey kumar Oswal ji. Aruna Oswal has pledged to fulfill his dream to serve humanity at every step in her journey of Lionism and social service. 

1996-98

JEAN OUSTRIN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Prof. Jean Oustrin, of Ramonville Saint Agne, France, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 79th International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 9-12, 1996.

Past Director Oustrin is an emeritus university professor.

A member of the Toulouse (Colomiers) Lions Club since 1973, Past Director Oustrin has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, region chairman, district governor and council chairman. In addition, he was a member of the board of directors and then served as president of the Cultural Centers; was a group leader for training seminars; and now is president of the Voice Donors Association and of the French Lions Clubs Foundation.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Oustrin has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, two International President’s Medals, a Membership Growth Award, two International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Oustrin is a member of the National Academy of Pharmacology and is an expert for both the French and European Agencies of Medicine. He has received a medal from the Academy of Medicine and has previously served as dean of the faculty of Pharmacology and president of the Officers of Reserve Pharmacists. Past Director Oustrin is also a knight of the Legion of Honour and officer of the National Order of Merit.

Past Director Oustrin and his wife, Lili, also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children and three grandchildren.

1993-95

J. STAN PALMER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

J. Stan Palmer, of Bossier City, Louisiana, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 76th International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-9, 1993.

Past Director Palmer is a retired USAF Officer (where he was a Command Pilot) and real estate broker.

A Lion since 1974, Past Director Palmer is a life member of the Bossier City Lions Club with 28 years perfect attendance. He has held many positions within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor, district governor and council chairman. He also served as vice president of the Northwest Louisiana Lions Eye Bank and is a life member of the of the Louisiana Lions Crippled Children’s Camp, the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation and the Northwest Louisiana Lions Eye Bank. He has been a presenter and moderator at USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forums.

Past Director Palmer has received numerous awards in recognition of his service to the association, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, a Guiding Lion Award, a 30-Member Key Award, 5 Extension Awards, District 8-L Lion of the Year Award, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active in civic organizations, Past Director Palmer is past president of the Bossier Clean City Committee, past director of the Bossier Parish American Heart Association, past vice president of Bossier Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Shreveport-Bossier Board of REALTORS. He is an alumnus of Oklahoma University, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. In 2001, he was inducted into the Baton Rouge High School Hall of Fame.

Past Director Palmer and his wife, Alta, also a past district governor (100%) and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons and two grandsons.

2014-16

GEORGE TH. PAPAS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

George Th. Papas from Limassol, Cyprus, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Papas is a managing director.

A member of the Limassol Lions Club since 1985, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, district convention chairperson, zone chairperson, council chairperson, multiple district protocol chairperson and multiple district leadership development chairperson. Director Papas has also been the chairperson for the multiple district convention, the EUROPA forum secretary and president of the Academy of Lionistic Education.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% President Award, the 15-Member Key Award, two International Leadership Awards, 10 International Presidents Certificates of Appreciation and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Papas is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Cyprus Association of the Agents of Importers of Baby Foods. He has been active with the Cyprus Development Bank, Limassol School Committee, APOLLON F.C. and the Boy Scouts of Cyprus. 

Director Papas and his wife, Margarita Papa, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one daughter, two sons and two grandchildren. 

1998-00

JAY PATEL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jay Patel, of North Charleston, South Carolina, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st International Convention, held in Birmingham, England, June 29-July 3, 1998.

Past Director Patel is a businessman.

A member of the North Charleston Lions Club since 1983, Past Director Patel has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, region chairman, zone chairman, cabinet secretary and treasurer and membership chairman.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Patel has received numerous awards, including the Lion of the Year Award, the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the District Governor Excellence Award, three International President’s Awards, the International President Leadership Award, an International President Certificate of Appreciation, Drug Awareness Chairman’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. Past Director Patel is also in the South Carolina Lions Hall of Fame. He has received the Queen’s Badge from Her Majesty the Queen of England. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and has had perfect attendance for 19 years.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Patel is a member of the chamber of commerce and vice president of the North Charleston Property Owners Association Citizen Advisory Council. He is president of a neighborhood council and a clerk of the election committee. Past Director Patel was the founder and president of the North Charleston Merchant Association and the Greater Charleston India Association.

Past Director Patel, and his wife, Kamini, also a Lion, have a son and three daughters.

1983-85

JOHN F. PEARCE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

John F. Pearce, of Gainesville, Georgia, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 66th annual convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, June 22-25, 1983.

Past Director Pearce is a Fuller E. Callaway professor of economics emeritus at North Georgia College and State University.

A Lion and member of the Dahlonega Lions Club since 1970, Past Director Pearce has held numerous offices in the association including club president, zone chairperson, district governor and multiple district council chairperson. Past Director Pearce served as a division chairperson of the 1982 international convention held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and is a past vice president of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation. Past Director Pearce was General Chairperson for the 1998 USA/Canada and Lions Leadership Forum in Lexington, Kentucky. He has presented Lions-Quest and Leadership development seminars in several states and has served as a group leader on the staff of the District Governor-Elect School for many years.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Pearce has received numerous awards including the 100% District Governor Award, the International President’s Commendation Award, the Membership Key Award, many International President’s Awards, the Ambassador of Goodwill Award and 15 years Perfect Attendance Award. Past Director Pearce is also the recipient of appreciation awards from Emory Eye Center, the Peach Bowl and the Georgia Lions Eye Bank.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Pearce is active in numerous professional and community organizations. In 1974, he was named Distinguished Alumni Professor at North Georgia College and State University. Past Director Pearce is also a member of both the Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Societies. In addition, he is a former president and committee chairperson of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and is a deacon in his church. He has also served as President of the Lumpkin County Retired Educators Association and the Georgia Retired Educators Association.

Past Director Pearce married Ina Mae in December 2005. He has two children and four grandchildren and Ina Mae has one child and one grandchild.

1996-98

BILLY C. PEARSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Billy C. Pearson, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 79th International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 9-12, 1996.

Past Director Pearson is retired from the aerospace industry.

A member of the Murfreesboro Lions Club since 1966, Past Director Pearson has held many positions within the association, including club president, deputy district governor, district governor and cabinet secretary. In addition, he was a Train-the-Trainer and leadership development chairman for his multiple district.

Past Director Pearson has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including the 100% Club President Award, 100% District Governor Award, a Guiding Lion Award, a 5-Member Key Award, a Presidential Commendation Medal, a Membership Growth Award, three Club President Appreciation Awards, two International President’s Leadership Awards, three International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and holds a record of 27 years perfect attendance.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Pearson is a board member of the Ed Lindsey Industries for the Blind, a member of the Rutherford County election committee, a member of the Rutherford County Disaster Agency, a volunteer at Veterans Hospital, a Helen Keller Fellow of the Lions Eye Foundation of California, Nevada, Inc., a life patron of the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation, a director of Lions Clubs Volunteer Services, Inc., a trustee of Tennessee Lions Charities, Inc. and a board member of the Lions Communications Service. He has also volunteered in March of Dimes, Cancer Crusade and United Way campaigns.

Past Director Pearson and his wife, Frances, also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two daughters and two grandchildren.

1992-94

LeGRAND W. PERCE III

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

LeGrand W. Perce III, of Bedford, Pennsylvania, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 75th International Convention, held in Hong Kong, China, June 23-26, 1992.

Past Director Perce is an attorney.

A member of the Bedford Lions Club since 1963, Past Director Perce has held many positions within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor, district governor and council chairman. He served as chairman and vice chairman of the International Convention Credentials Committee and has been a presenter at seven USA/Canada Lions Leadership forums.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Perce has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, six International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association can grant to its members. He is a Key Member, a Life Member and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active in many community organizations, Past Director Perce is a former Emergency Management Agency Director for his county, past president of the American Lung Association of the South Alleghenies, member of the National American Lung Association Council, president of the South Alleghenies Legal Aid Corporation and an instructor for the American Association of Retired Persons 55-Alive Safe Driving. He has received several awards in recognition of his civic service.

Past Director Perce’s wife’s name is Joan.

1981-83

PERSILES AYANES PEREZ MENDEZ

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Persiles Ayanes Perez Mendez of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 64th International Convention held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, June 17-20, 1981.

Past Director Perez Mendez, an attorney, is in charge of land matters for the State Council on Sugar.

A Lion and member of the Santo Domingo La Fe Lions Club since 1967, Past Director Perez Mendez has served in a number of positions in the association, including club secretary, club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor, district governor and executive director of the Latin American Forum in 1979. He is a permanent officer of his club.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Perez Mendez has received numerous awards, including the Advanced Membership Key, the 100% District Governor Award and the International President’s Award.

Past Director Perez Mendez and his wife, Mercedes, have four children and one grandchild.

2001-03

ANTONIO PERROT

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Antonio Perrot, of Naples, Italy, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 84th International Convention, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, July 2-July 6, 2001.

Past Director Perrot is an architect.

A member of the Ercolano Host Lions Club since 1982, Past Director Perrot has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, vice district governor, district governor and council chair.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Perrot has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the District Governor Excellence Award, the International President’s Leadership Award, an Extension Award, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Perrot is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including president of the Academy of Mater Mediterranea and Cavaliere del Santo Sepolcro in Jerusalem.

Past Director Perrot and his wife, Margherita, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have four daughters.

2012-14

KENNETH PERSSON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Kenneth Persson, from Vellinge, Sweden, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 95th International Convention, held in Busan, Korea, June 22 through 26, 2012.

Past Director Persson is the CEO and owner of an education company.

A member of the Reng Höllviken Lions Club and a Lion since 1986, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, GMT coordinator, multiple district LCIF chairperson, multiple district Leo chairperson and council chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including a medal of merit, an International Leadership GMT Award, Presidential Certificate of Appreciation, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Persson’s wife, Eva, is also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow.

2013-15

JOHN PETTIS JR.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

John Pettis Jr., from Merrimac, Massachusetts, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Pettis is president and CEO of his own company.

A member of the Haverhill Lions Club, and a Lion since 1979, he has held many offices within the association, including president, club membership chairperson, district governor and council chairperson. He has been a moderator and presenter at several USA/Canada Forums and master sergeant -at-arms at the 89th Lions Club International Convention in Boston.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Club President Excellence Award, the Leadership Award, the Schepens Lifetime Achievement Award and two International President’s Medals. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Pettis is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including AMVETS and the Elks. 

Past Director Pettis and his wife, Liz, also a Lion, have four sons, one daughter and five grandchildren. 

2015-17

BILL PHILLIPI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Bill Phillipi from Marysville, Kansas, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Phillipi is a self-employed contractor.

A member of the Marysville Lions Club since 1974, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, secretary, treasurer, district governor, district convention chairperson, council chairperson, multiple district GMT coordinator and multiple district convention chairperson. He was also the associate chairman of the host committee for USA/Canada forum in 2013.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, Leadership Award and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Phillipi is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Marysville Travel and Tourism Board, Marysville Main street Board, US Highway 36 Board of Directors and the Partnership for Growth Board of Directors. 

Director Phillipi and his wife, Vickie, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have three daughters and nine grandchildren.

2011-13

JOE AL PICONE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Joe Al Picone, from Brenham, Texas, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 94th International Convention held in Seattle, Washington, USA, July 4-8, 2011.

Past Director Picone is in charge of Donor Relations at the Blinn College Foundation.

A member of the Brenham Evening Lions Club, and a Lion since 1966, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, council chair, state membership chair and state Campus club chair. He also served as a member of the host committee for the Ft. Worth, Texas Forum, chair of the Texas Lions Long-Range Planning Committee, chair of the Texas Lions Camp By-Laws Committee and president of the Past District Governors Association.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% District Governor Award, Harry Reasonover Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, four International President’s Medals, an International President’s Leadership Award, the Supreme Extension Award, an International Key Award for sponsoring over 200 new Lions, and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. He was also inducted into the Texas Lions Hall of Fame and is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Picone is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as chair of the city Planning and Zoning Commission. He has also served as president of the Board of City Development, and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. He was inducted into the Brenham High School Hall of Fame and the Blinn College Hall of Fame. He has received numerous honors, including the Washington County Man of the Year Award and being named to the Phi Theta Kappa International Hall of Honor and the Brenham Maifest Hall of Fame.

Past Director Picone and his wife, Merle, also a Lion, have two sons and one granddaughter.

2007-08

GEORGES PLACET

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Georges Placet from Ludes, France, was elected to serve a two-year term as a th director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90 International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Past Director Placet is a retired pharmacist and general manager of pharmaceutical laboratories.

A member of the Epernay Marne Lions Club since 1973, Past Director Placet has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor and council chairperson. Additionally he has served as LCI representative at UNICEF in Geneva, member of numerous committees, Credentials Committee vice president, and president of the French Lions Clubs Foundation and of the “Vacation in Fresh Air” Lions of France organization.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Placet has received numerous awards, including several medals, plaques, International President’s Awards and International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Placet is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a Knight of the National Order of Merit and a member of the Pharmacy Faculty Management Council. In the past he served as a member of the Science Faculty Management Council, vice president of the Pharmacists Union for 31 years and charter president of 15 associations.

Past Director Placet and his wife, Annick, have two children and four grandchildren.

1995-96

EUGENE S. POLGAR

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Eugene S. “Gene” Polgar, of Orefield, Pennsylvania, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 78th International Convention, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4-7, 1995.

Past Director Polgar is the president and chief operating officer of the Lions Eye Bank of Delaware Valley, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

A member of the Whitehall Lions Club since 1965, Past Director Polgar has held many positions within the association, including club president, district governor and cabinet secretary-treasurer. He also served as chairman of his district’s Membership, Extension, Leadership and Convention committees. He has served as a board appointee in 1997-98 and currently serves as treasurer on the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum Planning Committee.

Past Director Polgar has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, nine Extension Awards, seven International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the Leadership Award, five International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Polgar has served as chairman of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee and Ad Hoc Committee of the Eye Bank Association of America. He has been cited on several occasions for his eye bank activities and other civic endeavors. He is the recipient of the Heise Award, the highest honor given by the Eye Bank Association of America.

Past Director Polgar and his wife, Gladys, also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children.

2018-19

HEIMO POTINKARA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Heimo Potinkara, from Lahti, Finland was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Potinkara has been a company owner in the packaging industry and has also worked in the real estate industry. He is currently chairman of the board with Flexolahti Oy.

A member of Lahti Lions Club since 1992 he has held a number of positions within the association including district governor, multiple district council chairperson and multiple district centennial coordinator.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Potinkara is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including vice chairman and member of the board for The Printing Industry Association of Finland, member of Häme Chamber of Commerce and member of the Board Partners of Häme

In recognition of his service, he has received numerous awards including three International President’s Awards. Director Potinkara is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

1975-76

LACY M. PRESNELL, JR.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Lacy M. Presnell Jr., of Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, served a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association’s 58th International Convention held in Dallas, Texas, USA, in June 1975.

Past Director Presnell is retired from the Carolina State Department of Public Instruction. He is president of Carolina School Planning and Research.

Past Director Presnell has served as president of two Lions clubs, as district governor and as chairman of several district and multiple district committees.

Past Director Presnell also received three Extension Awards, an Advancement Key, eight International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He was also the recipient of the Guiding Lions Award for his work with the Tar Heels Deaf Lions Club in North Carolina.

He and his wife, Esther, have two children and three grandchildren.

2010-12

SONJA PULLEY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Sonja Pulley, from Portland, Oregon, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 to July 2, 2010.

Past Director Pulley is a chiropractic physician.

A member of the Portland Downtown Lions Club, and a Lion since 1985, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chair. She also served as host chairperson of USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum, chairperson of the MD36 Lions Faculty Development Institute, chairperson of the NW Lions Regional Leadership Institute and a faculty member at the Lions Regional Faculty Development Institute in Phoenix.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards including the 100% President Award, 100% District Governor Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, an International Leadership Medal and an International President’s Medal. She is an Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation Fellow, a Norman Ross Fellow and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Pulley is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the serving as a member of the Clinical Management Committee Board of Complementary Healthcare Plans Group. She has also served as President of the Chiropractic Society of Oregon and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Chiropractic Society of Oregon.

Past Director Pulley has two sons, a daughter and three grandchildren.

2015-17

LEWIS QUINN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Lewis Quinn from Anchorage, Alaska, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Quinn is a business owner in sales and marketing.

A member of the Anchorage Captain Cook Lions Club since 1987, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and zone chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, GMT Leader Recognition and the First Vice District Governor Excellence Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Quinn is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Salvation Army, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, United Way, the American Society of Interior Designers and Junior Achievement of Alaska. 

Director Quinn and his wife, Gayle, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons. 

2002-04

JOHN E. RABIDEAU

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

John E. Rabideau, of Churchville, New York, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Rabideau is an independent insurance agent and a veteran of the United States Navy.

A member of the Churchville Lions Club since 1974, Past Director Rabideau has held many offices within the association, including club secretary, club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor and council chairperson. He also served on the multiple district Policy Manual Committee, the Long Range Planning Committee as chairperson, the Nomination Committee and the Election Committee. In addition, he has served as chairperson of the International Campaign Committee, chairperson of the Finance Committee, trustee and president for two years of the NYS & Bermuda Lions Foundation and in different capacities at training seminars and USA/Canada Lions Leadership forums.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Rabideau has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club Secretary Award, the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the International Extension Award, the International Membership Key Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International President’s Leadership Award, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Rabideau is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a member of the New York State Independent Insurance Agents Association and a member, director and past president of the Churchville Chamber of Commerce. Previously, Past Director Rabideau served as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Planned Giving Committee and as a chairperson of the Churchville-Chili Central School District Redistricting Committee.

Past Director Rabideau and his wife, Bernadette, also a Lion, have two children and two grandchildren.

1971-72

JEROME L. RADLINGER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jerome “Jerry” L. Radlinger, of Dorchester, Wisconsin, USA, was elected to serve as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 54th International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA,
June 22-25, 1971.

Past Director Radlinger served for two years on the International Board of Directors, the association’s principal decision-making body, devoting considerable time to the business affairs of Lions Clubs International.

Past Director Radlinger has been a member of the Dorchester Lions Club since 1956. While serving his term as district governor, he chartered seven new clubs. He holds numerous awards, including three Extension Awards and nine International President’s Awards. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow and is a Life Member of the Dorchester Lions Club.

Lion Radlinger holds officership in several corporations. He is a Navy veteran of World War II and holder of the Purple Heart. He is also a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marshfield Elks.

He and his wife, Betty Jane, have one daughter and have three grandchildren.

2007-09

TAPANI RAHKO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Tapani Rahko from Jarvenpaa, Finland, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Past Director Rahko is a retired colonel and chief of the internal audit for the Finnish Defense Forces.

A member of the Jarvenpaa Jean Sibelius Lions Club since 1988, Past Director Rahko has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor, multiple district youth exchange chairperson, multiple district long range planning chairperson, multiple district MERL chairperson and council chairperson. He also served as youth exchange seminar chairperson and a member of the Elections Committee at the 2001 International Convention and chairperson of the Nordic Council Chairpersons Group. He has been involved with the 2000 Lions Senior Leadership Institute, Europa Forum presentations, Nordic Convention presentations and seminars, and is the current leader of the multiple district development project, “Lionism in Modern Society.”

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Rahko has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, two President’s Appreciation Awards, a Club Officer’s Award, Club Lion of the Year, the 100% District Governor’s Award, a Medal of Merit, two District Governor’s Appreciation Awards, a Region Chairperson Award, two Achievement Awards, a Zone Chairperson Award, five District Chairperson Awards, two International President’s Leadership Awards, six International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Youth Exchange Top Ten Award. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Rahko is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland; Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland; recipient of the Medal for Military Merit; and a member of multiple reserve officer organizations. In the past he was a fighter pilot, flight instructor, air cadet course leader, Combat School teacher, officer in MOD (medium range planning), researcher and lecturer in Military High School/Faculty of Leadership, sector leader in Defense Staff Planning Division/Leadership and Administration Sector, chief of the Internal Audit of the Defense Forces and a member of several development projects in the Defense Forces.

Past Director Rahko and his wife, Helena, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children.

2016-18

VIJAY KUMAR RAJU VEGESNA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Vijay Kumar Raju Vegesna, from Visakhapatnam, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 99th International Convention held in Fukuoka, Japan, June 24 through 28, 2016.

Director Raju is an entrepreneur and educator

A member of the Visakhapatnam Samarasya Lions Club since 1996, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district governor, multiple district council secretary, multiple district LCIF coordinator and regional LCIF coordinator. He was also a member of the election committee at several international conventions.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Excellence Award, 10 new club Extension Awards, four International Leadership Awards, five International President’sAwards and 14 International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Director Raju and his wife, Sudha, also a Lion, have one daughter.

2006-08

K. G. RAMAKRISHNA MURTHY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

K. G. Ramakrishna Murthy of Coimbatore, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 30-July 4, 2006.

Past Director Murthy is an insurance consultant.

A member of the Madras Metro East Lions Club and Lion since 1984, Past Director Murthy has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, cabinet secretary, council chair and district governor. Additionally,
he has served as district extension chair, district leadership chair, multiple district SightFirst chair and Area IMPACT Team Leader.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor’s Award, Membership Growth Award, Extension Award, LCIF Chairperson’s Certificate, 16 International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, six International President’s Awards and six International President’s Leadership Awards. Director Murthy is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Murthy is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a life patron of the YMCA and life member of the Association of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He is a member of the Coimbatore Blood Donors Association, Red Cross Society of India and Coimbatore Sri Ayyappa Seva Sangh.

Past Director Murthy and his wife, R. Meera, a member of the Coimbatore Melvin Jones Lions Club, have two children.

1996-98

G. RAMASWAMY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

G. Ramaswamy “GR”, of Coimbatore, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 79th International Convention, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
July 9-12, 1996.

Past Director Ramaswamy is a businessman.

A member of the Annur (Town) Lions Club since 1985, Past Director Ramaswamy has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, deputy district governor and district governor. In addition, he has been an LCIF, SightFirst, and Convention chairman for his multiple district; is chairman of the All-India District Governors Schooling; and was a member of the International Convention Credential Committee in 1991. Past Director Ramaswamy served as a Lions Clubs International board committee appointee for 1999-2000.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Ramaswamy has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, a Guiding Lion Award, three Extension Awards, a Leadership Award, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, seven International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and has recorded 13 years of perfect attendance.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Ramaswamy is active in several civic, professional, sports and religious organizations. He has also been honored with the recognition of Cavalier for his achievements and contributions towards social, educational and religious fields.

Past Director Ramaswamy and his wife, Shanthamani, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons.

1988-90

P.S. RANGANATHAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

P.S. Ranganathan, of Bangalore, Karnataka, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 71st International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 29-July 2, 1988.

Past Director Ranganathan is a horse breeder and a businessman.

A member of the Hoskote Lions Club since 1974, Past Director Ranganathan has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman.

In recognition of his contributions to the association, Past Director Ranganathan has received the Supreme Extension Award, the 100% District Governor Award, a President’s Commendation Award, five International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association.

Past Director Ranganathan’s wife’s name is Sathya.

2010-12

KRISHNA REDDY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Krishna Reddy, from Bangalore, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 to July 2, 2010.

Past Director Reddy is the chairperson and managing director of a commercial and residential construction company.

A member of the Lions Club of Bangalore East since 1995, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, leadership and SightFirst district chair, district governor, multiple council chair and multiple district membership committee chair. He also served as chairperson of Lions District 324D6 Lions Leadership Institute and a trustee for the Lions District 324D6 Service Foundation and the Bangalore Speech & Hearing Institute.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the Best Zone Chairperson Award, Best Region Chairperson Award, two Excellent District Chairperson Awards, Best District Governor Award, District Governor Excellence Award, three Club Extension Awards, Founders Membership Growth Award, Knights of Leadership Medal, seven International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, an International President’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor our association bestows on its members. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Reddy is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Builders Association of India, the South India Hotels and Restaurants Association and the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India. He is also a patron member of the Indian Red Cross Society.

Past Director Reddy and his wife, Gowri, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son and one daughter.

2011-13

ALAN T. “TED” REIVER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Alan T. “Ted” Reiver, from Wilmington, Delaware, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 94th International Convention, held in Seattle, Washington, USA July 4-8, 2011.

Past Director Reiver is a floor and window coverings store merchant.

A member of the Talleyville-Naamans Lions Club since 1983, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, vice district governor, district governor, council secretary, LEHP Coordinator, Rebuilding Lions Coordinator and multiple district international convention chair. He also served as CSF II group coordinator, district chaplain, Kusiak Lions Youth Foundation board chairperson and treasurer, Delaware Lions Foundation grants and loans chairperson, Lions Vision Research Foundation board member and as a faculty member/presenter at numerous Lions Leadership Institutes.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including Club Lion of the Year, PID Gene Polgar Fellow, PIP Clem Kusiak Fellow, Dr. Arnall Patz Fellow, PID James A. McCarty Fellow, Ralph N. Helm Fellow, PID Darley Travers Fellow, an International President’s Certificate of Achievement, a Presidential Leadership Medal, an International President’s Certificate of Sponsorship, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation and an International President’s Award. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Reiver is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Penn-Rose Civic Association and the Board of Delaware Association of the Blind. He has served on several boards of directors, including the Claymont Community Center, Edgemoor Community Center, Sellers Senior Center and the Floor Covering Association of Greater Philadelphia.

Past Director Reiver and his wife, Ann, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one daughter and three grandchildren.

1999-01

SCOTT A. RENNELS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Scott Rennels, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 82nd International Convention, held in San Diego, California, USA, June 28 – July 2, 1999.

Past Director Rennels is president of Shelby Skipwith Inc. representing York International and is executive vice president and chief operating officer of Four Seasons HVAC Dist. Inc.

A member of the Jonesboro Nettleton Lions Club since 1987, Past Director Rennels has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman, district governor and council chairman. He has served as a presenter, moderator and discussion leader at previous USA/Canada Forums and was a member and later chairman of the Leadership Committee. He also served on the Executive Committee for the USA/Canada Forum 2000 and is a member of the USA/Canada Forum Planning Committee for 2002. At the 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002, Past Director Rennels was appointed to serve on the Long Range Planning and Public Relations committees by the International Board of Directors. In addition, he is past president of the Lions World Services for the Blind and an honorary member of the Hot Springs Village Evening Lions Club.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Rennels has received numerous awards, including two Lion of the Year Awards, a Guiding Lion Award, an Extension Award, three International President’s Medals, several International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Rennels is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a member of the Jonesboro Leadership Alumni Association and serves on the board of directors for the Southridge Fire Department. He also served as state president of the Arkansas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and as an alternate trustee for the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Past Director Rennels is a former North Vietnamese interpreter and translator. He is president of Dyeann’s House Inc. He and his wife Deborah are co-founders of the southern Illinois chapter of the Dream Factory, an organization that grants dreams to seriously and terminally ill children.

Past Director Rennels and his wife, Deborah, have three children and two grandchildren.

2013-15

ROBERT RETTBY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Robert Rettby, from Neuchâtel, Switzerland, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Rettby has a masters in civil engineering and was CEO and director of a group of family-owned construction companies. He has now retired from the company but is still professionally active as a consultant in the fields of water treatment and industrial safety.

A member of the Neuchâtel Lions Club since 1993, he has held many offices within the association, including zone and region chairperson, district secretary, district governor and council chairperson. He is also chairperson and member of several national organizing committees, including LCI representative to UNICEF, Europa Forum president, Centennial Action Committee chairperson, DGE Seminar group leader and GST leader.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including five Presidential awards and the Ambassador of Good Will award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Rettby has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Committee of Energies of the City of Neuchatel, the Swiss Association of Architects and Engineers (SIA) and several other associations, circles and sports clubs. 

Past Director Rettby and his wife, Catherine, have two sons and two grandsons. 

1975-76

GENE L. RICE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Gene L. Rice, of Wanatah, Indiana, USA, was elected to serve on the board of directors of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 58th International Convention, held in Dallas, Texas, USA, June 25-28, 1975.

A farmer, Past Director Rice is a past LaPorte County Farmer of the Year. He is a director of the Horizon Bancorp of Michigan City.

Past Director Rice served as a 100% District Governor, state council chairman and as state extension chairman. He has recorded 40 years of perfect attendance, is a Key Member and has received 11 Extension Awards, 12 International President’s Awards and the Supreme Extension Award. Past Director Rice is also the recipient of the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association.

Past Director Rice and his wife, Kathryn, have three children and nine grandchildren.

1991-92

ROGER R. RICHERT

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Roger R. Richert, of Bellevue, Washington, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 74th International Convention, held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, June 18-21, 1991.

Past Director Richert is an architect.

A member of the Renton Lions Club since 1964, Past Director Richert has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chair. His numerous responsibilities on the multiple district level have included White Cane Day chairperson, Leadership chairperson and Membership and Extension chairperson. He is a past president of the Washington-Northern Idaho Lions Sight Conservation Foundation, having served a two-year term.

Past Director Richert has presented and moderated at three international conventions and six USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forums. He served as a group leader at four District Governor-elect Seminars, Pacific West regional coordinator for the North American Membership Growth Program (NAMGP), faculty member for the North American Leadership Institute on five occasions and as a faculty member for the USA MERL team training. He also served as the Multiple District 19 membership chairperson, Multiple District 19 Impact Team trainer, faculty for North America MERL training, and Multiple District chairperson. He has also served as the Multiple District 19 LCIF coordinator for Washington and northern Idaho and superintendent of the Northwest Lions Leadership Institute.

In recognition of his many contributions to the association, Past Director Richert has received numerous District Governor Appreciation Awards, the Multiple District Distinguished Service Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the Brian Stevenson Fellowship, Lions Clubs International Leadership Medal, 10 International President’s Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. He is also a Life Member of the Renton Lions Club and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Richert is active in several civic and professional organizations, including chairperson of the City of Renton Sister Cities Association, Renton, WA.

Past Director Richert and his wife, Past District Governor Rosemary, have five sons and 16 grandchildren.

2017-18

REGINA RISKEN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Regina Risken from Giessen, Germany, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Risken is a lawyer and mediator.

A member of the Gießen-Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen Lions Club, and a Lion since 2007, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and vice-chairperson of the finance committee.

In recognition of her service to the association, Director Risken has received numerous awards, including a Membership Key Award, an International Leadership Award and an International President’s Award. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Director Risken has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Parochial Church Council, the Chamber of Lawyers and the board of Deutscher Kinderschutzbund.

Director Risken’s husband, Hans-Peter, is also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

2005-07

DR. BEVERLY A. ROBERTS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Beverly A. Roberts of Hephzibah, Georgia, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention, held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Roberts is a retired dean of a technical college in Georgia.

A member of the Hephzibah Lions Club since 1990, Past Director Roberts has held many offices within the association, including club treasurer and secretary, region chair, zone chair, vice district governor, district governor and council chair. She was also the Multiple District 18 Leadership Chair for eight years. Additionally, she has served on the Forum Planning Committee and presented at five USA/Canada Forums, 14 regional institutes and was a group leader at the District Governor-elect School three times. She has also served as the director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse and the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards, including the 16 Year Perfect Attendance Award, 15 Member Key Award, 100% Club Secretary Award, 100% Club President Award, the club Lion of the Year Award, the District Governor Medal of Appreciation, the District Governor Excellence Award, three Georgia Lions Lighthouse Leadership Awards, six International Presidential Medals and four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. Past Director Roberts is a life member of the North Carolina Foundation and the Florida Lions Foundation for the Blind. She is a member of the 18-F Hall of Fame and the Multiple District 18 Ten Million Dollar Club. She is a recipient of the Multiple District 18 Terry Calhoun Award. She has also received the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members, and is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Roberts is active in numerous professional and community organizations. She is registrar of the Augusta Chapter of DAR, president-elect for the Georgia Retired Educators and a member of Delta Pi Epsilon, Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi. She was previously president of the Richmond County Retired Educators and the South Augusta Exchange Club, grand marshal of the Order of Eastern Star and state chairperson of the Georgia Retired Educators State Convention.

2002-04

DAVID I. ROBERTS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

David I. Roberts, of Sun City, Arizona, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Roberts is vice president and senior investment associate of a financial management and advisory company.

A Lion since 1977 and a member of the Sun City Mid-Week Lions Club since 1988, Past Director Roberts has held many offices within the association, including club president, Youth Outreach chairperson, region chairperson, district governor and council chairperson. In addition, he has served as a presenter at the Halifax 2001 USA/Canada Forum and as the MD 21 International Convention chairperson in 2001. In the past, he has also served as president of the Lions Foundation of Arizona and the Sun Cities Lions Foundation, as chairperson of the District 21-A Convention twice and as a member of the Tucson, Arizona USA/Canada Forum host committee. He is currently president of the Lions Vision Center and a member of the Past District Governor Association.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Roberts has received numerous awards, including four District Governor’s Awards, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Roberts is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has been involved with the Sun City Area Corp of the Salvation Army. He also served as chairperson of the City of Flagstaff Traffic Commission, on the board of directors of the Homeowners’ Association and as a national committeeman of the Boy Scouts of America. He is also a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s Award of Merit and Silver Beaver Award.

Past Director Roberts and his wife, Anna, also Lions club member and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons, three granddaughters and one grandson.

2002-04

RODOLPHE ROBINEL

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Rodolphe Robinel, of Cayenne, French Guiana, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Robinel is a retired chief executive director of social security for French Guiana.

A charter member of the Ile De Cayenne Lions Club since 1977, Past Director Robinel has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district secretary and district governor. He has also served as a speaker at the Lions Forum of Latin America and the Caribbean (FOLAC) for three separate years.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Robinel has received numerous awards, including several President’s Appreciation Awards, the Membership Growth Award, a Lions Clubs International Foundation Certificate of Achievement, a 100% District Governor’s Award, an International President’s Certificate of Recognition, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, two International President’s Leadership Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Robinel is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a member of the Conflict Prevention Commission of the Guiana Commerce and Industry Chamber. In the past, he served as the secretary- treasurer of the Ebene Association and as president of the Rochambeau Airport Economic Advisory Committee.

Past Director Robinel and his wife, Anne-Marie, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two daughters and one son.

1998-00

DR. FERNANDO ROJAS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Fernando Rojas, of Juarez, Mexico, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 81st International Convention in Birmingham, England, June 29-July 3, 1998.

Dr. Rojas is a hematology consultant.

A member of the Ciudad Juarez Lions Club since 1971, Past Director Rojas has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairman and district governor. In addition, he has served as a SightFirst Region chairman, a multiple district council chairman and a multiple district leadership chairman.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Rojas has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, five International President’s Certificates, two International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Rojas is a member of several professional organizations, including the Juarez Medical Association and the Mexican Hematology Association.

Past Director Rojas and his wife, Rosalba, also a Lion, have four children and eight grandchildren.

2008-10

EUGENIO ROMAN JR.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Eugenio Roman Jr., from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23 through 27, 2008.

Past Director Roman is a sales and marketing director.

A member of the Arecibo Capitan Correa Lions Club and a Lion since 1981, Past Director Roman has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor and Multiple District 51 Membership chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Roman has received numerous awards, including a multiple district recognition award, the 100% District Governor Award and the International President’s Leadership Award. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Roman has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and the American Society of Quality Control.

Past Director Roman has two daughters who are Lions and Melvin Jones Fellows, a granddaughter, who is also a Melvin Jones Fellow, and two step-children. His wife, Criseida Cedano de Roman, is also a Lion.

2014-16

JOUKO RUISSALO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jouko Ruissalo, from Helsinki, Finland, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Ruissalo is a retired CEO.

A member of the Helsinki Mellunmaki Lions Club since 1974, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, zone chairperson, youth exchange chairperson and council chairperson. Additionally, he is the Europa Forum advisor and archivist. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor’s Award, an International Leadership Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and two International President’s Medals.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Ruissalo has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including president and board member of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies, board member of the European Computer Driving License and vice chairperson of the Finnish Children and Youth Foundation. 

Director Ruissalo and his wife, Pirkko, have two daughters and four grandsons. 

1982-84

PATRICK F. RYAN

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Patrick F. Ryan, of Rotorua, New Zealand, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 65th International Convention, held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, June 30-July 3, 1982.

Past Director Ryan is involved in real estate.

A Lion since 1960 and a member of the Rotorua Host Lions Club since 1975, Lion Ryan has served in a number of positions in the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He is a Life Member.

For his service on behalf of the association, Past Director Ryan has received numerous awards, including the 100% District Governor Award, Advancement Key Award, three District Governor’s Appreciation Awards, six International Extension Awards, eight International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the association’s highest honor. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active in his community, Past Director Ryan is a past chairman of the Advisory Committee Foundation for the Blind and life member of the Rotorua Senior Citizens Association.

Past Director Ryan and his wife, June, have three children and three grandchildren.

2014-16

N. S. SANKAR

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

N. S. Sankar from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Sankar is a businessman.

A member of the Madras Sterling Avenue Lions Club, and a Lion since 1986, he has held many offices within the association, including district governor, multiple district leadership development chairperson and trainer/faculty member for all India DG/VDG school programs.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 35-Member Key Award, Friend of Humanity Award, 11 Extension Awards and four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Sankar is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Free Masons, the Cosmopolitan Club and the All India Transporters’ Welfare Association. 

Director Sankar and his wife, Lakshmi, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son, a daughter and one granddaughter. 

2006-08

RUSSELL SARVER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Russell Sarver of Durand, Illinois, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2006.

Past Director Sarver retired in January 2006 after 45 years in banking.

A charter member of the Durand Lions Club since 1973, Past Director Sarver has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, lieutenant governor, district governor and council chair. Additionally, he has served as district vision screening coordinator, treasurer, governor-trustee, vice president and president of the Lions of Illinois Foundation, as well as the vice chair and chair of the Budget and Finance Committee for the Lions of Illinois Foundation.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including three 100% Club President’s Awards, 100% District Governor Award, three International President’s Awards, the International President’s Leadership Award, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members.

Past Director Sarver is a charter member of the Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellowship and he and his wife, Sue, are both Progressive Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellows. He is a Life Member in Lions Clubs International and holds the Key of State Award for sponsoring more than 75 new Lions and has 41 years of perfect attendance. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, a W.P. Woods Fellow and a Helen Keller Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Sarver is active in his church and community. In the Boy Scouts of America, he is an Eagle Scout, a Life Member of the National Eagle Scout Association and a Vigil Honor Member in the Order of the Arrow.

Past Director Sarver and his wife, Sue, also a member of the Durand Lions Club and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children and three grandchildren.

2015-17

YOSHIYUKI SATO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Yoshiyuki Sato from Oita, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Sato is an architect and involved in real estate management.

A member of the Oita Lions Club since 1991, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, cabinet treasurer, district governor, district ALERT chairperson and district GLT coordinator. He is also an advisor for the Lions of Oita-Prefecture Eye and Kidney Bank Cooperation Association and facilitator for the Advanced Lions Leadership Institute.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Master Key Award, Club President Excellence Award, Membership Advancement Key Award and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Director Sato and his wife, Noriko, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son, one daughter, three grandsons and one granddaughter 

2017-19

YOSHIO SATOH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Yoshio Satoh from Chikuma City, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 100th International Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 30 through July 4, 2017.

Director Satoh is president and director of Nagano Ceramics Corporation.

A member of the Togura Kamiyamada Lions Club since 1982, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, district governor and board appointee.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Satoh has received numerous awards, including the Membership Key Award, Senior Builder Key Award, Master Key Award and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Satoh has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Nagano Eye Bank, Nagano Bank Society and the Nagano Shinkin Bank Trust Society.

2009-11

DICK SAWYER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Dick Sawyer, from Overgaard, Arizona, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director Sawyer works as an educator.

A member of the Overgaard Ponderosa Lions Club since 1996, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, cabinet secretary, district governor, multiple district retention chair and multiple district MERL chair. He has also served as a presenter at the USA/Canada Forum and as the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial Director and Treasurer.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including a Lion of the Year Award, Proud Lion Award, Proud Sponsor Award, two 100% Secretary Awards, two Club President Excellence Awards, a District Governor Certificate of Appreciation, a Senior Builder Key Award, two International President Certificates of Appreciation and an International President’s Award Medal. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Sawyer is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He also is a recipient of the Arizona Agriculture Teacher of the Year Award.

Past Director Sawyer and his wife, Fay, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son, one daughter and two grandchildren. Their daughter and son-in- law are also both Lions.

2015-17

GABRIELE SABATOSANTI SCARPELLI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Gabriele Sabatosanti Scarpelli from Genova, Italy, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 98th International Convention held in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 26 through 30, 2015.

Director Sabatosanti Scarpelli is the president of a certification society.

A member of the Genova Porto Antico Lions Club since 1986, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor, council chairperson and sight first district coordinator. He was also the president of the Melvin Jones Eye Bank Foundation in Genova.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Membership Advancement Key Award, the Helping Hands Award, the Leadership Award and two International President’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Director Sabatosanti Scarpelli and his wife, Bianca Pavoni, have one daughter, one son and three grandchildren. 

1995-97

PORTER SCHOFF

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Porter Schoff, of Dover, New Hampshire, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 78th International Convention, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4-7, 1995.

Past Director Schoff is a school psychologist.

A member of the Portsmouth Lions Club since 1966, Past Director Schoff has held many positions within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairman. He is a charter member and current board member of the New Hampshire Camp Pride and a member of the New Hampshire Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation and the Lions Twin State Soccer Association.

Past Director Schoff has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to the association, including two 100% District Governor Awards, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Schoff has been active in numerous professional organizations.

Past Director Schoff and his wife, Ramona, also a Lion, have seven children and four grandchildren.

1981-83

WILLIAM L. SCHOOLER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

William L. Schooler, of Munster, Indiana, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 64th International Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, June 1981.

Past Director Schooler is an educator.

A Lion since 1956, Past Director Schooler has served the association in many capacities, including terms as district governor, cabinet secretary-treasurer and zone chairman. He also served as an appointee to the International Board of Directors in 1983-84. Past Director Schooler’s contributions have been recognized with the 100% District Governor Award, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Schooler is well known for his community service. Involved in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Crusade, the Handicapped Olympics and the United Way, he is also active in a number of professional education associations. In addition, Past Director Schooler is a recipient of the state of Indiana’s most prestigious award, Sagamore of the Wabash.

Past Director Schooler and his wife, Jean, have two sons.

2002-04

BRUCE SCHWARTZ

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Bruce Schwartz, of Bismarck, North Dakota, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 85th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

Past Director Schwartz is an insurance sales professional.

A Lion since 1962 and a member of the Bismarck Lions Club since 1983, Past Director Schwartz has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson and district governor. He is currently a district Leader Dogs for the Blind chairperson and district Leadership trainer.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Schwartz has received numerous awards, including six 100% Club Secretary Awards, the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the Membership Growth Master Key Award (22 members), four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Schwartz is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has been a member of the Bismarck- Mandan Civic Chorus since 1977 and was inducted into the Northern Plains Fraternal Insurance Counselors Hall of Fame in 2002. Previously, Past Director Schwartz was selected as conductor of the Governor’s Band of North Dakota and served as manager of the North Dakota All-State Music Festival for six years. He was a recipient of the Outstanding Young Educator Award and the North Dakota Fraternalist of the Year Award. He is the past president of the following organizations: the North Dakota Music Educators Association, the North Dakota Education Association, the Bismarck- Mandan Civic Chorus, the North Dakota Fraternal Congress and the Northern Plains Fraternal Insurance Counselors.

Past Director Schwartz and his wife, Julie, also a Lion, havd two children and four grandchildren.

2006-08

KENNETH C. SCHWOLS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Kenneth C. Schwols of Loveland, Colorado, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA June 30-July 4, 2006.

Past Director Schwols retired as the program director at Westwood College of Technology.

A Lion since 1976 and a member of the Ft. Collins Poudre Valley Lions Club, Past Director Schwols has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chairperson, zone chairperson, district governor and council chairperson. Additionally, he has served as chair of the Leos, LCIF, Leadership, Membership, Convention and Extension committees. He is a Certified Guiding Lions and has been a presenter at the Colorado Lions Leadership Institute and discussion leader at four USA/Canada Forums. He is also a trustee of the Colorado Lions Foundation.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including his club’s Lion of the Year Award, 100% Club President’s Award, three District Governor’s Certificates of Appreciation, the Colorado Lions Foundation Humanitarian Award, three Extension Awards, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International President’s Medal and International President’s Leadership Medal. He has received the Senior Master Key Award for his efforts to induct more than 25 new members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Schwols has received numerous awards for his involvement in professional and community organizations, including the Teacher of the Year Award from both Front Range Community College and Westwood College of Technology and the Boy Scouts of America Scouting Spirit Award.

Past Director Schwols and his wife, Karin, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children.

2013-15

OYA SEBÜK

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Oya Sebuk, from Istanbul, Turkey, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Sebuk is a retired manager for a textile company.

A charter member of the Istanbul Ulus Lions Club since 1991, and a Lion since 1978, she has held many offices within the association, including president, district governor, district LCIF and Sight First coordinator, council chairperson and LEHP project coordinator.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards including the Club President Excellence Award, Leadership Medal, two International President’s Medals and several International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Sebuk is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Six Dots Blind Foundation, Turkish Lions Foundation, kidney and heart foundations. 

Past Director Sebuk has one daughter. 

2005-07

MANOJ SHAH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Manoj Shah of Nairobi, Kenya, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Shah is an office executive with interests in the automobile, property and finance sectors.

A member of the Nairobi Greater Lions Club since 1986, Past Director Shah has held many offices within the association, including club president, club secretary,
district SightFirst chairperson, zone chairperson, region chairperson, Impact
Team leader and served on the faculty at six Emerging and Senior Lions

Leadership Institutes. In addition, he was involved in membership development
and growth in Africa, published two editions of the Smiley Lions Hand Book and participated in many leadership workshops throughout Africa. Past Director Shah was active in starting the Lions Service Center in Kenya with the Lions Renal Unit,
the Lions Dental Center and the Lions Hearing Center.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including seven International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Leadership Medals, a 100% District Governor’s Award and three International President’s Medals. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Shah is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is currently the honorary secretary of the M.P.
Shah Hospital, vice chairperson of the A.A. Road Safety Council, a board
member of the Automobile Association of Kenya, chairperson of A.A. Insurance brokers and an active member of the Visa Oshwal Community. He previously

served as president of the Kenya Motor Sports Club, secretary of the O.R.C. Organization and director of Safari Rally Ltd.

Past Director Shah and his wife, Jayna, also a member of the Nairobi Greater Lions Club and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children.

2006-08

STEVEN D. SHERER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Steven D. Sherer from New Philadelphia, Ohio, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, June 30-July 4, 2006.

Past Director Sherer is a school treasurer and CFO.

A member of the Dover Lions Club since 1980, Past Director Sherer has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, cabinet secretary/treasurer, district governor and council chairperson. He also served as a member of the state Finance and Long-Range Planning Committee, Youth Committee and International Convention Committee.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, 100% District Governor Award, the Council Chairperson’s Award of Excellence, three International President’s Certificates, two International Leadership Medals, three International President’s Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He also has 27 years perfect attendance and is a James T. Coffey Fellow, W. R. “Dick” Bryan Fellow and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Sherer is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is a member of the Buckeye Council BSA and serves on the Eagle Board of Review and Property Committee.

Past Director Sherer and his wife, Mary Ellen, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children.

2003-05

JAMES J. SHERRY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

James J. Sherry, of Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Past Director Sherry is now retired after serving as manager of benefits administration.

A member of the Sackville Lions Club since 1971, Past Director Sherry has held many offices within the association, including club president, member of the club board of directors, membership chair, zone chair, region chair, district newspaper editor, district governor and council chair. In addition, he served as host chair for the 2001 USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum, as chair of two multiple district mid-year conferences and as chair of two multiple district conventions.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the club Lion of the Year Award, the district Lion of the Year Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International President’s Medal and Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is also a Life Member of the Nova Scotia Lions Foundation.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Sherry is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as president of the credit union board of directors, a credit union volunteer and a lay distributor for his church. In the past, he has served on his church’s Payroll and Finances committees.

Past Director Sherry and his wife, Jean, a Lioness, have two children.

2013-15

HIDENORI SHIMIZU

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Hidenori Shimizu, from Takasaki, Japan, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 96th International Convention held in Hamburg, Germany July 5 through 9, 2013.

Past Director Shimizu is president of Shimizu Nassen, Inc.

A member of the Takasaki Lions Club since 1966, he has held many offices within the association, including president, district governor, district honorary committee chairperson, and multiple district public relations and information technology chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President, Membership Advancement Key Award, International Twinning Award, Senior Master Key Award and the International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Shimizu is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the National Textile Printing/Staining Industry Association, the Gunma Textile and Apparel Association, and the Takasaki Politics and Economics Council.

Past Director Shimizu and his wife, Utako, have two sons, one daughter and 12 grandchildren. 

2014-16

A. D. DON SHOVE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

A. D. Don Shove from Everett, Washington, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Shove is a Training and Development administrator for Boeing.

A member of the Mount Vernon Lions Club and a Lion since 1978, he has held many offices within the association, including club charter president, district governor, council chairperson, district women’s membership development and participation chairperson, LCIF district coordinator and 2011 LCI Seattle Convention chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including Lion of the Year Award, Club President Excellence Award, Senior Master Key Award, six Extension Awards and two International President’s Awards. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Shove is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the V. F. W. and the Eagles. He has been active with the United Way Board, Workforce Development Council Snohomish County and the Washington Salary Commission. 

Director Shove and his wife, Sunny, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have one daughter, two sons and two grandchildren 

2001-03

PATRICIA ANN SHURLEY

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Patricia “Pat” Ann Shurley, of Edmond, Oklahoma, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 84th International Convention, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, July 2-6, 2001.

A member of the Oklahoma City Remington Lions Club since 1989 with 17 years perfect attendance, Past Director Shurley has held many offices within the association, including club president, cabinet secretary/treasurer, multiple district treasurer, council chair, zone chair and district governor. She has served on several committees on the multiple district level including the Long Range Planning Committee and the State Convention Planning Committee. Past Director Shurley also was a speaker for the USA/Canada Forum, secretary of the Oklahoma City Forum Host Committee and a member of the Lexington Forum Planning Committee.

In recognition of her service to the association, Past Director Shurley has received numerous awards including a district Lion of the Year Award, the 100% District Governor Award, six International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, two International President’s Leadership Awards, an Extension Award, four International President’s Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. She is Key Member and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Shurley has two children and five grandchildren.

1991-93

BLACKER SIA

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Blacker Sia, of Taipei, Taiwan was elected to serve a two-year term as a director
of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 74th International Convention, held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, June 18-21, 1991.

Past Director Sia is the president of two companies.

A member of the Taipei North East Lions Club since 1966, Past Director Sia has
held many offices within the association, including club president and district governor. He was also the co-chairman of the host committee for the association’s 70th International Convention and executive administrator of the 1988 OSEAL Forum.

For his contributions to the association, Past Director Sia has received the 100% District Governor Award, an Extension Award, an International President’s Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member by the association.

Past Director Sia and his wife, Maying, have three daughters.

2005-07

L. DOUG SIME

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

L. Doug Sime of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Sime is in the manufacturing, customer service and health department fields.

A Lion since 1978 and a member of the Bridgewater Lions Club, Past Director Sime has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, cabinet secretary/treasurer, Journey for Sight chair, LCIF chair, state convention committee chair, international convention committee chair, council secretary, council chair and district governor. Additionally he was a member of the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the 100% President Award, three District Governor Appreciation Awards, International President’s Leadership Award, International President’s Award and two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. In 1998, he was the first recipient of the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund Sight Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Past Director Sime is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is currently a member of the Conservation Commission and Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund. In the past, he was a
part of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Affirmative Action Committee, Industrial Development Commission, Town Audit Review Committee and Civil Defense- Auxiliary Police.

Past Director Sime and his wife, Vale, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children, five foster children and four grandchildren.

2004-06

A. P. SINGH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

A. P. Singh, of Kolkata, India, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 87th International Convention, held in Detroit, Michigan, USA/Windsor, Ontario, Canada, July 5-July 9, 2004.

Past Director Singh is a practicing accountant and tax consultant.

A Lion since 1984 and a member of the Calcutta Vikas Lions Club, Past Director Singh has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and multiple district council chairperson. In addition, he served as faculty at four leadership institutes, four regional institutes, vice district governors schooling pilot program, district governors-elect schooling and vice district governors-elect schooling. He has also served as secretary of the multiple district coordination committee.

In recognition of his service to the association Past Director Singh has received numerous awards, including four International President’s Medals, two Leadership Medals, an International President’s Certificates and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He has been named Lion of the Year at the district and multiple district levels. He is also a Heritage Club Member and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Singh is accredited with the initiation of various service programs in collaboration with other trusts, foundations and corporate houses.

Past Director Singh and his wife, Ruma, have three children.

2018-20

J. P. SINGH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

J. P. Singh, from New Delhi, India was elected to serve as international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 101st International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, June 29 through July 3, 2018.

Director Singh has worked within the e-commerce and event management industries for the past 10 year. He is a proprietor and MD within the field. He also runs a free educational trust and is active in many community organizations including serving as vice president of the All India Veterans Hockey Association and a member of the Delhi District Cricket Association.

A Lion since 1989, Director Singh has been an active member of New Delhi South Lions Club since 1992. He has held a number of offices within the association including GLT area leader, multiple district GLT coordinator and multiple district Leadership Development chairperson.

Director Singh’s service has led to the establishment of two state-of-the-art Lions Blood Banks in Delhi which have collected more than 250,000 units of blood to date. He is also a trustee at Shahbad Lions Eye Hospital.

In recognition of his service Director Singh has received numerous awards including 10 International President’s Awards and an International President’s Leadership Award. He is the recipient of 17 International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, 10 club extensions, has been honored as Lion of the Year on multiple occasions. Director Singh is also a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Director Singh and his wife are both long time Lions.

1992-94

LEWIS B. SMALL SR.

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Lewis B. Small Sr., of Litchfield, Maine, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 75th International Convention, held in Hong Kong, China,
June 23-26, 1992.

Past Director Small is a realtor and president of a real estate firm. He is also a registered public accountant and a licensed auctioneer.

A member of the Gardiner Lions Club since 1969, Past Director Small has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, council chairman and district extension and membership chairman. He is actively involved in the Train-the-Trainer program, is a life member of the Lions Foundation of Canada and is treasurer of the Maine Lions Sight and Hearing Association, Inc.

Past Director Small has received many awards for his contributions to the association, including the 100% District Governor Award, two Extension Awards, an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, three International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted by the association to its members. He received the Humanitarian Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services from the Colorado Lions Foundation and is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Active in the community, he is a member of the local, state and national Association of Realtors and the local, state and national Society of Public Accountants.

Past Director Small and his wife, Ardis, have two daughters.

2009-11

ANNE SMARSH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Anne Smarsh, from Carnation, Washington, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director Smarsh is a retired accounting director.

A member of the Renton Lions Club and a Lion since 1992, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, district governor, council chair, district retention chair, district secretary/treasurer, multiple district budget chair, multiple district treasurer, LCIF/Alert chair and Leadership Institute faculty member. She has also presented at three USA/Canada Forums and served as the president and director of the Kansas Lions Foundation.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards including the Lion of the Year Award, Committee Chair of the Year Award, Claude DeVorss Fellow, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, two International President’s Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. Director Smarsh is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Smarsh is active in numerous professional and community organizations. She has served as member of the advisory board for YMCA Camp Hyde. She has also received an Excellence in Public Service Award from Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Past Director Smarsh and her husband, Tom, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one daughter, a son-in-law and two grandchildren.

2009-11

JERRY SMITH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jerry Smith, from Wauseon, Ohio, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

A member of the Wauseon Lions Club and a Lion since 1984, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair, zone chair, club membership chair, district governor, multiple district 13 GMT coordinator, and Area 1B GMT coordinator. He also served as vice chairperson of the 2006 USA/Canada Leadership Forum Host Committee and is vice chairperson for the 2018 Forum in Columbus, Ohio, USA.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including a 100% Club President Award, Council of Governor’s Award of Merit, MD13 Lion of the Year Award, W.R. “Dick” Bryan Fellow Award, several InternationalPresident Certificates of Appreciation, several International President’s Medals, an International President’s Leadership Medal, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award given to a Lion. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Smith is active in his church, serving as the finance chairperson on the church board of directors. Past Director Smith and his wife, Judy, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have one daughter, two sons, ten grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

2014-16

KEMBRA L. SMITH

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Kembra L. Smith from Decatur, Georgia, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

Director Smith is a lawyer.

A member of the Decatur North Decatur Lions Club since 1997, she has held many offices within the association, including district governor, zone chairperson, council chairperson, district LCIF chairperson, multiple district MERL coordinator, district and multiple district GLT coordinator, district convention chairperson and CEP facilitator. Director Smith is also the chairperson for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation and a certified guiding Lion.

In recognition of her service to the association, she has received numerous awards, including four Contributing Membership Bronze Awards, the Member Key Award and an International President’s Award. She is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Director Smith is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the American Immigration Lawyers’ Association, the American Bar Association’s Appellate Judges Conference (“AJC”), Council of Appellate Lawyers and the Federal Bar Association. She previously served as president of the AJC’s Appellate Staff Attorneys. 

2009-11

MICHAEL SO

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Michael So, from Makati, the Philippines, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009.

Past Director So works in the real estate industry.

A member of the Pashy City Host Lions Club since 1990, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, region chair and district governor. He was also a Lead Gift Donor to Campaign SightFirst II.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including Lion of the Year, Outstanding Club President of the Year, two Outstanding Region Chair Awards and an International President Award. Director So is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director So is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is currently the Director of the Filipino-Chinese Charitable Association and the Director of the Philippine So Family Association.

Past Director So has one son and two daughters.

2008-10

BOJAN SOBER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Bojan Sober, from Rijeka, Croatia, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Sober is a professional opera singer and general manager of the Festival Opatija Opera House.

A member of the Rijeka Lions Club and a Lion since 1994, Past Director Sober has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, vice district governor and district governor. He also serves as a Coordinating Lion for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Sober has received numerous awards, including the Club President award, the 100% Club President award, two Guiding Lion awards, four International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s Leadership Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association grants its members. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Sober is also the recipient of the Milka Trnina Music Award and the Order of Danica, Croatia’s highest state award for cultural merit.

Past Director Sober and his wife, Past District Governor Olga, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have three daughters.

2008-10

DRS. TON SOETERS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Drs. Ton Soeters, from Huizen, The Netherlands, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Soeters is a psychologist and director of a management consultancy organization.

A member of the Bussum Godelinde Lions Club and a Lion since 1991, Past Director Soeters has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, council chairperson and district governor. He has also served as a coordinator for Campaign SightFirst II.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Soeters has received numerous awards, including the Club President Award and the Governor’s Appreciation Award. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Soeters has been active in numerous professional and community organizations.

Past Director Soeters and his wife, Machteld Soeters-Kruithof, have two children.

2014-16

JOONG-HO SON

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Joong-Ho Son from Daejeon, Republic of Korea, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 97th International Convention held in Toronto, Canada, July 4 through 8, 2014.

A member of the Taejon Chungam Lions Club since 1995, he has held many offices within the association, including district Leo chairperson, district governor, LCIF district coordinator, multiple district GLT coordinator and council chairperson.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards, including the Membership Advancement Key Award, an International Leadership Award and an International President’s Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

1968-70

JAGDISH RAJ SONDHI

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Jagdish Raj Sondhi, of Mombasa, Kenya, East Africa, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 51st International Convention, held in Dallas, Texas, USA, June 26-29, 1968.

Past Director Sondhi has practiced as a consulting engineer in Kenya and Canada for 39 years. Since 1987, he has been the managing director of Mbaraki Port Warehouses (K) Ltd. in Mombasa, Kenya.

Past Director Sondhi has served in all club and district offices. He is the recipient of several club, district and international awards, including the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the association. He has spoken at Lions functions and conventions in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. An active Lion, he is a charter member of the Lions Club of Mombasa Pwani, a Life Member and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Sondhi is an active member of several social and professional engineering, management and educational societies.

He and his wife have three children.

2005-07

PHILIPPE SOUSTELLE

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Philippe Soustelle of Alès, France was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 88th International Convention held in Hong Kong, June 27-July 1, 2005.

Past Director Soustelle is a bank director.

A member of the Alès Doyen Lions Club since 1986, Past Director Soustelle has held many offices within the association, including club treasurer, club president,
district convention chairperson, zone chairperson, council chairperson and district governor.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the Club President 100% Award, two International President’s Awards and one International President’s Leadership Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Past Director Soustelle and his wife, Rose Marie, have one daughter.

2008-10

NEIL R. SPENCER

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Neil R. Spencer, from Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st international convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Spencer is a retired Aerospace Analyst for The Boeing Company at The Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

A member of the Cocoa Beach Seaside Lions Club, Past Director Spencer has been a Lion since 1987, and has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, vice district governor, district governor and council chair. He has also served as Multiple District GLT Coordinator, leadership, extension and membership chairs as well as chairing and coordinating many conventions for his multiple district and served as president of the Florida Lions Conklin Center for the Blind. In addition he has been a moderator at Lions forums, served on the host committee for the 2012 Tampa Forum and the planning committee for the 2013 Overland Park Forum. He currently serves as the Executive Secretary/Treasurer for MD-35, Florida and the Bahamas.

In recognition of his service to the association, Past Director Spencer has received numerous awards, including his club’s Lion of the Year Award, the Multiple District Extension Award, a Florida Lions Foundation Grand Lion, The Helen Keller Sight Award from the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, Colorado Lions Foundation Humanitarian Award, seven International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International Leadership Award, three International President’s Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will the highest honor the association grants its members. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Spencer has been active in numerous community organizations including past president of the Space Coast Little League and was a founding member and past president of the Cocoa Beach Alumni Association Educational Foundation. He is an Eagle Scout.

Past Director Spencer and his wife, Past District Governor Jacquie, also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.

2010-12

EUGENE M. SPIESS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Eugene M. Spiess, from Moore, South Carolina, USA, was elected to serve a two- year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28 to July 2, 2010.

Past Director Spiess is a retired college administrator and instructor.

A member of the Spartanburg Lions Club since 1981, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, committee chair and district governor. He also served as a board member of the South Carolina Lions Charitable Services, group coordinator for Campaign SightFirst II and has presented at the USA/Canada forum.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, two International President’s Leadership Medals and a Guiding Lion Medal. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past Director Spiess is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including being honored with the Spiess Scholarship by Ivy Tech Community College. He also received the Sagamore of Wabash from the Governor of Indiana.

Past Director Spiess and his wife, Rita, also a Lion and a progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons, two daughters and six grandchildren.

2008-10

BEVERLY STEBBINS

PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Beverly Stebbins, from Arlington, Texas, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 91st International Convention, held in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008.

Past Director Stebbins is a retired teacher.

A member of the Arlington Texas Lions Club and a Lion since 1992, Past Director Stebbins has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, vice district governor and district governor. She has also served as a presenter at the Texas Lions Leadership Forum and as a moderator at last year’s USA/Canada Forum.

In recognition of her service to the association, Past Director Stebbins has received numerous awards, including a Multiple District Lion of the Year award, the 100% District Governor Award, two International Leadership Medals, two International President’s Awards and an Ambassador of Good Will Award. She is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to her Lions activities, Past Director Stebbins has been active in numerous professional and community organizations.

Past Director Stebbins and her husband, Edward, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children and four grandchildren.