For all but one year of my time as a Lion, I’ve lived in District 5M4—but my heart has always belonged to 5M8. This district, and the incredible people who make it so special, have always felt like home. No matter where I’ve lived, I’ve proudly remained a Lion Leader in 5M8 because of the deep connection I feel to this community and its mission.

Though I’ve only been a Lion for five years, the journey has already been transformational. I’ve embraced leadership roles from the start and discovered a passion for service that continues to grow stronger every day.

I’m a proud father to my amazing son, Joey, who already shares my love for making a difference. He currently serves as the Secretary of his local Leo Club—a role he takes seriously and with great heart. Watching him grow into a young leader reminds me daily why this work matters.

I graduated from BBE High School in Belgrade in 2010—yes, I’m young! In fact, I have the distinct honor of being the youngest District Governor in the entire world for this Lions year. It’s an exciting responsibility, and one I embrace with energy, humility, and a deep commitment to the future of Lionism.

Before joining Lions, I spent many years in Scouting. I served as Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 667 in Belgrade and held the role of Membership Coordinator for our local BSA Council. I’ve received several Scouting awards, completed Wood Badge training, and attended advanced leadership courses, including the Disney Leadership Institute.

Professionally, I’ve worked in a variety of management roles, focused on helping people grow into the best version of themselves. I now work overnight shifts for the State of Minnesota, caring for adolescents. It’s a tough but incredibly rewarding role—and it fits beautifully with my commitment to Lionism. You can usually count on me being available after 3 p.m. for just about anything (though I’ll always make time for a Lions breakfast feed!).

In 2019, I attended the Regional Lions Leadership Institute (RLLI), which truly ignited my passion for service leadership. Since then, I’ve served as a Zone Chair and was part of the Global Action Team as Membership Coordinator. Training—both within Lions and beyond—is one of my greatest passions. I believe in empowering the next generation of Lions and showing others that stepping into leadership doesn't have to be overwhelming—it can be life-changing.

My theme for this year is “Amplify Your Lions Spirit.” It’s all about finding the spark within each of us that fuels our service. If you haven’t found yours yet, I’d love to help you discover it. My hope is that my role as a younger District Governor helps open conversations, bridge generations, and inspire Lions of all ages to lead with heart.

Together, we have the power to ignite something truly special.

Let’s make this a year to remember.