DG Jim became a Lion in 2018, serving as the Charter President of the Portland Lions Club. He served his club as President for two years and currently serves as a Director. Since 2020, he served District 23C as a member of the Hunger and Homeless Committee, then as Global Service Team Coordinator, and most recently as a District Zone Chair. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow and was awarded a District Team Excellence Medal.

Jim has been active in his community for over two decades. He has served as the long-time president of the Brownstone Quorum, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to the history and development of the Portland Quarries and Riverfront Park. And has served on town boards and commissions, including Parks and Rec, Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, and currently on Water and Sewer Commission.

    Lion Jim graduated from University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth with a BS in Engineering in 1991 and from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a MS in Management in 1999. He resides in Portland with his wife, Lion Liz. They have two children, Lion Rebecca and Kaitlyn. Jim is an avid boater and he and his family can often be found relaxing on the Connecticut River.

FVDG Joanne has been a Lion since August, 1995 when she was inducted into the Chicago Central Lions Club (CCLC). She held several Offices, including 2 terms as Club President. She was also active in many programs, projects, and events in District 1-A including Lions Open University and District, State, and International Conventions. She remains an Associate Member of the CCLC.

Before she returned to CT in 2011, she had 16 years of service with CCLC and District 1-A. Her Chicago experience offered her a great appreciation for community service because it makes life purposeful and fulfilling. It provides the foundation for using personal skills, talents, gifts, and passions to be an effective and contributory Lion wherever there is a need.

She has been a member of the Waterford Regional Lions Club since 2020 and has served in Club leadership positions, including President. She has also been the LCIF District Co-Coordinator and a Zone Chair.

In September, 2024, she attended the Faculty Development Institute (FDI) and was certified upon completing a New Member Orientation for the Cebu Peltan Lions Club (the Philippines) with whom she enjoys a warm, international friendship.

A Registered Nurse by education, the majority of her professional career was in Nursing Administration in CT and IL. 

FVDG Joanne resides in Waterford with Lucia Joy Davis, her 9-pound “peanut powerhouse” Chihuahua.

Vice District Governor Darla Pigeon has been a proud Lion since 2018.   She has held many club officer roles such as a President, Treasurer, and Director for the Plainfield Lions. She is currently a Colchester Lion. 

She has served our District as Peace Poster Chair, as well as a Club Guiding Lion and Zone Chair for the past two years.  At the Multiple District level she is chairperson of the ad hoc Veterans’ Outreach Committee, helping to coordinate Lions’ involvement in the annual Veterans Standdown.  

Darla is a lifetime learner, recently earning a Master’s Degree from the online Lions University. She has completed both Emerging Lions Leadership Institute and Regional Lions Leadership Institute training and looks forward to leadership training in preparation for her year as District Governor.  

 She has received several awards and honors.  Darla was presented a CT Lions Knight of the Blind award and was named a District 23C New Voices in Leadership.   Darla is a Melvin Jones Fellow and was honored to receive President Dr. Patti Hill’s Certificate of Appreciation.

Darla presently works as the Director of the Aldrich Free Public Library in Plainfield.  Her passion is serving Veterans and Indigenous people.

DG Teri joined the Lions family over 30 years ago as a charter member of the East Hampton Village Lions Club.  In 2018, she assisted in organizing the Portland Lions Club, where she is a charter member.  

Lion Teri is a retired math teacher and a full-time volunteer, serving our District 23C Lions for the past 9 District Governors.  It is an honor to serve as District 23C Cabinet Secretary for fellow Portland Lion brother, District Governor Jim Tripp.  

One of her favorite passions is conducting KidSight Vision Screenings for children.  She has helped Past District Governors recruit members for many clubs and assisted with retention strategies.  She was Guiding Lion for the Cromwell Lions.

DG Teri has received several awards and medals.  She is certified from the Lions Faculty Development Institute and has been a presenter at past Midwinter Conferences.  She is a progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Both her husband, Rod and her mom are Lions.  Rod & Teri have three grown children and six grandchildren.  In her spare time enjoys gardening, their black lab, the great outdoors and appreciates those who “sow their seeds of service” in their communities and beyond.