District Governor Joanne has been a Lion since August 1995, when she was inducted into the Chicago Central Lions Club, the home Club of our founder, Melvin Jones. She served in numerous roles, including two terms as Club President, and actively participated in District, State, and International Lions activities. Those experiences deepened her appreciation for community service and reinforced her belief that service gives life purpose, meaning, and joy.

DG Joanne believes that "self-awareness is a great personal strength" and that effective governance begins with understanding oneself while remaining committed to growth, collaboration, and service. Her philosophy is rooted in servant leadership and the belief that every Lion possesses unique talents and gifts that make a meaningful difference wherever there is a need.

A Registered Nurse by education, Joanne spent most of her professional career in Nursing Administration in CT and IL, where she learned that effective guidance begins with listening, building relationships, and responding to the needs of others.

Since transferring to the Waterford Regional Lions Club in 2020, DG Joanne has served as Club President, Zone Chair, and LCIF District Co-Coordinator. In 2024, she attended the Faculty Development Institute and was certified after facilitating a New Member Orientation for the Cebu Peltan Lions Club in the Philippines, with whom she enjoys a warm international friendship.

As DG, her theme is "Honoring Our Legacy. Securing Our Future." She is committed to leadership development, youth engagement, and expanding opportunities for service. Above all, she embraces this simple philosophy: "Joy is Service is Joy."

DG Joanne resides in Waterford with Lucia Joy Davis, her beloved Chihuahua.

The title of her book is “Some Days, I’m Even Hilarious!” Funny thing . . . Every page remains blank . . .

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.

Vice District Governor Sharon Tiezzi.

Chenin Joyce 

Cabinet Secretary
Niantic Lions