Foundational to the success of a nonprofit organization is a well-functioning Board of Directors. The fundamental duties of the Board are establishing the strategic initiatives and policies in support of the Mission in addition to providing oversight to ensure the organization’s resources are used appropriately. The Board serves a public interest in its oversight of the Organization’s delivery of services and management of finances.
The Board of Directors is a group of volunteers that meet throughout the year. Most members are Lions who are nominated by his/her individual Lions Club and elected by the delegates at the Lions State Conventions in South Dakota and North Dakota.
Current Board of Directors
- President Mel Olson
- Vice President Arlen Fetch
- Treasurer Kendall Kliewer
- Secretary Carolyn Lean
- Ron Bunnell
- Jody Bymers
- Dave Jackson
- Sari Merriman
- Rick Swenson
- Linda Vollmer
- Tracy Wicken
Ex-Officio Board Members
- Dennis Bohmont (2nd VDG 5SE)
- Frances Waits (2nd VDG 5SW)
- Lynn Helms (2nd VDG 5NE)
- Kirk Tingum (2nd VDG 5NW)
Interested in Board Service?
The responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits of serving on our Board are as follows.
Responsibilities of Board Members
- Become knowledgeable about the Organization to include its Mission, Vision, services, strengths, and needs
- Be prepared for and attend all Board meetings (4 times per year)
- Serve on Board Committees as appropriate and needed
- Be available to the CEO and Board for consultation and be willing to use expertise at a level that will benefit the Organization (as practical in terms of time availability)
- Be an ambassador for the Organization in the public
- Be responsible for the fiscal and legal health of the Organization
Qualifications to be Sought of Board Members
- Possess a unique skill set and professional experience to contribute to the Organization’s success
- Ability to think strategically and contribute to the strategic initiatives
- Be active in the community in which we serve
- Possess a diverse perspective (ethnic/gender/age/professional experience/nonprofit experience)
- Access to information or resources (individual philanthropists, corporations, local government, etc)
Benefits of Board Service
- Contribute to the worthy Mission of Helping to Enable the Restoration of the Gifts of Sight & Health
- Apply your professional skills and acquire new ones
- Work alongside community and business leaders
- Receive recognition for your contributions
Process for becoming a Board Member
The bylaws of the organization dictate that at least 50% of the Board be made up of Lions Club members in Good Standing in the Lions Districts of 5NW, 5NE, 5SW, and 5SE. Additionally, there are seats for non-Lion members which may be appointed by the Board.
If you meet the qualifications above and are interesting in serving, utilize one of the following processes to join the Board:
Lions Club Member
- You must be a member of good standing in a local Lions club in the districts of South Dakota or North Dakota
- You must have the support of the Lions Club for which you are a member (typically in the form of a letter of support from the Club President)
- Submit a letter of intent to run to your respective District Governor and to the President of the Board of Directors at least 30 days prior to your respective state Lions convention
- At the state convention, an election will be held where candidates must receive a majority of votes to be elected to the Board. Be prepared to discuss your candidacy and your reasons for seeking election.
Non-Lion Member
- Contact the Organization’s CEO, the Board President, or any other member of the of Board and express your qualifications and interest in joining the Board
- At the next Board meeting, the Board will discuss the appointment and hold a vote.