District Leadership Team

1st Vice District Governor 2026-2027 | Lion Zella Gardiner

Lion Zella Gardiner was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and is the oldest of six children. Her commitment to service began at an early age, volunteering alongside her parents to refurbish toys for children in need. Throughout her school years, she volunteered with school patrols, high school fundraising activities, and the Moose Lodge Teen Club.

After marriage, Zella continued her dedication to service through her church and community. Following her move to Millet in 1977, she became actively involved in numerous community initiatives, including Block Parents, kindergarten and school programs, the Battle River Tourist Association, Communities in Bloom, and two terms on the Town Council.

Zella joined the Millet Lioness Club as a charter member in 1980. When the club disbanded in 1992, she immediately joined the Lions Club of Millet and District, where she has served in numerous executive positions and as Zone Chair. She is also a graduate of the Lions Clubs International Advanced Lions Leadership Institute (ALLI).

Her outstanding service has been recognized by both her community and Lionism. She has received the Pioneer Women Award for Leadership, the Mayor’s Merit Award for Community Service, and the Queen Elizabeth II Medal. Within Lions, she has been honoured as a Life Member, a Judge Brian Stevenson Fellow, a Bill Webber Fellow, a Melvin Jones Fellow, and a Lion of the Year. She has also received numerous President’s Appreciation Certificates from Lions Clubs in recognition of her dedication and volunteer service. Zella believes that by working together, Lions can make a meaningful difference in their communities, across the country, and around the world. Her lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and volunteerism continues to inspire those around her.

2nd Vice District Governor 2026-2027 | Lion Mike Hennig

Lion Michael Henning has been a proud member of the Devon Lions Club since 2008, consistently demonstrating his dedication to Lionism, its purposes, and ethical standards. Currently, Lion Michael serves on the Park Committee, acts as Service Chair, and coordinates the LED Sign project. He has also held the position of President for three separate terms, reflecting his longstanding commitment to the Club’s success and growth.

Beyond his local club service, Michael is District C-1 Zone 11 Chair and Founder and Project Lead of the Alberta Lions Emergency Response Team Project.

Michael’s significant contributions to Lions have been recognized with several distinguished honours, including the Judge Brian Stevensen Fellowship, the Stars Fellowship, and the Melvin Jones Fellowship.

Throughout his service, Michael has contributed his expertise as a Supply Chain Management Professional specializing in procurement and contract management. His skills have been especially valuable in major club projects, including his work on the Building Committee for the $1.1 million replacement of the Devon Lions Chalet and his leadership of the $135,000 Lions 100th Anniversary Legacy LED Sign project.

Since 1975, Michael has been a resident of Devon, living with his best friend and life partner Dianne, with whom he raised two children. His commitment to community service extends beyond the Lions Club, having served one term each on the Devon Hospital Board and the Devon Development Appeal Board. Additionally, Michael was a dedicated Toastmaster for 27 years.