District Governor 2025-2026 | Lion Ted Mikkelsen
Lion Ted Mikkelsen was born in Markerville, AB a long time ago, and was a career banker with the TD Bank in Calgary and Edmonton. After retirement, he moved back to his roots in Spruce View, AB to become a hobby farmer and joined the Spruce View & District Lions Club in 2006. He served 2 terms as club president and willingly accepted the positions as Zone 15 Chair and Multiple District C Membership Coordinator 2022-23.
He is a graduate of:
- Lions Regional Leadership Institute
- Advanced Lions Leadership Institute
- Faculty Development Institute
- Lions University Doctorate Degree
Ted’s community involvement includes three 3-year terms as a Director on the Bethany Care Centre Board in Calgary, two 3-year terms as a Director on the Danish Canadian National Museum Board in Dickson Alberta, and President of the Alberta TD Bank Employees Association.
1st Vice District Governor 2025-2026 | Lion Thomas Varghese
Since 2016, Lion Thomas Varghese has been a dedicated Lion, initially serving in various leadership roles, including President and Vice President, at the Edmonton Millwoods Lions Club. There, he executed numerous community-focused projects, demonstrating his firm belief in collaboration between Lions Clubs and the communities they serve. Currently, Thomas is a member of the Edmonton Chinese Lions Club, continuing his commitment to service and leadership within the Lions community.
Thomas’s dedication to continuous learning is evident through his participation in the Advanced Lions Leadership Institute (ALLI) and his certification under the Lions Certified Instructor Program (LCIP). As a Guiding Lion, he has mentored new Lions and most recently served as Faculty at the Faculty Development Institute in Chicago (Sept 27-29, 2024). His leadership extends further, having held key roles as District Global Leadership Team (GLT) Coordinator for two terms and Zone Chair, where he fostered leadership and unity across the district. His contributions were recognized with the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation (2022-23) and Leadership Medal (2023-24).
Thomas’s passion for service and belief in collective effort continue to make a positive impact within the Lions community.
In his personal life, Thomas is an educator at a post-secondary institution, actively involved in his local church, and is married to Angela. They are blessed with three children: Sairah, Josh, and Ann.
2nd Vice District Governor 2025-2026 | Lion Zella Gardiner
Lion Zella Gardiner was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, the oldest of 6 children. She has been volunteering since she was 5 years old, helping refurnish toys with her parents for the fire dept Christmas baskets.
During her school years, she volunteered for school patrols, high school fundraisers and the Moose Lodge Teen Club. After marriage, and moving to Millet, she continued her volunteer service with Block Parents, kindergarten, school programs, two terms on Town Council, president of Battle River Tourist Association, Communities in Bloom National Symposium Committee, and continues with Citizens on Patrol and tourism initiatives when needed.
Zella joined the Millet Lioness as a charter member in 1980, disbanding in 1992, and immediately joined the Lions Club of Millet and District. She has held executive positions numerous times over the years as well as Zone Chairman 2015 through to 2019 and again 2024/25. Zella is a graduate of LCI Advanced Lions Leadership Institute.
