From the Immediate Past District Governor – August 2025
From the Immediate Past District Governor’s Desk
IPDG Raleigh G. Peck–August 2025
Hello Lions,
As I begin my term as Immediate Past District Governor, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Serving as your District Governor has been one of the most rewarding and educational experiences of my life. From club visits to district events, it was an incredible journey—one that I will always cherish.
Over the last two and a half years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting nearly all 57 clubs in our district. Meeting so many dedicated Lions and learning about the amazing service projects happening across our communities was truly inspiring.
📈 Reflecting on Our Goals
When I began this year, LCI set some ambitious targets for our district:
- 1 new club
- 147 new members
- Net gain: -8 members
I wasn’t satisfied with a goal that anticipated a membership loss, so I submitted a revised target of +14 net growth. While we ended the year at -4, I’m proud of the effort and collaboration that brought us closer to success. It may not have been the number we hoped for, but it’s a clear step forward.
A huge thank-you goes to Zone Chair Margaret Baylinson, who in the final week of June helped launch two new club branches, each with six new members. Without those 12 new Lions, our final net would have been -12. Margaret’s leadership helped us turn the tide.
🧭 Strengthening Communication
One of the key goals I had this year was to improve communication across the district. By utilizing our district Zoom account, we started monthly Zone Chair meetings and monthly Governor Team meetings. These meetings allowed us to share ideas, solve challenges, and stay better connected. I truly hope these sessions continue—because they made a real difference.
🧱 Recognizing the Backbone of the District
Our committee chairs do a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each of you. Your dedication and hard work keep this district running smoothly and professionally.
And to our Zone Chairs—you are the vital bridge between the clubs and the Governor Team. The role of Zone Chair may only require 2–3 hours a month, but I firmly believe it is one of the most important roles in the Pride. Every zone deserves an active, engaged Zone Chair, and I encourage Lions who are looking to make a difference to step into this role.
🙌 Special Thanks – To my Governor Team—Corinna Christensen and Jon Kimble—thank you. The amount of work you both put in this year is impossible to summarize in just a few lines. Your support made all the difference.
I also want to recognize two individuals who were pillars of strength for our district:
- Peggy Tobin, our District Administrator, who did so much to make my job easier.
- Steve Dogiakos (Steve D), our new District Treasurer, who has been a phenomenal asset—not only with finances, but also as a leader in social media and technology. Steve, your contributions have helped modernize how we operate and communicate.
💬 I’m Still Here to Help
Though my time as DG has ended, my commitment to this district is far from over. I look forward to helping the new Governor Team and supporting Lions across our district—especially in the eastern region. If there’s anything I can do for you or your club, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve met so many incredible Lions who do, and I’m always happy to connect you.
🦁 Together We Serve
Thank you again for all that you do—for your clubs, your communities, and our greater mission. It has been my honor to serve as your District Governor.
Yours in Service,
Raleigh G. Peck
Immediate Past District Governor
Written By IPDG Raleigh Peck
Raleigh G currently residing in Sidney Montana, Raleigh was born in Scobey Montana, then grew up in Great Falls and completed high school in Glasgow Montana. A proud Lion of the Sidney Montana club since 2001 Raleigh ran the ranks of club president including an extra half year as president. He is currently serving as a club director. He enjoys serving on as many club fundraisers and projects as possible. Raleigh and his wife Deb were married in 1984 and have raised 5 wonderfully smart children including triplet daughters. During his work career Raleigh has worked in the oilfield on a seismic drilling rig then on a seismic exploration crew. He then worked in the automotive repair industry as a tire technician and as an auto parts and as an agricultural parts specialist before buying his own business in 2000. For 23 years he and Deb have owned ElectricLand, Inc., an independent electronics store and a specialty low voltage integration and security company. They sold the business when he and Deb retired in January 2023 and are now attempting to relax by traveling the state as Lions Governor and to visit kids and grandchildren. Traveling and meeting lots of the wonderful people and seeing as much of the great state of Montana as possible is now just one of their goals. Raleigh is serving on the Montana Lions leadership task force and is a Melvin Jones Fellow and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.
