Lions Clubs of Tennessee

District Governor Jill Smelser

Lion Jill has been involved with the Lions Club since 2000, officially joining the Chapel Hill Lions Club in 2012.  She has served as club secretary, Vice President, President, a club director, sight screening coordinator, and Leo advisor. At the District level Jill has served as 12-I co-GLT, District Secretary, Certified Guiding Lion, 2nd and 1st Vice District Governors. At the MD level, Jill has served as the State Convention Recording Secretary and Nominating committee chair. Outside her club Jill has served on the Board of Directors for MTLSS (Middle Tennessee Lions Sight Services) including being its president during 2019-2020. She also served many years on the Board of Directors of the LLR (Lions Learning Retreat) including serving as President.

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Jill is a Progressive Melvin Jones recipient and has received several Int’l Presidents Certificates of Appreciation.  She has also received her Bachelor’s degree from Lions University.

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In addition to her work with the Lions, Jill has been involved in the Scouting organization for 25 years, a coach and executive member of AYSO Soccer where she played a key role in bringing youth soccer to Chapel Hill and involved with the local youth baseball and basketball organizations.

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Jill and her husband, Thom (also a Lion) have been married since 1984, they are the parents of Kelley, Aaron (Sarah) and Corey (Myranda) and have been blessed with 5 amazing grandchildren (1 boy and 4 girls).

In her spare time, Jill enjoys camping, cruising, traveling, and exploring new places