For Immediate Release

GARY LA PETINA APPOINTED EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR OF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL

Oak Brook, IL (December 3, 2001) --Gary La Petina, general counsel and secretary of Lions Clubs International, was appointed executive administrator of the 1.4 million member Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service club organization, on November 30. The appointment, made at a meeting of the International Board of Directors in Oak Brook, IL, USA, became effective on December 1. La Petina has served as interim executive administrator since May 2001.

As executive administrator, La Petina is responsible for all activities of the Lions Clubs International Headquarters in Oak Brook, IL, USA and all administrative field operations for the association and the Lions Clubs International Foundation. In addition, as secretary, he is responsible for maintaining the association's corporate documents including board meeting minutes and official records.

La Petina has been a member of the Illinois bar since 1980. He is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago and John Marshall School of Law.

A member of the Burr Ridge-Hinsdale-Oak Brook Lions Club, La Petina is a member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Association Executives and the American Bar Association.

La Petina lives in Warrenville, IL with his wife Donna, their son Patrick and daughter Nicole.

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with nearly 1.4 million members in more than 44,800 clubs in 187 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its worldwide efforts to conquer blindness, Lions Clubs International has a strong commitment to community service, especially to helping youth throughout the world.

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