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John A. Lawrence from Chestertown, Maryland, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as an international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 105th International Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, July 7 through July 11, 2023.
After serving in the US Army, Director Lawrence had a career as a civil servant in the Department of Defense. During this time, he created and led a division of 120 research mathematicians and linguists. He also served as a distinguished visiting professor at the US Air Force Academy
and was certified as a professional in computer science, mathematics, and education. He was also honored as a distinguished member of the Crypto-Mathematics Institute.
After looking for an opportunity to give back to his community, he found his answer when his friend asked him to become a Lion. Since joining the Kent Island Lions Club in 1997, he held a number of offices within the association including multiple district council chairperson, multiple district leadership development chairperson, and multiple district convention chairperson. He also served as a Regional Lions Leadership Institute coordinator, an International Convention presenter, and a moderator for the USA/Canada forum. Additionally, he has served as the chairman of the Lions Vision Research Foundation to support the Wilmer Eye Institute of the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including multiple International President’s Awards, International President’s Leadership Awards, and International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is an Arnall Patz Fellow and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.
In addition to his Lions activities, Director Lawrence is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He served as state coordinator of the Maryland AARP Tax-Aide program for which he received the AARP's most prestigious and visible volunteer award, the Andrus Award for Community Service. Additionally, he is a member of the County Citizens Advisory Board for a youth center and a member of the executive board of the local American Legion Post.
Director Lawrence and his partner in service, PDG Carol Schoonover, also a Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, share four children and four grandchildren between them.