Ben Apeland

BEN APELAND
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR
Ben Apeland from Bozeman, Montana, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director
of Lions Clubs International at the Association’s 104th International Convention, June 24
through June 28, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Director Apeland has more than 50 years of experience in retail jewelry as the owner of
Benjamin Jewelers. His many responsibilities include jewelry design, repair, sales, purchasing,
managing and accounting. He maintains a strong reputation as a professional business owner that
is well recognized within the industry and throughout his community.
In 1974, after seeing the Bozeman Gallatin Empire Lions Club actively serving within his
community, he asked one of the members about Lions. He liked what he heard and has been
serving with them ever since. He has held a number of offices within the association including
Multiple District Council Chairperson and Multiple District Finance Chairperson. He served as a
DGE School Facilitator for eight years and is a trustee on the Montana Lions Sight & Hearing
Foundation. Additionally, he serves as part of the Montana District 37 friendship committee,
District Governor’s advisory team, PDG association and one of the convention advisors.
In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including being
an honored recipient of the Tom Lehman Fellowship. He is the recipient of multiple International
President’s Certificate of Appreciation, two International President’s Medals and the
International President’s Leadership Medal. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.
In addition to his Lions activities, Director Apeland is active in numerous professional and
community organizations including the American Legion, the Federation of Eagles and the
Jewelers of America. He is also a past executive director of the Montana-Wyoming Jewelers
Association.
Director Apeland and his partner in service, PDG Christine Lank, who is also a Progressive
Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children and three grandchildren.