Steven Kajala

Steve Kajala has officially begun his term as District Governor of Lions of Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Ontario District 5M10, bringing a strong record of service, leadership, and community involvement to the role.

Kajala joined Lions in January 2019 after returning to the area and accepting an invitation to learn more about the organization. What began as an opportunity to get involved quickly developed into a passion for service and leadership.

Since becoming a Lion, Kajala has served as Club President, Club LCIF Coordinator, Zone Chair, Nominations Committee Chair, Second Vice District Governor, and First Vice District Governor. He has also participated in the Regional Lions Learning Institute and extensive District Governor training programs.
Among his most memorable Lions experiences were assisting communities affected by the 2024 floods and helping establish the Tower-Soudan Lake Vermilion Lions Club, which grew from just a handful of members to more than 30 members in only a few months.
As District Governor, Kajala’s primary focus is helping clubs grow membership by attracting younger generations of volunteers. He also plans to help clubs modernize their technology tools and expand their social media presence to better engage their communities.

“It’s an honor to be District Governor. I will do my very best to fulfill all aspects of this role and leave the district stronger at the end of the year than it was at the beginning,” said Kajala.

Professionally, Kajala has spent more than 23 years as an independent financial advisor in Cook, Minnesota. Beyond Lions, he serves as President of the Virgie Hegg Hospice Foundation and is a board member of the Dorothy Molter Museum.

Kajala has received numerous Lions honors, including recognition as a 2x Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, Hearing Research Fellow, recipient of the Lions Clubs International Leadership Award, Presidential Award, and multiple International President’s Certificates
of Appreciation. He has also earned the Senior Master Key for sponsoring 25 new Lions and is set to receive the Grand Master Key for sponsoring over 50 new Lions.

His family also shares a commitment to service. His Lions Partner in Service, Kari, actively supports Lions activities. His sons Parker, Evan, and Vincent are Lions, while daughters Lila and Chloe are Leos.
“My passion within Lions is introducing new people to the organization. Watching those individuals become excellent Lions and in turn sponsoring their own new Lions is incredibly rewarding,” Kajala said.