Eberhard J. Wirfs, of Kelkheim am Taunus, Hessen, Germany, was elected president of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 92nd International Convention, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, July 6-10, 2009. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization and the global leader in humanitarian and community service.

President Wirfs, an entrepreneur and retired CEO of his own company, is a pioneer in the marketing of frozen food specialties across Europe.

Using as his presidential theme Move to Grow, President Wirfs plans to build momentum or movement and “grow” association membership in order to meet the increasing needs for community service around the world.

President Wirfs is an experienced and effective leader with particular strength in membership development and extension and leadership training, and in combining service and fellowship.

A member of the Hofheim am Taunus Lions Club since 1985, President Wirfs has held many offices within the association, including club president; district governor; council chairperson; faculty group leader for the District Governors-elect Seminar, which trains incoming governors; and international director. He served as CEO of the German Lions Foundation, Deutsches Hilfswerk. In addition, he systematically implemented Lions Quest, a mentoring program for young people, in Germany. He is an honorary member of the Kelkheim am Taunus Lions Club.

In recognition of his service to the association, President Wirfs has received numerous awards, including the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

President Wirfs and his wife, Margit, also a Melvin Jones Fellow, have two sons. Oliver and daughter-in-law, Sandra, have one daughter, Hannah-Carlotta. Marcus is married to Pauline, who is from France.