Monticello Lion elected president of Iowa Lions Foundation

     Phillip Larabee, a 30-year member of Lions Club International, was recently elected as the 2021-22 President of the Iowa Lions Foundation.

     Larabee assumed his new duties, effective July 1, and his term will expire on June 30, 2022.

     Larabee becomes the first member of the Monticello Lions Club to hold this position in the 62-year history of the Foundation. The Foundation supports the Iowa Lions Eye Bank (cornea transplants), Iowa KidSight (eye screenings for children ages 6 months to 5 years), University of Iowa Cochlear Implant Department for hearing, Iowa Lions Hearing Aid Bank, and the recycling of eyeglasses at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. Larabee is also leading the “power of 300” campaign for the Foundation where the Lions are looking for 300 people, businesses, and clubs to donate $2,500 over the next 10 years to help replenish and build cash reserves spent during the COVID-19 pandemic, plus future needs for their entities.

     Larabee is a vice president at Citizens State Bank in Monticello where he works in the lending department. He has received a BS in business administration with an emphasis in finance from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and an MBA from the University of Dubuque. He has received many district, state, and international awards from the Lions Club International over his 30 years of membership. Larabee has also worked as an adjunct professor for Kirkwood Community College, University of Dubuque, Mount Mercy University, and Upper Iowa University, where he taught many undergraduate and graduate college courses.

     He is also affiliated with his wife’s art studio business and her family apple orchard, where he handles inside/outside sales and risk management.