John Lau, DTM, of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, is the Chief Executive and owner of the Acme Group of Companies, a management consultancy. He has lectured on marketing management and leadership for post-graduate students and is a Sarawak State Chairman of the People’s Progressive Party of Malaysia, a component party of the Malaysian Federal Government. This past January, Lau was one of 17 people appointed by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau as a Kesatria Malaysia (meaning “Knight of Malaysia”) to help develop the country’s business industry. Lau holds advanced degrees in several fields, including a Ph.D. in strategic marketing.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 22 years, Lau has held a number of prominent leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

He credits the organization for much of his personal development. “Toastmasters’ core values of integrity, dedication to excellence, respect for the individual and service to its members closely match my own beliefs,” says Lau. “They have enabled me to grow as a professional, and as a Malaysian business leader.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Lau is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

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International President
Term of Office: 2012-2013

George Yen, DTM, of Taipei, Taiwan, is Chairman of the Board of Great Sequoia Corporation, an international management and trading company based in Taipei, Taiwan. He also serves as the chief executive officer of four international joint ventures. He speaks four languages and holds a master’s degree in international relations from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 22 years, Yen is a member of two Toastmasters clubs. He has held a number of distinguished leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

Yen credits much of his success to Toastmasters. “My Toastmasters training gave me the confidence to stretch my comfort zone,” he says. “It has sharpened my clarity and power in thinking, speaking and writing.” As for his international career, he says Toastmasters “has expanded my network of friends worldwide and has provided me with a sense of empowerment.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Yen is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

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International President-Elect
Term of Office: 2012-2013

Mohammed Murad, DTM, of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), is an entrepreneur and Managing Director of three companies. He holds an MBA and a Master of Quality Management degree from the University of Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia. He is also a graduate of the City of Dubai’s Leadership Development Program, and has received training at Harvard, London Business School and the Singapore School of Government.

A dedicated Toastmaster since 1996, Murad is a member of two Toastmasters clubs: Toastmasters Dubai Chapter club and UAE Advanced Toastmasters, both in Dubai. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

Murad says Toastmasters will always be important in his life. “I am excited by the opportunity to give back to the organization that has given me so much.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Murad is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

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First Vice President
Term of Office: 2012-2013

Jim Kokocki, DTM, is an entrepreneur and business consultant residing in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. As a volunteer with the Saint John Board of Trade, he co-chairs the organization’s Business Education Committee. Kokocki previously worked for 30 years at telecommunications provider Bell Aliant and its related companies. He is currently completing a graduate degree at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John, where he previously earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 25 years, Kokocki’s home club is Saint John Toastmasters in Saint John. He served on the Board of Directors from 2002 to 2004. In addition to having held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization, Kokocki also attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

“Toastmasters helped me understand the value in communicating widely, clearly and frequently about a team's objectives,” he says.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Kokocki is a “working ambassador” for the organization. Serving on the Board, he develops and supports the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

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Second Vice President
Term of Office: 2012-2013

Michael Notaro, DTM, of Alameda, California, is an attorney, a member of the Italian American Bar Association, principal of the Notaro Law Group and a licensed real estate broker. Before opening his law practice, Notaro was the president of Phoenix Commercial Realty. He earned his law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, California.

Notaro joined Toastmasters during his senior year as a student at the University of California, Berkeley, to learn how to deliver a graduation speech. He was immediately impressed with the program and how it improved the members' confidence.

“Toastmasters has given me a wealth of friends worldwide and unparalleled professional growth,” says Notaro, a longtime member of the Oakland City Center club in Oakland, California. He’s also a member of LaughLovers Comedy club in Oakland and the Cherry City Toastmasters in San Leandro, California.

He has held a number of prominent leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

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Immediate Past International President
Term of Office: 2012-2013

James Sultan, DTM, of Kirkland, Washington, serves as a vice president and senior lighting designer for Studio Lux, LLC. A frequent international traveler, he has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations during the past 37 years. In 2008, he was honored with a Presidential Award by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for his accomplishments and service to that organization. Sultan also served as an officer of the United States National Committee of the International Commission on Lighting (USNC-CIE).

A dedicated Toastmaster since 2003, and a member of four clubs in the Seattle area, Sultan has held a number of prominent leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

Sultan is passionate about sharing with the world how Toastmasters members grow through educational programs, effective evaluations, mentoring and leadership opportunities. “Improved communication skills help members better interact with their friends, peers and coworkers and gain the self-confidence they need for future success,” he says.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Sultan is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 1
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Mike Barsul, DTM, of San Francisco, California, is the owner of Mike Barsul Fine Gardening. He is also co-founder of Speakers Consortium, a partnership that assists business executives with their presentations and speaking skills. In 2000, Barsul was chairman of MAX, the Men's Associated Exchange.

A graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Barsul has been a dedicated Toastmaster for six years. Active in three clubs, his home club is Rainbow Toastmasters. In addition to having held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization, Barsul has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

“Following the Toastmaster program has proven that achievement is the result of constant reinforcement,” he says. “To be a better speaker, one not only has to speak often, but speak with a degree of reflectivity.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Barsul is a “working ambassador” for the organization. Serving on the Board, he develops and supports the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 2
Term of Office: 2012-2014

David McCallister, DTM, of Fort Worth, Texas, works with risk management and compliance at Environmentex Inc. In his career, McCallister has managed multi-million dollar government defense contracts and provided budget oversight for charitable fundraising events for a number of international organizations. He authored risk management policies for the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Race for the Cure events. A graduate of Baylor University, he served on the Baylor University 2012 strategic planning committee, where he helped develop a 10-year plan to advance the university’s status in the higher education community.

A dedicated Toastmaster since 2004, McCallister is a member of two clubs in Texas: the Out on the Town and Cowtown Toastmasters clubs in Fort Worth. He has held a number of prominent leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

As member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, McCallister is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission. McCallister was elected to his current two-year term in August 2011.

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International Director
Region 3
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Patricia Hannan, DTM, of Wahoo, Nebraska, is supervisor of information technology projects for the Omaha Public Power District. Founder and past vice president of Mead Development Corporation, she also founded Mead Betterment Group. A volunteer community planner, Hannan has earned several awards. These include the American Hometown Leader award from the National Association of Towns and Townships, Excellence in Planning from Mead Nebraska Planning and Zoning, and Going the Extra Mile from Eastern Nebraska Library Systems.

A graduate of the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Hannan participated in graduate studies at the University of Phoenix. She also sat on the advisory board of the Nebraska Community Improvement Program and held a membership in Mead Nebraska Youth Leadership.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 12 years, Hannan has been a member of her home club, OPPD Toastmasters, since 2003. In addition to having held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization, she has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters. “My Toastmasters leadership experience taught me better time management, project management and strategic goal setting,” she says.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Hannan is a “working ambassador” for the organization. Serving on the Board, she develops and supports the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 4
Term of Office: 2012-2014

Andrew Little, DTM, of New Berlin, Wisconsin, serves as a software quality assurance engineer for Thomson Reuters where he has experience in operations, research, product development and quality assurance. Additionally, Little has served as a scout leader with Boy Scouts of America. He has also worked with the United Way of Waukesha County, offering speaker training for agency representatives. Little also works with the William C. Needler 40+ Job Forum.

A dedicated Toastmaster since 2003, Little is currently a member of the Resource Advanced Toastmasters club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the Waukesha Toastmasters club in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

Little is passionate about the organization’s record of helping professionals succeed by offering a safe place to take risks. “Toastmasters is a learning laboratory where members fine-tune their communication and leaderships skills,” he says.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Little is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 5
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Lori Lococo, DTM, of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is an administrator at the legal firm Martin Sheppard Fraser LLP. She has been with the firm for 22 years. Lococo studied leadership, Management and Alternate Dispute Resolution in the Ontario Management Development Program. Founder of the company Dynamic Business Solutions, she serves on the board for Project SHARE, a charitable organization.

A dedicated Toastmaster for more than 10 years, Lococo’s home club is Honeymoon City. In addition to having held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization, she has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters. Lococo credits Toastmasters mentors with helping her develop the tools needed to mentor others, as well as become a more confident speaker and leader.

“The communication skills I've developed have led to my ability to optimize the opportunities that present themselves in all facets of my life.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Lococo is a “working ambassador” for the organization. Serving on the Board, she develops and supports the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 6
Term of Office: 2012-2014

Viki Kinsman, DTM, of Oakton, Virginia, serves in the Fairfax County Office of Elections where she has been involved with voter registration, absentee voting, outreach and election operations. For more than 20 years, she handled all aspects of daily operations. She has more than 30 years’ experience in volunteer management, and has volunteered for the University of Virginia Club of Washington Alumni, Alexandria Red Cross, Prince William Red Cross, Fairfax County Airport Advisory Committee and Association of Volunteer Administrators.

A dedicated Toastmaster since 1996, Kinsman is a member of three clubs: DTM Leaders Toastmasters, Free Spirits and the Pauline Shirley club. She has held a number of prominent leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

Kinsman is passionate about the benefits of the Toastmasters program. “Participating in speaking, listening and leadership roles through the Toastmasters program helps people gain confidence, improve skills and become the leaders they want to be,” she says.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Kinsman is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 7
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Kristina Kihlberg, DTM, of Pompano Beach, Florida, is Senior Vice President of Operations with ExpatRide International. Educated at the Majornas Gymnasium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Kihlberg remains active in the local Swedish community. She serves on the board in the South Florida chapter of the Swedish Women Educational Association, an organization that caters to Swedish women around the world. Kihlberg is also a member of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce.

A dedicated Toastmaster since 2002, Kihlberg’s home club is Toast of Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale; however she is actively involved with several other clubs. In addition to having held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization, she has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters. Kihlberg credits Toastmasters with providing her a solid foundation of skills, including refining English as a second language. She said the key to volunteer success is “to focus on each person's strengths and understand how to help them develop.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Kihlberg is a “working ambassador” for the organization. Serving on the Board, she develops and supports the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 8
Term of Office: 2012-2014

Wendy Harding, DTM, of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, works for Horizon Health Network as the Operating Room Booking Lead Scheduler. Her professional experience from a lengthy managerial career includes payroll preparation and union contracts compliance, provincial and federal payroll regulations, and budget management. She has served as vice president of a local Crime Stoppers Board and currently serves on a committee to ensure appropriate levels of diversity in a corporation of 15,000 employees.

A dedicated Toastmaster since 1996 and current member of the Fredericton, Valley Health, Golden and Advanced Dawn Breaker Toastmasters clubs, Harding has held a number of prominent leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

Harding is enthusiastic about Toastmasters’ commitment to improving themselves and others. “Self-confidence is gained in the real-life atmosphere of a supportive, positive club environment,” she says.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Harding is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 9
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Don Griffith, DTM, of Phoenix, Arizona, is a senior quality assurance engineer at General Dynamics C4 Systems. Throughout his 33-year career, Griffith’s work has been recognized by the General Dynamics Scientific and Technical Society. Engineering awards he has garnered include excellence in design and problem-solving. An Advanced Class amateur radio operator, Griffith also participates in disaster preparedness training, providing emergency radio communications.

Having earned an electrical engineering degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Griffith holds a graduate-level certificate in statistics from Arizona State University and a Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 15 years, Griffith is a member of two clubs. He has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters. “Taking full advantage of ‘stage time’ opportunities in and out of the club has given me the confidence and facility to handle just about any speaking situation,” he says.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Griffith is a “working ambassador” for the organization. Serving on the Board, he develops and supports the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 10
Term of Office: 2012-2014

George Thomas, DTM, of Doha, Qatar, is the CEO and General Manager of Intertec Group, W.L.L. — a multidivisional business organization worth more than $275 million and staffed by 761 employees. He also serves as the Treasurer of the DPS-Modern Indian School. He is a chartered accountant, a lawyer, and is the past chairman of the Doha Chapter of the Chartered Accountants of India.

A dedicated Toastmaster since 1996, he is a member of the Qatar Toastmasters and ICC Advanced clubs in Doha, Qatar. Thomas has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

Thomas is passionate about his Toastmasters experiences and how the organization’s objective “is to contribute towards the betterment of mankind.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Thomas is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 11
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Mike Helm, DTM, of Perth, Western Australia, is employed by the Department of Education Services in Osborne Park. He previously held senior executive positions in the Western Australian public service and has lectured at three universities. Strategic International Services, a conference management business, is a company founded by Helm.

Earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Western Australia, Helm was a recipient of the RG Cameron Prize for Research in Education. He also was recognized for his role in leadership in the youth employment initiative, Project Employ Youth.

Helm joined Toastmasters in 2002 and is a member of six clubs. In addition to having held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization, he has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters. “Toastmasters has given me a range of leadership experiences not often available in work and community activities,” he says.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Helm is a “working ambassador” for the organization. Serving on the Board, he develops and supports the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 12
Term of Office: 2012-2014

Balraj Arunasalam, DTM, of Colombo, Sri Lanka, is the Chairman and Managing Director of the Gemtrans Engineering Company in Sri Lanka where he has developed and implemented a wide range of financial policies. Arunasalam has been appointed by the President’s Office of Sri Lanka as a member of an educational board that has “English as a life skill” as its primary objective. He has served on several committees for Rotary International and as Senior Vice President of Arunadu Velalar Society of Sri Lanka, a family service organization.

A dedicated Toastmaster since 1990, and current member of the Colombo and Ralph Toastmasters clubs, Arunasalam has held a number of prominent leadership positions within the organization and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation — the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

Arunasalam credits his Toastmasters training for his success. “Toastmasters International taught me to think critically, focus on specifics and plan for effective implementation of projects,” he says.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Arunasalam is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support and modify the policies and procedures that guide the organization in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 13
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Jospeh Gomez, DTM, of Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, is founder of Servicom Group of Companies, a leading medical company. He is executive director of the Servicom Medical division. An executive committee member of Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers, Gomez is also a member of the Malaysian Medical Device associations. In 2000, Gomez was nominated to serve on the executive board of the Malaysian Institute of Management.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 14 years, Gomez has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within the organization. MIM Toastmasters of Kuala Lumpur is his home club, but Gomez participates in four clubs. Crediting his development as a leader to his progression through the Toastmasters track, Gomez says, “I have emerged as a better communicator through my participation in the Toastmasters program.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Gomez is a “working ambassador” for the organization. Serving on the Board, he develops and supports the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

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International Director
Region 14
Term of Office: 2012-2014