Michael Notaro, DTM, of Alameda, California, was elected International President for a one-year volunteer term at the Toastmasters 80th annual International Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 17-20, 2011.

Notaro is an attorney, 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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF)

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International President
Term of Office: 2011-2012

John Lau, DTM, of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, is the Chief Executive and owner of the Acme Group of Companies, a management consultancy specializing in human capital development, corporate restructuring information technology, oil and gas construction, as well as sales of construction materials. 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. Lau holds advanced degrees in several fields, including a Ph.D. in strategic marketing.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 21 years and member of the Kuching Mandarin and Connections Toastmasters clubs, 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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF)

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International President-elect
Term of Office: 2011-2012

George Yen, DTM, of Taipei, Taiwan, is Chairman of the Board of Great Sequoia Corporation, an international trading company based in Taipei, Taiwan. He has managed three international joint ventures, 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 21 years, Yen is a member of two Toastmasters clubs: World Mosaic Toastmasters and the Taiwan Bi-Lingual club. 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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF) 

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First Vice President
Term of Office: 2011-2012

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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF) 

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Second Vice President
Term of Office: 2011-2012

Pat Johnson, DTM, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, serves as the assistant director for business education at the British Columbia Pension Corporation. A Toastmaster for 29 years, Johnson applies her communication and leadership skills to her professional career: She has been a leader in the corporate, government and not-for-profit worlds, and has had many years of experience working with policy and strategic planning.

Within the organization, Johnson has held a number of leadership positions, including International President from 2010-2011 and International Director from 2004 to 2006. Johnson was only the fifth woman – and the first Canadian woman – to lead Toastmasters International. A member of the Rise and Shine Toastmasters club in Victoria, she has attained Distinguished Toastmaster status, the highest speaking level a member can achieve.

Johnson is passionate about guiding the organization to an even bigger and better future, helping countless more people “go forward in their lives as more effective leaders.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Johnson 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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Immediate Past
International President

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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF) 

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International Director
Region 1
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Kevin Doyle, DTM, of Honolulu, Hawaii, is an information technology e-business program manager for the Hawaiian Electric Company. In this position, he manages a team of developers that support nearly 200 computer applications. He was also the Director of Government Relations for 18 years, managing the Hawaiian Electric Company's legislative programs and initiatives. Doyle has dual bachelors’ degrees, in political science and journalism.

Doyle has been a dedicated Toastmaster for 18 years and is a member of three Toastmasters clubs: Aloha Toastmasters, Na Hoku Kai Toastmasters and the Ward Transformers club. 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.

Doyle credits Toastmasters’ educational programs for much of his personal development. “Toastmasters helped improve my skills and self-confidence and gave me opportunities to lead,” he says. “Most importantly, it's taught me to give back more, to help others.”

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

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International Director
Region 2
Term of Office: 2010-2012

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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF) 

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International Director
Region 3
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Jacquie Schnider, DTM, of Calgary, Albert, Canada, is a public health inspector for Alberta Health Services. She is also a board member for the Environmental Health Foundation of Canada and the Alberta Public Health Association. In addition, she has been a trainer and leader with Girl Guides of Canada for 25 years.

Schnider has been a Toastmaster for 21 years and is a member of the Calgary Morning club in Calgary. She 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.

She says her Toastmasters training plays a key role in her job as a public health inspector. “I speak to people every day because of Toastmasters,” says Schnider. “I also have been asked to serve on boards of directors because of my leadership experience in Toastmasters.”

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

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International Director
Region 4
Term of Office: 2010-2012

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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF) 

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International Director
Region 5
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Gina Y. Cook, DTM, of Kanata, Ontario, Canada, is a senior systems analyst in the Information Technology Branch of the Canada Revenue Agency. She is also president of Gina Cook & Associates, Inc., a technology consulting firm. Additionally, she volunteers her expertise with United Way, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the Scouts of Canada.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 20 years, Cook is a member of two clubs: Infomasters and Kanata Toastmasters. She 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.

Cook credits the Toastmasters educational program for helping to develop her poise in leadership positions. “Toastmasters has helped me build my confidence level and taught me to focus my nervous energy to become an effective speaker.”

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

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International Director
Region 6
Term of Office: 2010-2012

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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF) 

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International Director
Region 7
Term of Office: 2011-2013

David Hollingshead, DTM, is a senior quality and change delivery consultant for Bank of America. He has worked for the company for 28 years, in strategic and financial planning as well as policy development.

Hollingshead is a member of four clubs in Jacksonville, Florida: Speak Up America, the First Coast Speakers, the Mandarin Toastmasters and the North Star club. He enjoys mentoring other members, and has served in many different leadership positions within the organization, attaining the Distinguished Toastmaster designation – the highest level of achievement in Toastmasters.

Hollingshead says his career blossomed after he joined Toastmasters. “My self-confidence grew as a result of my Toastmasters training, especially my confidence in my ability to deliver a succinct message to executive management,” he says.

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

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International Director
Region 8
Term of Office: 2010-2012

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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF) 

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International Director
Region 9
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Roberta Perry, DTM, of Los Angeles, California, is Vice President Business Development for Edwards Technologies, Inc., a firm that creates audio visual entertainment technology. Perry holds a master’s degree from Bradley University in Public Address and Rhetoric. In addition, she has been elected to several international boards. Her work on these boards included assisting new associations with educational and organizational expansion.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 36 years, Perry is a current member of three clubs: Renaissance Speakers, Follow the Leader, and Past District Governors. She 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.

She credits Toastmasters training for much of her professional development. “Toastmasters has provided me with the ongoing communication and leadership training that has been instrumental in my success as a Business Development specialist in the Leisure Entertainment market worldwide.”

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

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International Director
Region 10
Term of Office: 2010-2012

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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF) 

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International Director
Region 11
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Mike Storkey, DTM, of Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia, has worked in marketing and management for 40 years. He is a co-owner of Storkey’s Team, a firm that offers customized training for businesses in leadership, management and communication. He is a facilitator, trainer, licensed real estate agent and auctioneer, as well as the founding president of his local Chamber of Commerce.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 20 years, Storkey is a member of three Toastmasters clubs: Leaders by Design, Whitsunday Club, and Talk of the North Toastmasters. 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.

Storkey credits the Toastmasters leadership path for much of his career development. “Toastmasters has helped me develop my communication skills and provided me with the opportunity to pursue leadership paths that have greatly assisted my business and professional life,” he says. “It has provided me with the challenge to undertake roles that have enhanced my effectiveness in training others.”

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

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International Director
Region 12
Term of Office: 2010-2012

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.

The following information is provided in the event of a visit to your company or district by this Board member. The resources are available for use when contacting corporate leaders and members of the news media. The full biography goes into more detail on the Board member’s qualifications for office.

News Release (Word)  Full Biography (PDF) 

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International Director
Region 13
Term of Office: 2011-2013

Christine Temblique, DTM, of Meycauayan, Philippines, is the longtime owner and corporate treasurer of MC Display & Metalcraft Corporation, a manufacturer of visual and display merchandising products. She also owns and serves as president of Technical Art Designbuild, which constructs boutiques and stores. She is a stockholder and corporate secretary of AWD Tech, a company specializing in diesel automotive technology. In her work as a corporate officer, Temblique devised a holistic approach to business development that allowed her to build skills in marketing operations, financial strategizing and business-related communication. Temblique holds two bachelor degrees from St. Theresa's College in Quezon City, Philippines: She earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in History and a B.S. in Business Administration. She also holds an MBA from De La Salle University, in Manila, Philippines. Temblique has received appreciation awards from Rotary International and the Province of Bulacan and served as a director on the Board of Toastmasters International from 2001 to 2003.

A Toastmaster for 20 years, Temblique is a member of three clubs in Lucena City, Philippines: Achievers Toastmasters, Meycauayan club and PAHIYAS TM club. She 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.

Temblique credits her Toastmasters training for much of her professional development. “Toastmasters has helped me broaden my horizons and better understand different kinds of people,” she says. “It has made me a better communicator and helped me gain skills necessary to successfully manage my company.”

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

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International Director
Region 14
Term of Office: 2011-2012