International Officer and Director Candidates

The declared International Officer and Director candidates for 2023-2024 are:

International Officer Candidates

Aletta Rochat, DTM

Candidate for International President-Elect

Why do you want to serve?

Toastmasters members positively impact families, communities and careers across the globe. My wish is that we continue to find ways to innovate and stay relevant to a new generation of members and potential members, setting ourselves up for success as we enter our second century.

Learn more about Aletta

 

Stefano McGhee, DTM

Candidate for First Vice President

Why do you want to serve?

I believe that leveraging our members to become a bigger part of leading our organization is key to our survival. The next generation of leaders in the world needs to come from Toastmasters. Our core values and leadership development programs are what the world needs from their leaders to be better.

Learn more about Stefano

 

Elmer Hill, DTM

Candidate for Second Vice President

Why do you want to serve?

Toastmasters is at an exciting crossroad. The opportunity to be a part of a leadership team ensuring that all future initiatives create an excellent experience for members and clubs is compelling. There can be no greater honor than to be part of the team ushering Toastmasters into its 2nd 100 years.

Learn more about Elmer

 

Michael Holian, DTM

Candidate for Second Vice President

Why do you want to serve?

During the pandemic we proved we can pivot our business model to meet dynamic conditions. We need to continue to our evolution and identify new audiences, products, and methods to serve new and existing members. I want to serve to be a champion to identify and execute on these opportunities.

Learn more about Michael

 

Karen Lucas, DTM

Candidate for Second Vice President

Why do you want to serve?

Your voice speaks to me on our journey together towards an evolving future. As your Second Vice President, leading on purpose, with purpose, and focusing on what is critical to our strategic future will ensure our success for generations to come.

Learn more about Karen

 

Melissa McGavick, DTM

Candidate for Second Vice President

Why do you want to serve?

Toastmasters changes lives, including mine. I aspire to serve as part of a team that innovates for excellence, growth, and a bright future throughout the organization, ensuring others enjoy similar or even greater opportunities from the Toastmasters program.

Learn more about Melissa

 

Harold Osmundson, DTM

Candidate for Second Vice President

Why do you want to serve?

I care deeply for our members, leaders, staff, and organization. I believe strongly in our members, leaders, staff, and mission. I want to serve the greatest good and support our club, District, and International leaders. This role is exactly where I want to be during this pivotal moment for us.

Learn more about Harold

 

Monnica Rose, DTM

Candidate for Second Vice President

Why do you want to serve?

I want to be a part of the innovation that propels our organization into the next 100 years of transformative programs. My skills and teamwork have prepared me to introduce new solutions, influence pivotal decisions, and contribute immediately to the Executive Committee's success.

Learn more about Monnica

 

Gauri Seshadri, DTM

Candidate for Second Vice President

Why do you want to serve?

Delivering exceptional value to our members and providing them with progressive and meaningful experiences will help Toastmasters leapfrog into the next 100 years. As an International Officer with a global perspective, I am committed to helping shape our strategic direction for a sustainable future.

Learn more about Gauri

 

International Director Candidates

Karen Hewitt, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 2

Why do you want to serve?

Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility are passions, and I see the opportunities to transform into an inclusive member-centric powerhouse. This is why I am here to serve as International Director. My vision is a global long-term success with strategic growth to amplify each member's voice.

Learn more about Karen

 

Mark Lucas, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 2

Why do you want to serve?

Toastmasters is challenged by decreasing membership and eroded trust. With transparent communications, attention to details, and teamwork as my working principles, we can move forward with confidence to find solutions that will benefit our members and attain a thriving International Mission.

Learn more about Mark

 

Tiffany Howard, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 4

Why do you want to serve?

I would like to continue to give back to an organization that has given so much to me. As Region Advisor I saw firsthand where our members need support and guidance in developing strategic plans that will carry them and our Districts into the future. I want to be involved in that planning process.

Learn more about Tiffany

 

Chandra Munagavalasa, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 4

Why do you want to serve?

I have gained immeasurable benefits from my Toastmasters experience, and I am passionate about paying it forward. I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where others can realize their potential and, in turn, gain the same rewarding experience.

Learn more about Chandra

 

Srinivas Saineni, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 4

Why do you want to serve?

I'm deeply inspired by our potential for impactful change. I'll contribute by asking challenging questions and presenting innovative solutions to unlock our organization's true potential. Together in this global movement, we'll transcend boundaries and drive progress.

Learn more about Srinivas

 

Gregg Thompson, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 4

Why do you want to serve?

My job as a board member would be to help advance our organization towards our strategic goals. Serving on the Board allows me to make a difference and support a cause I care about.

Learn more about Gregg

 

DaWane Wanek, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 4

Why do you want to serve?

I have had a passion to serve Toastmasters from Day 1 as a member. I want to leverage my professional and other non-profit service experience to help shape the future of our organization.

Learn more about DaWane

 

Jenilee Taylor, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 6

Why do you want to serve?

My motivation stems from our organization's ability to drive skill enhancement and self-improvement. I want to participate in shaping the strategic direction of Toastmasters to ensure the mission is fulfilled, as we continue to provide individuals with the tools they need for their specific goals.

Learn more about Jenilee

 

Cyndi Wilson, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 6

Why do you want to serve?

Toastmasters changed me by moving me from the wallpaper and giving me my voice. My authentic self emerged and found my path; I want to help others to do the same, one person at a time. I want to be part of Toastmasters' mission to develop and implement services for both our new and seasoned members.

Learn more about Cyndi

 

Dwight Yamada, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 6

Why do you want to serve?

I see the profound influence our program has on people and society. I want to be involved in preserving our purpose by creatively expanding our worldwide network to offer our program to greater numbers of people and to be in the forefront of experiential learning.

Learn more about Dwight

 

Khalid Abdulla, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 8

Why do you want to serve?

I want to serve and share my expertise, skills and experience for the betterment of our organization. I believe our collective strength lies in the diversity of our members who aspire to become better speakers and leaders. I am committed creating a positive impact by promoting Toastmasters globally.

Learn more about Khalid

 

Brillian S.K., DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 8

Why do you want to serve?

I believe we can build an inclusive organisation keeping member needs at the core of all decisions. I aim to offer innovative solutions to rebuild member confidence amid changing needs. My diverse experience as a teacher, technologist, and people strategist brings complementary skills to the Board.

Learn more about Brillian

 

Sujit Sukumaran, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 8

Why do you want to serve?

As a Toastmaster for 17 years & a Gavelier, my life has truly changed. At the cusp of our centennial, we need to transform for relevance in a digital world. I wish to serve on the Board to foster greater member inclusion & representation, engagement and organizational growth opportunities.

Learn more about Sujit

 

Francesco Fedele, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 10

Why do you want to serve?

I aim to bring to the board my expertise in creating and managing innovation research projects, involving global organizations, different cultures and limited budgets because I believe Toastmasters should accelerate its evolution and embrace new technologies to enhance member support and engagement.

Learn more about Francesco

 

Patricia O'Reilly, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 10

Why do you want to serve?

Toastmasters transformed my life by developing my communication and leadership skills. I want to help rebuild Toastmasters to where it was pre-pandemic and to expand our global reach so that more individuals worldwide experience and benefit from the transformative effect of the Toastmasters brand.

Learn more about Patricia

 

Arnaud Sartre, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 10

Why do you want to serve?

Serving on the Board is my commitment to add world-class strength to Toastmasters through thoughtful strategic approaches, engagement and collaboration. I believe our local roots and global reach will bring innovations, aspirations and foster transformative experiences for our members and leaders.

Learn more about Arnaud

 

John Jennings, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 12

Why do you want to serve?

My journey is one of service. I have served at every level up to District Director. My journey as International Director will be one of service, to serve the members and Clubs in the organisation. This is a global organisation, and I believe I can connect with members everywhere.

Learn more about John

 

Christine Lennon, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 12

Why do you want to serve?

Giving back to others we also gain. The Toastmasters experience enables people to realize and grow their potential. Being part of a Board that develops strategies to turn our challenges into opportunities growing and supporting current and new members allows me to give back to Toastmasters.

Learn more about Christine

 

Monique Tonna, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 12

Why do you want to serve?

There has been significant change over the last century, and now more than ever, communication and giving effective feedback are the most important soft skills a person can have. I want to be involved in the strategic focus of how Toastmasters can positively impact more people around the world.

Learn more about Monique

 

Viola Lee, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 14

Why do you want to serve?

Everyone has leadership within. I see countless people exploring potentials in club even reshaped lives with wonderful highlights! From guest to Distinguished District gainer, I learned more than giving back. I want to bring high dedication and expertise to help Toastmasters robust, dynamic and to benefit more people.

Learn more about Viola

 

Sean Lin, DTM

Candidate for International Director from Region 14

Why do you want to serve?

Toastmasters transformed me and made me a more humble, influential and complete person. I want to contribute further in shaping our organisation to stay forefront as a forwarding looking, inclusive and innovative first-choice provider of communication and leadership skills development.

Learn more about Sean