═════ District Director Candidates ═════

Proven Leadership Experience

Ashley has a comprehensive history of service within Toastmasters, demonstrating a deep understanding of the organization at every level:

• District Leadership: She is currently serving as the Program Quality Director (2025–2026) and previously served as the Club Growth Director (2024–2025) and an Area Director (2022–2023).

• Club Leadership: She has held nearly every major club officer role at Cedar Valley Speechmasters, including President, VP Education, VP Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant at Arms.

• Educational Commitment: Ashley has completed multiple Pathways levels (IP5, P14) and the Pathways Mentor Program. She is currently on track to earn her Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation in August 2026.

Professional Expertise

Ashley’s professional background seamlessly complements the responsibilities of a District Director:

• Strategic Planning: She has extensive experience leading strategic efforts that align long-term visions with available resources, focusing on identifying performance gaps and defining clear measures for success.

• Financial Stewardship: Her experience includes forecasting expenses and monitoring budget adherence at an oversight level, ensuring that organizational spending remains responsible and aligned with core priorities.

• Process Improvement: She excels at developing clear, accessible procedures that reduce confusion and ensure organizational continuity from year to year.

• Education: She holds a Master of Business Administration and bachelor's degrees in both Business Administration and Management Information Systems.

Vision for the District

Ashley is committed to the District mission of building new clubs and supporting existing ones in achieving excellence. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in empowerment, transparency, and integrity. As District Director, she intends to:

• Foster a member-focused mindset that prioritizes club health and the individual member experience.

• Use data-informed decision-making to proactively address challenges and track progress toward district goals.

• Strengthen the leadership pipeline by mentoring and supporting leaders at the club, area, and division levels.

"I see the District Director role as an opportunity to lead through service, strengthen leadership pipelines, and contribute to a positive, sustainable district culture that supports both current and future members."

Her candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here. 

Extensive Leadership Track Record

Yuriy has ascended through nearly every level of Toastmasters leadership, giving him a unique "boots-on-the-ground" perspective of the organization's needs:

• District Executive Experience: In addition to his current role as Program Quality Director, he has served as Club Growth Director, Division Director (two terms), and Area Director.

• Club-Level Foundation: He served as a club officer for several years, providing him with a firsthand understanding of the challenges and successes experienced by local members.

• Educational Advancement: His commitment to the program is reflected in his ongoing achievements within the Pathways education program.

Professional Strengths & Strategic Vision

Yuriy leverages his professional background and academic training to ensure the District operates with efficiency and clarity:

• Strategic Planning: He has a proven ability to translate vision into action, having authored the 2025–2026 District Success Plan and assisted clubs in developing their own success strategies.

• Communication & Accountability: Drawing from his professional role in payroll, Yuriy excels at meeting critical deadlines and communicating complex information in a simple, supportive way to foster team synergy.

• Educational Background: He holds a Master’s in Professional Accountancy from UW-Whitewater, providing a strong analytical foundation for district management.

• Procedure Development: He is skilled at creating clear work instructions and documentation to ensure smooth transitions for future leaders.

A Vision for District 212

Yuriy views the District Director role as an opportunity to be the "spark" that motivates members to see their full potential. His primary objectives for the District include:

• Mentorship & Succession: Prioritizing the pairing of Area and Division Directors with mentors early in the year and encouraging them to identify their own successors from day one.

• Member Empowerment: Encouraging members to step outside their comfort zones by volunteering for speech contests, conference support, and district leadership roles.

• Club Excellence: Focusing on achieving Distinguished status for clubs and ensuring every Area has a dedicated Director appointed well in advance of the new program year.

"Helping every single member find the leader in themselves, no matter how deep it is hidden, is what I aim to accomplish."

His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here. 

═════ Program Quality Director Candidates ═════

Rapid Leadership Progression

Bryson has quickly moved through the leadership ranks, demonstrating a high capacity for responsibility and organizational impact:

• District Leadership: He is currently serving as the Club Growth Director (2025–2026) and previously served as the N2 Area Director (2024–2025).

• Club Leadership: He has served as Club President (2024–2025) and Vice President Education (2023–2024).

• Proven Results: Under his leadership, his club was awarded Select Distinguished status in 2024.

Professional Entrepreneurship & Strategic Skills

For the past decade, Bryson has built and operated a global digital marketing agency, providing him with a professional toolkit that directly benefits the District:

• Strategic Planning: As an Area Director, he assessed the specific strengths and challenges of individual clubs to develop tailored action plans for both struggling and thriving groups.

• Financial Resilience: Ten years of business ownership have taught him how to manage resources effectively through various economic cycles, focusing on longevity and smart investment.

• Systems & Delegation: Bryson specializes in creating procedures that move clubs away from being managed by a few individuals toward a model where every officer’s strengths are utilized through effective delegation.

• Training & Program Development: Bryson brings a systems-driven approach to training and program development through his experience founding his digital marketing agency, where he has hired a full staff and built scalable onboarding and training processes to support team growth. His focus on repeatable systems ensures that training translates into seamless execution.

• Event Leadership & Community Engagement: With over four years of experience hosting both Toastmasters and professional networking events, Bryson has led initiatives that consistently drive attendance — including hosting Toastmasters open houses that brought in over 70 high-level community professionals, including the city mayor. His ability to create high-impact events that blend structure, energy, and intentional follow-up directly supports conference planning, stronger club experiences, and member retention.

A Vision for Member Success

Bryson’s primary objective is to ensure that the Toastmasters experience remains "metamorphic" for every member. His approach to the Program Quality Director role focuses on:

• Cultivating Culture: He believes that fostering a positive, progress-oriented club culture is the most effective way to organically drive membership growth and retention.

• Leading by Example: Having personally experienced a life transformation through Toastmasters, he is passionate about giving back and helping others achieve similar growth.

• Empowerment through Training: He aims to build a supportive team that ensures the entire district is trained and equipped to meet its goals.

"The #1 most essential objective of the District is to ensure that every member within Toastmasters is learning, growing, and getting the absolute most out of their experience."

His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here. 

Extensive Leadership and Service

Matthew’s long-standing tenure in Toastmasters is marked by significant leadership roles across multiple districts:

• District Leadership Expertise: He is currently serving as the Club Growth Director for District 19 (2025–2026) and has previously served as a Division Director and Area Governor.

• Financial Stewardship: Matthew served two terms as a District Treasurer in District 30, providing him with a strong foundation in managing district-level finances.

• Decades of Commitment: Having been a member for 22 years, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of Toastmasters operations and the unique challenges of district realignment.

Professional Strategic and Educational Background

Matthew translates high-level professional skills into actionable strategies for the district:

• Strategic Sourcing and Planning: Professionally, he serves as a Category Manager in Strategic Sourcing, where he develops complex strategic plans for product integration and supplier optimization.

• Training and Implementation: He has a proven track record as an ERP Implementation leader, successfully training over 300 employees on new systems and developing operational procedures.

• Advanced Education: He holds an MBA, which supplements his practical experience in financial analysis, contract negotiations, and organizational leadership.

• Cross-Functional Team Building: His current work with Employee Resource Groups involves engaging members, organizing events, and driving group growth—skills that directly mirror the needs of district leadership.

A Vision for District 212

Matthew is focused on building a firm foundation for the district through collaboration and member achievement. His goals for the Program Quality Director role include:

• Achieving Distinguished Status: He is committed to driving the district toward Distinguished status by supporting existing clubs in their growth, development, and education.

• Empowering Teams: Matthew believes in forming committees and teams to spread the workload, creating a supportive environment where volunteers can develop their own skills.

• Service-Oriented Leadership: He views his time as a "precious commodity" and is willing to offer it to help others achieve their individual goals.

"I want to serve as a District leader to enable the District to support the members in achieving their individual goals as well as to drive for success for the District."

His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here. 

═════ Club Growth Director Candidates ═════

Executive Expertise & Professional Background

Varad brings a sophisticated professional toolkit to district leadership, ensuring that complex operations are managed with precision and strategic foresight:

• Strategic Leadership: He has over five years of experience in senior leadership roles, specializing in overseeing day-to-day operations within dynamic and competitive marketplaces.

• Operations & Strategy: Varad is skilled at designing and implementing business strategies and procedures while setting comprehensive goals for sustainable growth.

• Technical & Academic Excellence: He holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University and a BS in Electronics and Communications. He is also Six Sigma Green Belt certified and PMP certified.

• Industry Recognition: In 2016, he was recognized as one of the Top 50 Best CIOs in India by Dell, EMC, and the CIO Association of India.

Proven Success in Toastmasters

Varad has demonstrated exceptional leadership across multiple districts, consistently delivering tangible results in challenging environments:

• Current Leadership Roles (2025–26): He currently serves as the Area 11 Director (D54) and the TLI-North Dean (D54).

• Club Leadership: Varad serves as the President of both Timely Talkers (D54) and Nicor Toastmasters (D30), as well as the VP of Education for Fox River Toastmasters (D54) and Power Speakers (D77).

• Award-Winning Performance: He was honored as the Area 11 Toastmaster of the Year for 2024–25.

• Educational Achievement: He has completed the Presentation Mastery and Dynamic Leadership Pathways.

Strategic Vision for the District

Varad’s leadership style is grounded in stakeholder engagement and the pursuit of operational efficiency. His candidacy offers the district:

• Goal-Oriented Growth: A focus on setting and achieving comprehensive performance goals for the district.

• Sustainability: A commitment to fostering partnerships that provide long-term organizational sustainability.

• Operational Excellence: The ability to apply professional procedures and Six Sigma/PMP methodologies to streamline district functions.

"Engage with key stakeholders and partners to foster business efficiencies and provide sustainability for the future."

His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here. 

═════ Division Director Candidates ═════

Listed by Division

Extensive Leadership and Experience

Robert has served in several key leadership roles, demonstrating his long-term dedication to the success of the organization:

• District Leadership History: He has served as an Area Director four times and has already completed a term as a Division Director.

• Proven Commitment: His 22-plus years of membership highlight a consistent passion for the program and its goals.

• Honors and Recognition: He is a recipient of the Triple Crown award, reflecting his active pursuit of educational and leadership goals.

Professional Background and Skills

Robert’s professional life as a Radio DJ for WDRT 91.9 FM in Viroqua, WI—a role he has held for 15 years—complements his Toastmasters journey:

• Communication Skills: His professional experience as a broadcaster provides him with strong public speaking and communication foundations.

• Team-Oriented Approach: Through his previous leadership positions, Robert has learned the critical lesson that a successful leader must work as part of a team to ensure tasks are completed effectively.

Vision for the Future

Robert is particularly motivated by the growth and evolution of the organization:

• Supporting District 212: He is eager to embrace the new opportunities presented as the organization grows into a new district.

• Mission-Driven Service: His primary objective is to help District 212 grow and thrive in this new endeavor.

• Collaborative Leadership: He remains focused on the "cumulative efforts" of the team to achieve collective success.

"To help and grow District 212 in this new endeavor."

His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here. 

Leadership and Strategic Experience

Rachael’s extensive leadership history within Toastmasters includes serving in nearly every club-level officer role, including multiple terms as President and Vice President Education for clubs such as Rockford Communication League, Rock On!, and Inspiring Speakers. At the District level, she has served as Area 10 Director for two separate terms. Beyond Toastmasters, she has held significant leadership and financial roles within Scouts BSA since 2011, including:

• Strategic Planning: Coordinated a two-year project for a two-week trip for 26 participants to Philmont Scout Ranch and organized the July 2025 TLI North.

• Financial Oversight: Served as Treasurer and Interim Treasurer for multiple scouting units, managing fund distribution and large-scale fundraisers.

• Process Improvement: Developed professional metrology management processes and site-transition procedures that ensured departmental compliance and accuracy.

Vision for District 212

Rachael is passionate about establishing a strong foundation for the new District 212. Her approach to the District mission focuses on:

• Club Growth: Sharing best practices, such as utilizing Google Business to increase club visibility for prospective members.

• Member Engagement: Incorporating creative and fun elements into meetings to build lasting connections and a positive member experience.

• Collaborative Problem Solving: Utilizing a thoughtful and empathetic approach to challenges, Rachael prides herself on being a dependable leader who focuses on positive resolutions and building a broad professional network.

Rachael’s blend of organizational expertise, financial accountability, and a genuine desire to see members succeed makes her an ideal candidate to lead as Division Director.

Her candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here. 

Executive Leadership and Professional Expertise

Natalie’s professional background provides a high-level skill set essential for managing district operations:

• C-Suite and Board Experience: She has served on several leadership teams, held C-suite positions, and managed numerous board roles, including serving as a board president.

• Strategic Planning: Natalie has led strategic planning initiatives for multiple employers and non-profit boards, ensuring long-term goals are met through organized execution.

• Operational Excellence: She has over two decades of experience developing programs and procedures to improve organizational efficiency.

• Financial and Business Acumen: She holds an MBA and has earned the FLMI (Fellow, Life Management Institute) and CLTC (Certified in Long-Term Care) designations, supported by corporate finance experience.

Proven Toastmasters Service

Natalie has held a variety of foundational and leadership roles within Toastmasters, giving her a well-rounded perspective of the member journey:

• District Leadership: She most recently served as an Area Director, a role that provided her with direct insight into the impact of supportive district leadership on local clubs.

• Club Leadership: She has served in multiple club officer capacities, including President, VP of Public Relations, Secretary, and Sergeant at Arms.

• Collaborative Philosophy: Her leadership approach is rooted in the understanding that Toastmasters is a voluntary organization where collaboration and the appreciation of everyone’s efforts are key to success.

A Vision for District 212

Natalie believes the District’s primary mission is to serve clubs by fostering a high-quality member experience. As District Director, her focus will be on:

• Clarity, Connection, and Consistency: Ensuring that district leaders understand expectations and have the tools and communication necessary to succeed.

• Empowering Clubs: Providing the structure and encouragement needed so that clubs feel empowered and supported rather than isolated or overwhelmed.

• Sustainable Growth: Building a district environment where capability is developed at all levels, leading to consistent and achievable growth.

"As District Director, I would focus on clarity, connection, and consistency. I lead with empathy and accountability, ensuring leaders understand expectations, feel supported, and have access to the tools and communication needed to succeed."

Her candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here. 

Proven Leadership and Commitment

Venkata has rapidly established himself as a capable leader through diverse roles within the organization:

• District Leadership: He has significant experience as an Area Director, having served a full year for Area W71 and six months for Area C14.

• Club Leadership: He has served as a Club Treasurer and Director of Mentorship, providing him with a deep understanding of club-level operations and member support.

• Consistent Achievement: He is a three-time Triple Crown award winner and has completed two Pathways levels (Innovative Planning and Motivational Strategies) at Level 5.

Professional Expertise and Strategic Skills

Venkata leverages his professional background as an SAP ERP Delivery Leader to bring a strategic, data-driven approach to Toastmasters:

• Strategic Project Management: Professionally, he manages cross-functional teams and oversees complex strategic projects, focusing on goal alignment and organizational change.

• Data-Driven Planning: As an Area Director, he has utilized data-driven planning to track Distinguished Club Program (DCP) goals and support sustainable club growth.

• Effective Communication: His corporate experience has honed his ability to engage stakeholders and mentor teams through clear communication and expectation setting.

Vision for the Division

Venkata’s primary goal is to empower every member to achieve their full potential by creating quality experiences and building a strong leadership pipeline. His objectives include:

• Inclusive Community Building: He is dedicated to creating welcoming environments for a diverse range of members, including corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and students.

• Support and Excellence: He plans to achieve divisional excellence through regular club visits, comprehensive officer training, and strategic resource allocation.

• Celebrating Success: He believes in the public celebration of member achievements to foster engagement and motivation.

"My combination of strategic planning experience, Area Director background, and commitment to servant leadership positions me to effectively support and grow my division."

His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.