My vision is to serve as the next International Director from Region VII and use my skills, experience and knowledge to help more people get the most out of their time in Toastmasters and become better speakers and leaders.

The member has always been the most important person in Toastmasters and everything we do as leaders needs to focus on the member. When we do this and follow the Toastmasters goals, our members will give speeches, receive useful evaluations, learn leadership lessons and grow. The club will gain new members and meet its goals as a Distinguished Club. If the other clubs do this as well, then the Area, Division and District will be successful and meet their goals.

As a Toastmaster since 1994, I have made many mistakes that have taught me a great deal. While people are free to follow their own path, I prefer that others succeed more quickly by not repeating mine. To that end, I will help members through:

As someone who has succeeded in every District role from Area Governor to District Governor, I have proven I understand how to plan, measure and ultimately achieve the goals. I will share this knowledge with the Senior teams in each District and serve as a resource so their efforts focus on the members and lead to success at the Club, Area, Division and District levels.

As a Vice President in a Fortune 250 financial services firm, my skills, experience and consultative approach will help the board and Toastmasters International staff review alternatives and set our strategic direction so the most members grow and benefit.

Our most explosive growth has been and will continue to be overseas. Our international members operate in different environments and face their own unique challenges. As an international businessman in focus and approach, I have contacts around the world, interact with them several times a week and travel regularly. Since an International Director represents all members anywhere in the world, my background will help ensure we concentrate on all members and not give a particular group less attention.

I look forward to meeting and speaking with you over the next 6 months so we can get better acquainted. I will share why I am the best person for this role and ask for your vote for Region VII International Director.

Tom