District Mission
We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.
Now accepting floor candidates for open Division Director roles.
CANDIDATES’ CORNER
Elected Officer Nominations
District Trio
District Director: Victoria Cox
“Next year I want to focus on helping everyone reaching out to each other for support and guidance. We need a village but we are also a part of the village. We all need to identify our goals for next year could be personal, career focused or related to Toastmasters. Then choose the direction you need to go and lastly design your plan for success. Most importantly share it with someone to get the support and accountability needed to reach your goal. Reach out and mentor someone as well, so that we all can have a successful year. I am looking forward to helping everyone find their special skill to help them grow. ”
Club Growth Director: JP Bachmann
“Toastmasters has helped me grow in ways I never imagined. I am passionate about this organization because of the confidence and skills we provide to our members. Because of what I’ve learned here, I’ve gained the confidence, training and mentorship to be a leader in my career. In the years since joining, I’ve not only changed careers, but progressed into a management path that may not have been open to be otherwise.
As my journey continues, the goal is to keep learning and progressing as a leader so that I can be more effective in my career while helping others do the same. The decision to run for Club Growth Director is to help every member reach their goals, just as I’ve been able to realize mine.
My vision is simple: Rebuild and re-invigorate the clubs throughout our District and provide training to the members supporting our clubs so they can truly give excellence to struggling and new clubs. We’ll do these things by the following means:
• Teach techniques about how to have engaging and fun virtual and hybrid meetings
• Strengthen our relationships with local organizations to build sustainable corporate clubs
• Educate Club Mentors, Coaches, and Sponsors to support every club, new and old
• Build a strong relationship with Rotary to bolster both organizations
For fresh ideas, vision, passion, and determination to make your experience better than ever, please vote JP Bachmann for District 26 Club Growth Director, 2021-22.”
Program Quality Director: Jeff Scott Ruiz
“When I first considered running for elected office in the Trio as Club Growth Director for 2020-2021, it was during a time of pandemic and uncertainty in the world. Members were unsure what was happening with their clubs’ ability to meet anywhere, and we all had to figure out a new way to conduct our Toastmasters business. I witnessed a significant drop in membership throughout the organization and was saddened to watch my own District’s membership decline due to the restrictive government lockdowns. Having been a member in District 26 for four-and-a-half years at the time, I was fortunate to be associated with many great communicators and leaders. These de facto mentors inspired me to want to make a difference; so, combined with their influence and faced with a challenging membership loss, I chose to volunteer to help out as best I could.
Now, as my Club Growth Director term approaches its pinnacle, I’m seeking a new office—one of fundamental educational training as Program Quality Director. For the clubs that have remained, and for the new ones that will soon be chartering, it is my intention to preserve the flame and to re-determine our collective “why”. Throughout my membership in this District I’ve participated in several TLIs, COTs and conferences. These experiences would be beneficial in my role as PQD; and I’m looking forward to setting up our events for great success. Here’s to an awesome 2021-2022 program year!”
Club Growth Director: Terry Ploski
“I respectfully request your AYE vote as Club Growth Director, 2021-2022. During this past year, we have gone from face-to-face meetings to virtual meetings. We have faced many challenges together. Shut down orders. Work from home. Fear about the safety and well-being of our families. Saddened by the suffering experienced by so many. We are optimistic! Our lives in Toastmasters, our community, and our families are starting to emerge from the pandemic. We are optimistic! Jacqueline Smith, DTM, District Director, Victoria Cox, DTM, Program Quality Director, and Jeff Ruiz, DTM, Club Growth Director have provided security, guidance, and direction this past year. I have served under Jeff Scott Ruiz as Club Retention Chair. These officers, and the entire District Executive Committee, have made every effort to support and encourage our clubs during these trials by fire. The District is about to experience the best days ahead! As Club Growth Director, I shall continue to work to:
• Charter community, corporate, and other membership restrictive clubs.
• Make all clubs stronger through:
o Effective mentoring programs.
o Effective coaching programs.
o Engagement with all Toastmasters as to the achievement of our goals,
hopes, and dreams.
• Strengthen cooperation within the District Trio and work together to:
o Achieve excellence!
o Provide guidance and resources to achieving our goals.
• Conduct effective public relationship and membership building activities.
I respectfully request your AYE vote as Club Growth Director, 2021-2022.”
District Director: Victoria Cox
“Next year I want to focus on helping everyone reaching out to each other for support and guidance. We need a village but we are also a part of the village. We all need to identify our goals for next year could be personal, career focused or related to Toastmasters. Then choose the direction you need to go and lastly design your plan for success. Most importantly share it with someone to get the support and accountability needed to reach your goal. Reach out and mentor someone as well, so that we all can have a successful year. I am looking forward to helping everyone find their special skill to help them grow. ”
Program Quality Director: Jeff Scott Ruiz
“When I first considered running for elected office in the Trio as Club Growth Director for 2020-2021, it was during a time of pandemic and uncertainty in the world. Members were unsure what was happening with their clubs’ ability to meet anywhere, and we all had to figure out a new way to conduct our Toastmasters business. I witnessed a significant drop in membership throughout the organization and was saddened to watch my own District’s membership decline due to the restrictive government lockdowns. Having been a member in District 26 for four-and-a-half years at the time, I was fortunate to be associated with many great communicators and leaders. These de facto mentors inspired me to want to make a difference; so, combined with their influence and faced with a challenging membership loss, I chose to volunteer to help out as best I could.
Now, as my Club Growth Director term approaches its pinnacle, I’m seeking a new office—one of fundamental educational training as Program Quality Director. For the clubs that have remained, and for the new ones that will soon be chartering, it is my intention to preserve the flame and to re-determine our collective “why”. Throughout my membership in this District I’ve participated in several TLIs, COTs and conferences. These experiences would be beneficial in my role as PQD; and I’m looking forward to setting up our events for great success. Here’s to an awesome 2021-2022 program year!”
Club Growth Director: JP Bachmann
“Toastmasters has helped me grow in ways I never imagined. I am passionate about this organization because of the confidence and skills we provide to our members. Because of what I’ve learned here, I’ve gained the confidence, training and mentorship to be a leader in my career. In the years since joining, I’ve not only changed careers, but progressed into a management path that may not have been open to be otherwise.
As my journey continues, the goal is to keep learning and progressing as a leader so that I can be more effective in my career while helping others do the same. The decision to run for Club Growth Director is to help every member reach their goals, just as I’ve been able to realize mine.
My vision is simple: Rebuild and re-invigorate the clubs throughout our District and provide training to the members supporting our clubs so they can truly give excellence to struggling and new clubs. We’ll do these things by the following means:
• Teach techniques about how to have engaging and fun virtual and hybrid meetings
• Strengthen our relationships with local organizations to build sustainable corporate clubs
• Educate Club Mentors, Coaches, and Sponsors to support every club, new and old
• Build a strong relationship with Rotary to bolster both organizations
For fresh ideas, vision, passion, and determination to make your experience better than ever, please vote JP Bachmann for District 26 Club Growth Director, 2021-22.”
Club Growth Director: Terry Ploski
“I respectfully request your AYE vote as Club Growth Director, 2021-2022. During this past year, we have gone from face-to-face meetings to virtual meetings. We have faced many challenges together. Shut down orders. Work from home. Fear about the safety and well-being of our families. Saddened by the suffering experienced by so many. We are optimistic! Our lives in Toastmasters, our community, and our families are starting to emerge from the pandemic. We are optimistic! Jacqueline Smith, DTM, District Director, Victoria Cox, DTM, Program Quality Director, and Jeff Ruiz, DTM, Club Growth Director have provided security, guidance, and direction this past year. I have served under Jeff Scott Ruiz as Club Retention Chair. These officers, and the entire District Executive Committee, have made every effort to support and encourage our clubs during these trials by fire. The District is about to experience the best days ahead! As Club Growth Director, I shall continue to work to:
• Charter community, corporate, and other membership restrictive clubs.
• Make all clubs stronger through:
o Effective mentoring programs.
o Effective coaching programs.
o Engagement with all Toastmasters as to the achievement of our goals,
hopes, and dreams.
• Strengthen cooperation within the District Trio and work together to:
o Achieve excellence!
o Provide guidance and resources to achieving our goals.
• Conduct effective public relationship and membership building activities.
I respectfully request your AYE vote as Club Growth Director, 2021-2022.”
Division Directors
Metro Division Director: Ron Pierre
“My name is Ron Pierre and I am your 2021-2022 nominee for Metro Division Director. As a Metro Division Director, I will lead the Metro Division by example. I find that leaders with a well-articulated direction, a guiding principle, moral code or mission always have a basis for strong, understandable decision making. As a leader, I will always conduct myself in a way that makes people feel like I would never ask anything of them that I wouldn’t be willing to do myself.
I believe that communication is a key component to effective leadership, which is why I will focus on listening to feedback and fostering honest communication between my team members. I will lead with integrity and support my Area Directors as they work toward their common goals.
I will develop meaningful relationships with my team members so that I can encourage and inspire them to reach their full potential. Using empathy, communication, and positivity. I will create a Metro Division that is both fun and effective.”
Southern Division Director: Deborah Horowitz
“Deborah Horowitz is the nominated candidate for Toastmasters District 26 Southern Division Director for the 2021-2022 year. She has held board roles in other non-profit organizations, and has degrees in business. She joined Toastmasters in 2013, and received her Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award in 2017. From 2013 on, she has held one or more officer roles in her clubs, including being president in her 3 different clubs: Top Class (1155833), 21st Century (4829), and S-Peak Leaders (4002183) – the advanced Toastmasters club. She is currently VP of Education in all 3 clubs.
Her experience includes most every club officer role, being an Area Governor (2014-2015) and Area Director (2019-2020). She had been recognized for assisting the Southern Division Director for many years. She has been a club coach more than once, has organized Toastmasters Leadership Institutes (TLI) and Club Officer Trainings, and has presented at District events.
Her passion is the leadership side of Toastmasters, enjoying helping people achieve their goals and getting the members involved with club contests, TLI’s, and education events. Getting members signed up for Pathways has been key to her, giving them the inspiration, encouragement, and confidence to embrace their pathways experience. She finds herself naturally using her toastmaster skills at my current job, when training new people at the store. She sees that communication with her Area Directors, other Division Directors, and other leaders in the district is key. She will be working with her Area Directors for their personal goals and growth as well as all the clubs they support.
With all the experience she brings to the role, she is confident to be outstanding as the next Southern Division Director.”
Urban Division Director: Ruth Prentice
“As Urban Division Director, my goal is to recruit new Area Directors who want leadership experience – but are concerned about the time commitment. Indeed, many potential leaders have family and career priorities that limit the amount of time they can give to Toastmasters. I want to streamline the activities – making the role of an Area Director a realistic challenge and a great experience! Together we can build on the success that the current Urban Division and Area Directors are handing over to us.”
Denver Division Director: now accepting floor candidate nominations
Eastern Division Director: now accepting floor candidate nominations
Foothills Division Director: now accepting floor candidate nominations
Northern Division Director: now accepting floor candidate nominations
Western Division Director: now accepting floor candidate nominations
Application Procedures
District 26 is pleased to announce that the District Leadership Committee (DLC) is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 leadership team. You must submit your application for open Division Director roles by April 24, 2021; appointed role applications are accepted anytime.
Please download, complete, and email all four forms to the DLC Chair, Mike Akins 
- Candidate Application – include a head-shot photo and a PDF list of offices held from your profile on Toastmasters International.
- District Leader Nominating Form
- District Leader Biographical Info
- Officer Agreement and Release Statement – must be signed
Resources:
- Election Toolkit – FAQs, DLC information, campaign guidelines, and more
- Protocol 9.0 – District campaign elections, please read very carefully
- Call for Nominations – learn more about elected and appointed District Officer roles
- District Leader Competencies – skills, knowledge, characteristics, and attributes
- District Leadership Handbook – outlines all the District leadership roles
Timeline:
- December 5, 2020 – District Officer Training (DOT) Open House (complete)
- December 5, 2020 – Call for candidates (complete)
- February 20, 2021 – Deadline to submit application to DLC chair, Mike Akins (complete)
- March 20, 2021 – Deadline for DLC chair to announce nominated candidates to District Director (complete)
- April 3, 2021 – Deadline to publish nominated candidates on D26 website (complete)
- April 24, 2021 – Deadline for floor candidate applications (only for invalid roles)
- May 1, 2021 – District Council (DC) Election
Personal growth opportunities:
- Personal growth
- Network outside your club
- Get out of your comfort zone
- Develop leadership skills
- DTM credit
- Pay it forward
- Repeat a role to build on experience
Learning opportunities:
- Learn more about the Toastmasters program
- Learn more about how District Leadership runs District 26
- Learn to work with others
- Leadership and mentoring other Toastmasters Leaders and team members
- Learn about communication styles and leading per people’s preferences
- Learn how to motivate others in a volunteer role
- Learn to lead District-level events, such as TLI and Speech Contests
Transferable skills:
Communication skills, presentation skills, time management skills, computer and online skills, financial management skills, people skills, leadership skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, collaboration skills
If those are not enough, please read “Where Leaders Are Made“, by Lark Doley, DTM, PIP.
List of Elected Roles
Elected positions include any of the eight Division Director positions, Club Growth Director, Program Quality Director and District Director (as shown below).
Candidates must meet all qualifications and submit all completed forms to be rendered eligible for nomination.
The Elected Positions are as follows:
Executive Leadership (aka The Trio)
- District Director
- Program Quality Director
- Club Growth Director
Senior Level Leadership
- Denver Division Director
- Eastern Division Director
- Foothills Division Director
- Metro Division Director
- Northern Division Director
- Southern Division Director
- Urban Division Director
- Western Division Director
Appointed (Non-elected) District Leadership Positions
These awesome District Leaders have a passion for Toastmasters. They volunteer their time and skills to help District 26 achieve the mission. The incoming District Director will appoint people to these positions. Please see entire volunteer opportunities list here.
Would you like to help?
- Public Relations Manager – DTM credit
- Administration Manager – DTM credit
- Finance Manager – DTM credit
- Area Director – DTM credit
- Newsletter/Blog Editor
- Social Media Chair
- Speakers Bureau Chair
- Webmaster
- Logistics Manager
- Web Team
- Tech Team
- … and many more
