Page 2 - Voices Jun2015
P. 2
king Back—Looking Forward. . .
Phyllis Harmon, DTM—District Governor
When I first joined Toastmasters back in February 2008, I had no idea that
I would eventually serve as District Governor, managing one of the finest
districts in Region 2. I'd only been in Toastmasters about 6 months when I was elected to
replace the VP Membership in my home club. The election was my doorway to the wider
world of Toastmasters. I attended my first conference where I met Lynda Sloan, whom I
shamelessly lobbied to let me be on the next conference committee. It was the first of
many conferences and training events I worked on as go-fer, education coordinator,
conference chair, or hospitality coordinator. Along the way, I learned how to lead, follow
(yes, leaders must know when to follow), collaborate with those I worked with shoulder to
shoulder, and coach those I recruited to replace me as I moved along the leadership path.
My mentors were as numerous as the proverbial grains of sand including Cathey Armillas
who taught me to pay attention to detail, layout, and design; Maria Lee who taught me
the finer points of collaboration; Scott Stevenson who taught me how to be creative
within budget limitations; Gary Schmidt who taught me the power of non-reaction; and
Rose Wellman who taught me to always ask "how will your actions benefit the members."
In a few more days, District leadership passes to a new team. And what a team they are!
Michelle Alba Lim, DTM, will be the first District Director. She brings her sense of humor
and easy management style to the leadership team. Leanna Lindquist, DTM will be the
Program Quality Director. Leanna is a creative strategist. She plans for success and then
develops strategies that make reaching her goals appear almost effortless. I anticipate
that the members will have many opportunities to work towards their own successes
through in-person trainings and webinars. Erik Bergman, DTM joins the team as Club
Growth Director. With a background in public relations and marketing, Erik brings
experience in team management, communication, and client relations to his role. I
anticipate that he will be very effective in working with business leaders and growing the
Toastmasters brand.
As for me, I'm not going anywhere. Next year I'll serve as the Immediate Past District
Governor, providing coaching to the new team. Beyond that, I'll continue as the editor-in-
chief of Voices!. I'll chair the nominating committee, and once again, serve the district as
Education Coordinator. I want to thank you for your support this past three years. Now
let's join hands and walk together into the future of District 7.
2
Phyllis Harmon, DTM—District Governor
When I first joined Toastmasters back in February 2008, I had no idea that
I would eventually serve as District Governor, managing one of the finest
districts in Region 2. I'd only been in Toastmasters about 6 months when I was elected to
replace the VP Membership in my home club. The election was my doorway to the wider
world of Toastmasters. I attended my first conference where I met Lynda Sloan, whom I
shamelessly lobbied to let me be on the next conference committee. It was the first of
many conferences and training events I worked on as go-fer, education coordinator,
conference chair, or hospitality coordinator. Along the way, I learned how to lead, follow
(yes, leaders must know when to follow), collaborate with those I worked with shoulder to
shoulder, and coach those I recruited to replace me as I moved along the leadership path.
My mentors were as numerous as the proverbial grains of sand including Cathey Armillas
who taught me to pay attention to detail, layout, and design; Maria Lee who taught me
the finer points of collaboration; Scott Stevenson who taught me how to be creative
within budget limitations; Gary Schmidt who taught me the power of non-reaction; and
Rose Wellman who taught me to always ask "how will your actions benefit the members."
In a few more days, District leadership passes to a new team. And what a team they are!
Michelle Alba Lim, DTM, will be the first District Director. She brings her sense of humor
and easy management style to the leadership team. Leanna Lindquist, DTM will be the
Program Quality Director. Leanna is a creative strategist. She plans for success and then
develops strategies that make reaching her goals appear almost effortless. I anticipate
that the members will have many opportunities to work towards their own successes
through in-person trainings and webinars. Erik Bergman, DTM joins the team as Club
Growth Director. With a background in public relations and marketing, Erik brings
experience in team management, communication, and client relations to his role. I
anticipate that he will be very effective in working with business leaders and growing the
Toastmasters brand.
As for me, I'm not going anywhere. Next year I'll serve as the Immediate Past District
Governor, providing coaching to the new team. Beyond that, I'll continue as the editor-in-
chief of Voices!. I'll chair the nominating committee, and once again, serve the district as
Education Coordinator. I want to thank you for your support this past three years. Now
let's join hands and walk together into the future of District 7.
2
