
Meet our 2022-2023 Leaders
District Leaderships are all volunteer opportunities to get hands on leadership training and practice. Some positions are voted for by the district toastmaster members, and others are appointed by a District Leader. It is an honor to serve and lead our District.
DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Mark Mandel, DTM

I joined toastmasters in 2001 while having seen how this program has benefited myself and others. I am “living the dream” through my club Vineyard Toastmasters and District 11. I’m learning and watching others grow.
English born and living in Indianapolis with my long suffering wife Mindy and two college bound children (Alex and Heather). I am a safety leader by day in addition to my toastmaster addiction.
My goal for this year is to have fun and learn along the way.
Program Quality Director
Club Growth Director


Rick Holtmeier, DTM
Why Toastmasters?
I joined Toastmasters in 1988 in New Jersey with an objective to be more comfortable speaking in public. Shortly thereafter, a leadership path was added. That in itself was unexpected. However, the biggest unexpected benefit for me was the joy that I get when Toastmasters I have advised, formally or informally, succeed!
What are your hobbies and passions?
There are two main hobbies I enjoy: The first is genealogy, having traced parts of my family back to the 15th century. The second is antique vehicles and in the furtherance of that hobby, I am a Senior Master Judge for the Antique Automobile Club of America.
The #1 thing I want to tell everyone is: “When you get overwhelmed, seek help. Help can always be found from fellow Toastmasters.”
Carol Crouse, DTM
Why Toastmasters?
As a seasoned Toastmaster for over 20 years, I have taken several leadership positions in the clubs I’ve belonged to: Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations. My organizational and people skills are a good fit for my most recent office, Vice President Education.
I was singled out by a highly respected, longtime Toastmaster Marlene Purdy to reluctantly filling in as Area 11 Director in 2014 and over the next few years as Area Director for Area 12.
During my tenure several areas earned Distinguished and President’s Distinguished status.
I have served as Division Director, Web Master and on the Realignment Committee.
What are your hobbies and passions?
My philosophy is that it is easier to rebuild a club than to start a new one, though I have helped to start several new clubs.
Pickle-ball is my passion! I love to play! I have an old coin collection and collect horse statures from the past. Three or 4 day road trips are always in my view!
Public Relations Manager
Administration Manager
Finance Manager
Immediate Past District Director
David Klopfenstein, DTM
Why Toastmasters?
I joined Toastmasters in 1996 while in Florida on the recommendation of a friend, and absolutely loved the camaraderie of the environment. Now a member of two clubs, one in Indiana and one in Florida, I feel Toastmasters is my family who helps others along the journey of life. Together, we do make a difference.
What are your hobbies and passions?
Gardening when the weather permits, working on, designing, and setting up a pond in my backyard. Another passion is Karaoke. Did you know that Karaoke is another form of communication that helps with presenting oneself?
Find your purpose, your passion, your unique place in the world…and fight for it.
Anyone interested in being part of an awesome team in promoting Toastmasters, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did!
Position is OPEN
If you are interested in this role to earn your DTM or just practice your leadership skills, please contact Mark Mandel, District Director

Position is OPEN
If you are interested in this role to earn your DTM or just practice your leadership skills, please contact Mark Mandel, District Director

Scott Brown, DTM
Why Toastmasters?
When I first walked into the Altamonte Articulators in May 2012, I had no idea what to expect. In the past 9+ years, Toastmasters has helped me find my voice by giving me a platform to help others find their voice. I never expected to find a tribe, or build a family, let alone learn to love speaking from a stage, but that’s exactly what I found.
I don’t believe Toastmasters was ever intended to be a solo pursuit. It is always best when experienced as a community. I have learned this year how the distance between members can impact not just the health of clubs, but more importantly, the health of individuals.
Division Directors
Division A
Why Toastmasters?
I joined the Toastmasters for Life corporate club at Old National Bank as a founding member in 2014 and spent several years there as President until their merger with Crescent City Toastmasters earlier this year. Toastmasters is the best place to conquer fear of public speaking, sharpen improvisation skills, and have a good time with a diverse group of friendly faces. I look forward to learning all the clubs in Division A and doing what I can to keep the division strong and growing.
What are your hobbies and passions?
I love to read and write fantasy stories and I collect legends and folktales as inspiration for Toastmasters speeches and Dungeons & Dragons games. I play the trombone and euphonium, though it’s been far too long since I’ve taken part in a good polka song. My wife Megan and three-year-old son Theo graciously tolerate my incessant silly songs and stories. During the day I work for Old National Bank as a money laundering investigator.
TBA is Area Director for 5 clubs:
2. The Great Communicators of Northwest Indiana
4. Lake Effect Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
TBA is the Area Director for 6 clubs:
4. Wythougan Toastmasters Club
5. Notre Dame Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
TBA is Area Director for 5 clubs:
1. Fort Wayne/Smoky Montgomery TM Club
2. Bob Leiman Toastmasters Club
4. Vera Bradley Toastmasters
5. ZimmerBiomet Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
TBA is Area 15 Director of 5 Clubs:
1. Anthony Wayne Toastmasters Club
2. Wall Street Speak-Easy Club
3. Lunchtime Speaking to Succeed Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
Division C
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
TBA is the Area Director for 5 Clubs:
2. Leadership Outreach Toastmasters Club
3. Got Toast?
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
TBA is Area Director for 5 clubs:
2. Greenfield Toastmaster Club
3. Fort Harrison Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
James Ryan, PM5 is the Area Director for 5 clubs:
1. Dynamic Club
2. Indy Free Speakers Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined because I wanted to improve my skills as a professional trainer and speaker. I was a professional speaker obtaining fees up to $4000 per day. Now I do birthday parties for kids. On Saturday and Sunday I can usually be found running characters like Chase, Mr. Mouse, or others. Seeing the delight on youngsters faces when their favorite characters arrive fills me with joy. The other days of the week I am likely delivering your lunch or dinner.
What are your hobbies and passions?
I’m currently reading the Kurt Vonnegut collection in honor of his 100th birthday. This year I want to create new friendships.
Division E
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to get more comfortable doing presentations at work, never expecting to meet amazing people that would change my life, making it easier to form friendships as an unexpected benefit.
What are your hobbies and passion?
Christina loves trail running, obstacle course racing, camping and hiking as well as reading, doing puzzles and games to unwind. She is growing her leadership skills with toastmasters with plenty of opportunities to practice.
TBA is the Area Director of 4 Clubs:
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
TBA is Area Director for 5 clubs:
1. Bloomington Good Morning Club
2. Toastmasters Club at Kelly School of Business
4. High Noon Toastmasters Club
5. We’re M.A.D.
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…


TBA is Area Director for 4 clubs:
2. Brownsburg Toastmasters Club
4. X-Masters
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
TBA is Area Director for 5 clubs:
3. Red Engine Toastmasters Club
5. Seymour Toastmasters Club (STC)
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
Division F
Why Toastmasters?
I liked talking to people, but was apprehensive about talking in a big group. Toastmasters has helped me structure my speech very effectively and to deliver it with confidence like never before!
I am working on my goal to network with professionals from different fields and enhance my outlook of the world. The #1 thing I want to tell everyone is: “Stay positive! You are your best coach and your best critic. Believe in yourself and achieve greatness.”
TBA is Area Director for 4 clubs:
1. Speaking Eagles Toastmasters Club
3. Kentuckiana Women in Leadership
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
TBA is Area Director for 5 clubs:
1. New Albany Toastmasters Club
2. Steamboat Toastmasters Club
5. Peace Speakers Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
LaDonna Hacker is Area Director for 4 clubs:
1. St. Matthews/Lyndon Toastmasters Club
2. GE Appliance Park Toastmasters
Why Toastmasters?
I will have 34 years with GE/GE Appliances. Twenty three of that as an hourly employee. I could work 8 – 12 hours and not speak to anyone. I have always been painfully shy and introverted.(Anxious, rambling, nauseous, feel like I could not breathe) I walked looking at the ground not the people I was passing.
In 2002, I received my certification as an EMT. Hmmmmm, didn’t think about having to talk to patients. Over the years got better but still so uncomfortable with speaking publicly. In 2015, I had transferred to Louisville for work. I made myself smile or say hello to one new person each day. I was very intimidated to go to meetings with my team and even more so with Chief Procurement Officer. I would keep my head down or look away and pray no one would ask me a question.
I knew I had to break that. I saw a poster about Toastmaster and went to check it out. That was 2016. I still get anxious. I have a few good speeches in a row and the next one I would freeze up or lose my train of thought. I am grateful for my Toastmasters teams through the years helping me get to where I am today.
What are your hobbies and passion?
Passion for people. I have always been the advocate for those less fortunate. “Watching out for the underdog” so to speak. I feel every person matters and we cannot turn our backs on those who can’t help themselves. I have never heard a child say “When I grow up I want to be under addiction or I want to spend my life alone etc. I am on the leadership committee for Caring for Aging Parents in which we provide webinars, discussions and open forums for topics as home healthcare, Advanced Directives, etc. Enrolled in Bible School for my licensing in Women’s Ministry with focusing on helping women of all ages who have been rescued from sex trafficking, left the adult entertainment business, addictions, and domestic violence.
TBA is Area Director for 4 clubs:
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
Division H
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
TBA is Area Director of 4 Clubs:
1. Donald A. Campbell Lafayette Toastmaster Club
4. Boiler Talks Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
Gena Brady is Area Director of 4 Clubs:
1. Logansport Toastmasters Club
3. Hanna Center Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined In October 2017, I attended my first Toastmasters meeting to become more aware of the organization’s functions and fellowship. An unexpected benefit to Toastmaster’s membership is I’ve have met my principal objective which was to become more adept at speaking to rooms full of adults.
Since 2001, I have held various positions in the education field. Currently, I am a Title One Instructional Assistant at an elementary school in Logansport. I help first, second and third grade students who are dyslexic or struggle with phonics.
What are your hobbies and passions?
I enjoy reading James Patterson Alex Cross novels or true crime novels, hiking in state parks, poetry writing, and traveling.
Leadership is an area I plan to focus on this year. Taking on leadership positions in Toastmasters will give me plenty of opportunities to practice.
TBA is Area Director of 4 Clubs:
4. Power Talkers
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
TBA is Area Director of 4 clubs:
1. Toastmasters Club of Fishers
3. Westfield Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
Shaquana Smiley is Area Director of 5 clubs:
Why Toastmasters?
I joined to…
James Ryan, PM5 is Area Director for 5 clubs:
1. Nora Toastmasters By the Pyramids
3. St. Luke’s Toastmaster Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined because I wanted to improve my skills as a professional trainer and speaker. I was a professional speaker obtaining fees up to $4000 per day. Now I do birthday parties for kids. On Saturday and Sunday I can usually be found running characters like Chase, Mr. Mouse, or others. Seeing the delight on youngsters faces when their favorite characters arrive fills me with joy. The other days of the week I am likely delivering your lunch or dinner.
What are your hobbies and passions?
I’m currently reading the Kurt Vonnegut collection in honor of his 100th birthday. This year I want to create new friendships.