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.
Joseph Phillips, DTM
Why Toastmasters?
I have served as Treasurer and Sergeant at Arms. At the district level, I’ve held roles as Area and Division Director, Program Quality Director, and District Director in 2016–2017. Under my leadership from 2015 to 2017, District 11 achieved Distinguished Recognition. I use my Toastmasters skills when interacting with individuals overseas as I serve on the mission field and volunteer as a tax preparer for seniors.
I am a retired military officer and also retired from United Way of Central Indiana.
In my free time, I enjoy gardening, reading, traveling, and volunteering as a senior tax preparer.
Amy Poole, DTM
Why Toastmasters?
I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a Master’s degree in Business Communication. I also hold certifications in SAFe, Project Management, Scrum Master, Product Owner, and SAFe Agilist. I have served as Club President, Vice President of Education, and as an Area Governor.
I take pride in ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. I’m known for my ability to explain things in multiple ways, helping ensure that everyone receives the same message clearly.
I’m passionate about Toastmasters and its mission. I want to share my leadership experiences to help build and inspire future leaders.
LaDonna Hacker, EH5
Why Toastmasters?
I am approaching 35 years at GE/GE Appliances, with 23 of those as an hourly employee. I could work 8 to 12 hours without speaking to anyone, as I have always been extremely shy and introverted, experiencing anxiety, rambling, nausea, and shortness of breath. I used to walk with my gaze fixed on the ground, avoiding eye contact with those I passed.
In 2002, I became certified as an EMT, not fully considering the need to communicate with patients. Although I improved over the years, public speaking remained a significant challenge. After transferring to Louisville for work in 2015, I pushed myself to smile or greet one new person each day. Meetings, especially with my team or the Chief Procurement Officer, were daunting; I would keep my head down, hoping to avoid being called upon.
Determined to overcome this, I discovered Toastmasters in 2016 after seeing a poster. While I still experience anxiety, I’ve delivered several successful speeches, though occasionally I might freeze or lose my train of thought. I am thankful for the support of my Toastmasters groups over the years, which has been instrumental in my progress.
What are your hobbies and passion?
I am passionate about advocating for the less fortunate and always strive to protect the underdog. I believe that every person is important, and we should never ignore those who are unable to help themselves. No child ever dreams of a future burdened with addiction or isolation. I serve on the leadership committee for Caring for Aging Parents, where we offer webinars, discussions, and open forums on topics such as home healthcare and Advanced Directives. I am also enrolled in Bible School, pursuing a license in Women’s Ministry, with a focus on aiding women of all ages who have been rescued from sex trafficking, have left the adult entertainment industry, are overcoming addictions, or are escaping domestic violence.
Office managers are responsible for keeping an office running smoothly and overseeing administrative support. The job can range widely in duties and responsibilities, from reception, copy editing and support, to handling a specific type of paperwork or filing for a specific department.
In Toastmasters you have the opportunity to learn about the various positions and gain experience that is used in real world situations.
This is a great opportunity to help so many and pass on to others.
Patricia Pick-Franke
Why Toastmasters?
Patty is a bold truth-teller, a seasoned marketing communicator, and a mindset transformer who lives by one core belief: the impossible is always possible.
She’s not here to lecture, she’s here to light you up. Known for her calm yet playful spirit with deep wisdom, she is a catalyst for radical self-expression, teaching others to break out of the boxes they’ve lived in. She loves the opportunities that toastmasters offer as her participation always challenges her to do what she wouldn’t do otherwise. She dares you to see what happens when you too stop holding yourself back.
David Klopfenstein, DTM
Why Toastmasters?
I’ve discovered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a place where I can learn to be a better person, explore new possibilities, and above all, help others on their journey. What more could one desire? It is often said, “Keep your eyes and ears open, and life will teach you everything you need to know.”
Find your purpose, your passion, your unique place in the world…and fight for it.
Jude Gallagher, MS5, DL5, EH4, VC1
Why Toastmasters?
I’m Jude Gallagher, MBA, PA-C, an accomplished healthcare executive with over 40 years of experience across both healthcare provider and payer systems. I specialize in clinical strategy development, program design, quality improvement, and operational oversight, and I have a strong track record of leading complex initiatives to success.
Outside of my professional work, I’m actively involved in supporting community non-profits. I’m a proud member of Impact 100 Louisville and Hosparus Health. I joined Toastmasters in 2018 and have served in leadership roles as a Club Officer in the St. Matthews Lyndon Toastmasters Club, as well as Area and Division Director within District 11.
I’m passionate about empowering others through mentoring and the personal growth opportunities Toastmasters provides.
When I’m not involved in community programs, I enjoy hiking the trails of the Northeast with my husband, Brian, and our four-legged companion—a Spinone Italiano named Sally.
Division A
Why Toastmasters?
I have been a proud member of Anthony Wayne Toastmasters Club #521 in Fort Wayne, IN since April 2023. I joined Toastmasters to sharpen my speaking skills—at the encouragement of my coach—and quickly discovered that it offers far more than public speaking.
In 2024, I was honored to win the District-level International Speech Contest, which fueled my commitment to pursue the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation. I served as an Area Director during the 2024–2025 program year, where I further developed my leadership and communication abilities.
Now, as Division A Director, my role is to support and empower the Area Directors across Areas 11, 12, 13, and 14.
My goal is to equip them with the tools, encouragement, and guidance they need to help their clubs grow and thrive.
I’m passionate about seeing Toastmasters become the first place people turn to when they want to strengthen their leadership, communication, and public speaking skills.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve and support Division A this year!
Tia Davis, MS1 is Area Director for 5 clubs:
3. The Great Communicators of Northwest Indiana
5. Lake Effect Toastmasters Club
Ronald Foster, MS2 is the Area Director for 4 clubs:
3. Notre Dame Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I joined Toastmasters to grow as a communicator and leader, but what has kept me going is the passion, purpose, and people. As Area 12 Director, my mission is to help every club thrive, grow membership, and champion the Toastmasters vision of building confident speakers and leaders. I’m also committed to identifying opportunities to launch new clubs in Elkhart County and throughout Area 12, thereby expanding our impact across the community.
Mark Nielson is Area Director for 4 clubs:
1. Lunchtime Speaking To Succeed
2. ZimmerBiomet Toastmasters Club
3. Virtual Voices Aspiring Toastmasters (VVAT) Club
4. TBA
Why Toastmasters?
I
Greg McCrory is Area Director of 4 Clubs:
2. Bob Leiman Toastmasters Club
3. Wall Street Speak-Easy Club
5. Four Score and Seven Speeches Ago
Why Toastmasters?
I’ve been a Toastmaster for just over two years and have had the privilege of serving as Club Secretary, Club President, and Area 31 Director. In the upcoming Toastmasters year, I’m excited to continue serving as the Area 14 Director. Although I had known about Toastmasters for years, it was my wife Dawn who finally gave me the nudge to join—and I’m glad she did.
This year, I’m looking forward to supporting clubs across the Fort Wayne area and encouraging new club growth in Indiana’s second largest city.
Division B
Why Toastmasters?
I am an Associate Director of the Business Opportunity Program (BOP) at Purdue University. I’m originally from Gainesville, FL, and earned my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business from Florida A&M University. I later completed my Master’s in Agricultural Education at Purdue. I’m actively involved in several organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma, Inc., the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, and Toastmasters International. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, and staying active through exercise.
I joined Toastmasters to refine my public speaking skills and to develop leadership abilities that are transferable across various settings. As Division B Director, my goal is to help area clubs reach their membership and educational objectives.
TBA is the Area Director for 3 Clubs:
1. Donald A. Campbell Lafayette Toastmaster Club
2. Nora Toastmasters By the Pyramids
3. Hanna Center Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I
Mandy W Grover, IP4 is Area Director for 5 clubs:
2. Toastmasters Club of Fishers
3. Roche Indianapolis Toastmasters
5. City of Fishers Toastmasters
Adele Borders, DTM is the Area Director for 6 clubs:
3. St. Luke’s Toastmaster Club
6. Westfield Toastmasters Club
Division C
Why Toastmasters?
I joined Toastmasters on the advice of a consultant. I wanted to become a speaker to groups. Along life’s journey, one must adapt and learn. My club has helped to develop my speaking style and my voice, as well as receiving feedback to become stronger in other areas. I do appreciate my fellow Toastmasters in assisting me with presentations at my church and job.
Recently, I was asked if I were a former teacher when I was instructing an employee. I smiled. Toastmasters. I continued to be a Toastmaster because I am constantly learning. Through my club’s support, I began to take on leadership challenges. I am recognized as a leader, mentor, and coach at church and work. I never would have dream of being where I am at without the support and encouragement of Toastmasters. I am still learning.
My goals are to focus upon membership retention and growth within the Division. Not only to help the clubs become distinguished, in which it will help promote the individual club, I and my team of Area Directors will do to support, encourage, and build a foundation of fellowship with club leadership and members to let them know that we are part of the team in helping individuals become better leaders and better communicators.
My personal goal is to become a DTM. I discovered that I have completed much of the requirements previously. Therefore, GO FOR IT!!
Laura Anderson, DTM is the Area Director of 4 Clubs
2. Dynamic Club
3. Indy Free Speakers Toastmasters Club
4. Transformers
Jose Iege, PM4 is Area Director for 4 clubs:
1. Greenfield Toastmaster Club
2. Fort Harrison Toastmasters Club
Anna Riley is Area Director for 4 clubs:
2. Roadmasters
Why Toastmasters?
I work at Eli Lilly and Company in Analytical Sciences and Quality Control Operations and have M.S. in Pharmacology and a B.A. in Biochemistry. I’ve been a part of the Lilly Technology Center Toastmasters Club for many years. I have held a number of officer roles including V.P. of PR, President, and my current role is V.P. of Education. I like helping others achieve their goals within Toastmasters through Pathways and mentoring for their career objectives.
“I get really excited seeing people who were afraid to speak or had some distracting mannerisms before grow and become polished speakers”.
During my term as Area Director, I hope to work with downtown clubs to help them meet their Distinguished (or better) Club Goals.
Korlon Kilpatrick II is Area Director for 4 clubs:
2. Leadership Outreach Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I serve as Director of Regulatory and External Affairs at Citizens Energy Group, a utility holding company based in Indianapolis, Indiana. In this role, I lead the development and execution of regulatory strategies for the company’s seven regulated utilities and oversee the preparation and management of rate and regulatory filings. I have also served as a witness in nine general rate cases—directing three—and have managed numerous additional regulatory proceedings.
I contribute actively to the Indianapolis community, currently serving as Treasurer for both Flanner House of Indianapolis and Downtown Indianapolis, Inc., and as a member of the investment committee of Lynx Capital. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, I have also completed the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series (Class XXXI) and the Tobias Fellows Program (Class of 2013). I live in Carmel, Indiana, with my wife and two children.
My goal for the upcoming Toastmaster year is to have each of the clubs in my area achieve a distinguished club status.
Division D
Why Toastmasters?
I’m Jude Gallagher, MBA, PA-C, an accomplished healthcare executive with over 40 years of experience across both healthcare provider and payer systems. I specialize in clinical strategy development, program design, quality improvement, and operational oversight, and I have a strong track record of leading complex initiatives to success.
Outside of my professional work, I’m actively involved in supporting community non-profits. I’m a proud member of Impact 100 Louisville and Hosparus Health. I joined Toastmasters in 2018 and have served in leadership roles as a Club Officer in the St. Matthews Lyndon Toastmasters Club, as well as Area and Division Director within District 11.
I’m passionate about empowering others through mentoring and the personal growth opportunities Toastmasters provides.
When I’m not involved in community programs, I enjoy hiking the trails of the Northeast with my husband, Brian, and our four-legged companion—a Spinone Italiano named Sally.
Roopesh Nichenametla is the Area Director of 6 Clubs:
4. Speaking Eagles Toastmasters Club
5. Humana’s Guiding Voices Club
6. Peace Speakers Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I discovered Toastmasters by chance, but it quickly became a pivotal part of my personal and professional growth. Having always considered myself introverted and hesitant to speak in group settings, I joined Toastmasters in 2023 to confront that fear and become a more confident communicator.
Professionally, I work as a Business Intelligence Analyst, where I analyze complex data to uncover meaningful insights. This role demands both precision and clarity in communication—skills I’ve been sharpening through Toastmasters. Within six months of joining, I embraced the opportunity to serve as Vice President of Public Relations for my club during the 2024–2025 term, helping amplify our club’s presence and connect with a broader community.
Toastmasters have been a transformative experience. The growth I’ve seen in myself is profound, and I’m committed to continuing this journey. My current goal is to elevate not only my public speaking and leadership skills but also to contribute actively to the success of fellow members and neighboring clubs.
Outside of Toastmasters, I enjoy creative pursuits like playing the violin, photography, digital art, and reading. I also unwind with PC and mobile gaming, embracing both strategy and storytelling in virtual worlds
TBA is Area Director for 6 clubs:
4. Kentuckiana Women in Leadership
6. Gaseous Discussers
Why Toastmasters?
I
TBA is Area Director for 4 clubs:
4. Norton Brownsboro Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I
TBA is Area Director for 5 clubs:
1. St. Matthews/Lyndon Toastmasters Club
2. Legendary Communicators’ Club
3. GE Appliance Park Toastmasters
Why Toastmasters?
I
Division E
Why Toastmasters?
I joined Toastmasters in 2013. I look forward to serving Toastmasters members and future members as Division Director this year. I am a member of the Pioneer 17 Club, the High Noon Club, and the PMIWDC#01 club (district 29). I’ve served in most club offices. I was area director 2024-2025 and district conference chair 2023-2024. I treasure relationships I build with team members and mentors. My Toastmasters experience has taught me to listen and to be more receptive to feedback. At Toastmasters I continue improving my communication and leadership skills.
Stacy Herald is Area Director of 4 Clubs:
1. Pioneer Club
2. Greenwood Woodman Toastmasters Club
Why Toastmasters?
I am a lifelong resident of Indiana. I earned my BS undergraduate degree from Indiana State University with a major in Psychology, a minor in Criminology, and my MSW from Indiana University. I worked for the State of Indiana for 14 years as a Family Case Manager through the Department of Child Services. While working for DCS, I obtained my Indiana Real Estate License. I am a full-time, professionally coached, licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams. I have been a member of Toastmasters for six years. I joined Toastmasters to become a better speaker and leader. Every meeting is fun and exciting.
Ruth Schmidt, EC5, PM5 is Acting Area Director of 4 Clubs:
1. Bloomington Good Morning Club
3. High Noon Toastmasters Club
4. Cookmasters
Why Toastmasters?
I joined Toastmasters in 2013. I look forward to serving Toastmasters members and future members as Division Director this year. I am a member of the Pioneer 17 Club, the High Noon Club, and the PMIWDC#01 club (district 29). I’ve served in most club offices. I was area director 2024-2025 and district conference chair 2023-2024. I treasure relationships I build with team members and mentors. My Toastmasters experience has taught me to listen and to be more receptive to feedback. At Toastmasters I continue improving my communication and leadership skills.
Sean O’Neal is Area Director of 5 clubs: