Toastmasters International Executive and Leadership Team

Fidelis Akanang, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Toastmasters International, directs the overarching strategic vision for this global educational nonprofit. Akanang architects long-term growth initiatives that expand the reach of public speaking training across 150 countries. By aligning organizational resources with the core mission of building member confidence, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence within the vast network of 14,000 clubs. Fidelis Akanang maintains rigorous standards for educational curriculum development, facilitating consistent member experiences regardless of geographic location. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the nonprofit business model, ensuring financial sustainability while scaling the impact of communication programs. Through the implementation of hybrid and online club structures, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer adapts the organization to modern digital demands, securing the future of professional development for members worldwide.

Jonathan Lam, the Chief Financial Officer at Toastmasters International, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for this expansive educational organization. Lam oversees global budgetary planning, ensuring that membership dues and operational funds support the delivery of high-quality public speaking resources. By monitoring international revenue streams, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability required to sustain 14,000 clubs across diverse markets. Jonathan Lam executes complex financial strategies that optimize cost-efficiency while funding the development of new educational materials and digital platforms. This role requires close coordination with regional leadership to ensure fiscal compliance and transparency across all international operations. Through meticulous oversight of assets and expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer drives the long-term viability of the nonprofit, enabling the organization to continue providing accessible communication training to over 270,000 members globally.

Nellaiappan Pillai, the President, Charter Human Resources Connexions-Toast Masters Club at Toastmasters International, leads local initiatives focused on professional communication development. Pillai directs club operations, ensuring that members receive consistent feedback and structured opportunities to refine public speaking skills. By fostering a supportive environment, the President, Charter Human Resources Connexions-Toast Masters Club facilitates the achievement of individual communication goals within the corporate sector. Nellaiappan Pillai manages meeting logistics, membership engagement, and the implementation of the organization's educational curriculum. This leadership role involves mentoring participants to improve impromptu speaking and presentation delivery, directly contributing to the professional growth of club members. Through the active promotion of the nonprofit's values, the President, Charter Human Resources Connexions-Toast Masters Club strengthens the local network, ensuring that the club remains a vital resource for skill acquisition and confidence building.

Elana Phelps, the President of Primary Conversations Toastmasters Club at Toastmasters International, oversees the daily administration and educational programming for this specific community club. Phelps drives member participation by organizing regular speaking sessions and constructive evaluation workshops. By maintaining a focus on the organization's core mission, the President of Primary Conversations Toastmasters Club ensures that every member gains practical experience in public speaking and leadership. Elana Phelps coordinates club activities, manages membership growth, and fosters an inclusive environment for diverse participants. This leadership role involves facilitating the transition of new members into the educational program, providing the necessary guidance to help individuals reach their communication milestones. Through consistent engagement and strategic planning, the President of Primary Conversations Toastmasters Club supports the broader organizational goal of empowering individuals to communicate with clarity and confidence in both personal and professional settings.

Martha Drescher, the President of Delraynewsmakers at Toastmasters International, leads the strategic direction and member experience for this specific club. Drescher manages the execution of the educational curriculum, ensuring that all members have access to high-quality feedback and speaking opportunities. By overseeing club meetings and member development, the President of Delraynewsmakers cultivates a culture of continuous improvement and public speaking excellence. Martha Drescher facilitates the integration of new members into the club, providing the support necessary for individuals to achieve their communication objectives. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional representatives to align club activities with the global standards of the organization. Through dedicated mentorship and operational oversight, the President of Delraynewsmakers drives member retention and satisfaction, ensuring that the club remains a highly effective environment for building confidence and professional communication skills within the local community.

Irina Filatova, the President at Toastmasters International, directs the operational and educational activities for a designated club within the global network. Filatova manages the delivery of the organization's core training programs, ensuring that members receive consistent opportunities to practice public speaking and receive constructive feedback. By overseeing club meetings and member engagement, the President fosters a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth. Irina Filatova coordinates with other club leaders to share best practices and maintain the high standards of the nonprofit. This leadership role involves facilitating the development of communication skills, from impromptu speaking to formal presentation delivery. Through active management and strategic planning, the President ensures that the club effectively serves its members, contributing to the overall mission of building confidence and communication proficiency across the organization's vast international footprint.

Walter Long, the Member, Club President at Toastmasters International, leads the administrative and educational functions for a local club. Long directs the implementation of the organization's communication curriculum, ensuring that members have the resources needed to improve their public speaking abilities. By overseeing club meetings and fostering a collaborative atmosphere, the Member, Club President supports the professional development of all participants. Walter Long manages membership growth and engagement, ensuring that the club remains a vibrant space for skill acquisition. This leadership role involves providing constructive feedback and mentoring members as individuals work toward their communication goals. Through consistent operational oversight and a commitment to the nonprofit's mission, the Member, Club President drives the success of the club, helping members build the confidence necessary to excel in diverse professional and community environments.

Liza Zemliana, the President at Toastmasters International, oversees the leadership and educational programming for a specific club. Zemliana directs the execution of the organization's training modules, ensuring that members gain practical experience in public speaking and leadership. By managing club operations and fostering a supportive environment, the President enables members to achieve their personal communication goals. Liza Zemliana coordinates meeting schedules, facilitates feedback sessions, and encourages active participation among all members. This leadership role involves maintaining the quality of the educational experience, ensuring that the club adheres to the standards set by the global organization. Through strategic management and a focus on member development, the President drives the success of the club, contributing to the broader mission of building confidence and communication proficiency within the international network of clubs.

Rashi Kushwaha, the Club President Sol at Toastmasters International, manages the operations and educational activities for a specific club. Kushwaha directs the implementation of the organization's training programs, ensuring that members receive consistent opportunities to refine their public speaking and leadership skills. By overseeing club meetings and fostering a supportive environment, the Club President Sol enables members to achieve their communication objectives. Rashi Kushwaha coordinates with other club leaders to share best practices and maintain the high standards of the nonprofit. This leadership role involves facilitating the development of communication skills, from impromptu speaking to formal presentation delivery. Through active management and strategic planning, the Club President Sol ensures that the club effectively serves its members, contributing to the overall mission of building confidence and communication proficiency across the organization's international network.

Bhavna Rehni, the Charter Member at Toastmasters International, provides foundational leadership and guidance for a newly established club. Rehni directs the initial setup and operational framework, ensuring that the club aligns with the organization's global standards for public speaking training. By mentoring new members and establishing a culture of constructive feedback, the Charter Member facilitates the early success of the club. Bhavna Rehni coordinates with regional leadership to ensure that the club has the necessary resources to support member growth. This leadership role involves promoting the benefits of the organization and encouraging participation in the educational curriculum. Through active involvement and strategic planning, the Charter Member helps build a sustainable environment where individuals can develop their communication skills and confidence, contributing to the long-term impact of the nonprofit within the local community.