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 the organization with modern communication demands, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the network of 14,000 clubs remains relevant for diverse professional interests. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine educational curricula and membership models. Fidelis Akanang drives operational efficiency by overseeing the integration of hybrid and online club formats into the core business model. Through these efforts, the executive secures the organization's position as a leader in personal development. Ultimately, Akanang maintains the integrity of the mission while scaling the impact of the educational programs to reach new global audiences.

Batanda Kayondo, the Club President - Exceed Toastmasters at Toastmasters International, manages the operational success of specific club environments. Kayondo executes local strategies that facilitate member engagement and speech delivery within the Exceed Toastmasters framework. By fostering a supportive atmosphere, the Club President - Exceed Toastmasters ensures that every participant receives constructive feedback to meet personal communication goals. This role requires balancing administrative duties with the promotion of educational pathways provided by the organization. Batanda Kayondo drives membership retention by implementing structured meeting agendas and mentorship programs tailored to the needs of the local community. Through consistent oversight of club activities, the executive supports the broader mission of building confidence in public speaking. Ultimately, Kayondo strengthens the organizational footprint by cultivating a high-performing environment where members consistently achieve their professional and personal speaking milestones.

Mridula Sengupta, the President at Toastmasters International, oversees the governance and strategic direction of club-level operations. Sengupta architects initiatives that enhance the quality of educational delivery within the network. By coordinating with regional leaders, the President ensures that the organization maintains high standards for speech preparation and impromptu speaking exercises. This leadership role involves driving member participation through targeted outreach and the promotion of the nonprofit's core values. Mridula Sengupta executes operational plans that support the expansion of club resources, ensuring that members across various geographies access consistent training materials. Through the management of club dynamics, the executive fosters an environment conducive to professional growth and leadership development. Ultimately, Sengupta secures the long-term sustainability of the club network by aligning local activities with the overarching mission of Toastmasters International to empower individuals through effective communication.

Ken Holzhausen, the President at Toastmasters International, manages the strategic implementation of educational programs within the club network. Holzhausen drives the adoption of new communication modules that help members refine their public speaking and leadership capabilities. By overseeing the administrative functions of the club, the President ensures that all members receive the necessary support to achieve their personal development goals. This role involves collaborating with other leaders to optimize the delivery of constructive feedback sessions. Ken Holzhausen executes operational improvements that streamline the member experience, particularly in hybrid and online environments. Through the careful management of club resources, the executive supports the organization's mission to provide a global platform for skill acquisition. Ultimately, Holzhausen strengthens the community by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring that every member has the tools required for successful communication.

Khutjo Lebelo, the Club President Naledi Polokwane Toastmasters at Toastmasters International, directs the daily operations and member development for this specific regional entity. Lebelo architects programs that encourage active participation in speech delivery and impromptu speaking sessions. By maintaining a supportive environment, the Club President Naledi Polokwane Toastmasters ensures that members effectively utilize the organization's educational resources to build confidence. This role involves driving local engagement and managing the administrative requirements of the club to ensure alignment with global standards. Khutjo Lebelo executes strategies that promote the value of public speaking within the community, thereby increasing membership and fostering professional growth. Through the oversight of club meetings and mentorship initiatives, the executive supports the broader mission of the nonprofit. Ultimately, Lebelo secures the success of the club by creating a consistent and high-quality experience for all participants.

Annika Piazza, the Toastmaster Club President and Mentor at Toastmasters International, oversees the dual responsibility of club governance and individual member development. Piazza architects mentorship frameworks that pair experienced speakers with newer members to accelerate skill acquisition. By directing the educational focus of the club, the Toastmaster Club President and Mentor ensures that all participants receive tailored feedback to improve their public speaking and leadership abilities. This role involves driving the implementation of the organization's curriculum to meet diverse member needs. Annika Piazza executes operational plans that maintain high engagement levels and foster a culture of continuous learning. Through the management of club activities, the executive supports the nonprofit's mission to provide a supportive environment for personal growth. Ultimately, Piazza secures the effectiveness of the club by ensuring that every member has access to high-quality guidance and structured speaking opportunities.

Elana Phelps, the President of Primary Conversations Toastmasters Club at Toastmasters International, manages the strategic operations and member experience for this specific club. Phelps architects meeting structures that prioritize effective communication and leadership development. By overseeing the club's educational activities, the President of Primary Conversations Toastmasters Club ensures that members successfully navigate the organization's training pathways. This role involves driving member retention through the creation of a supportive and constructive environment. Elana Phelps executes operational strategies that align local club goals with the broader mission of the nonprofit. Through the management of club resources and member feedback, the executive fosters a culture of excellence in public speaking. Ultimately, Phelps secures the club's impact by providing a consistent platform for individuals to achieve their professional and personal communication objectives within the global network.

Tatiana Quezada, the President & Toastmasters Database Administrator at Toastmasters International, directs both the leadership of the club and the technical management of member data. Quezada architects systems that track member progress and educational achievements, ensuring accurate reporting across the organization. By overseeing the administrative and technical aspects of the club, the President & Toastmasters Database Administrator ensures that members have seamless access to their training records. This role involves driving the integration of data-driven insights to improve club performance and member engagement. Tatiana Quezada executes operational plans that leverage technology to support the nonprofit's mission of building confidence through public speaking. Through the management of both human and digital resources, the executive supports the organization's global reach. Ultimately, Quezada secures the efficiency of the club by maintaining robust systems that facilitate the personal and professional growth of every member.

Martha Drescher, the President of Delraynewsmakers at Toastmasters International, manages the operational and educational success of the club. Drescher architects meeting agendas that focus on high-impact public speaking and leadership training. By overseeing the club's activities, the President of Delraynewsmakers ensures that members receive the constructive feedback necessary to achieve their communication goals. This role involves driving member participation and fostering a supportive environment that encourages personal development. Martha Drescher executes strategies that align the club's performance with the nonprofit's global standards for excellence. Through the management of club dynamics and member mentorship, the executive supports the organization's mission to empower individuals. Ultimately, Drescher secures the club's reputation by providing a consistent and effective platform for members to refine their skills and gain confidence in their professional and personal lives.

Jeff Arnette, the President of Speaking On Purpose Virtual Toastmasters Club at Toastmasters International, directs the operations of this digital-first club. Arnette architects virtual meeting environments that facilitate effective public speaking and leadership training for a remote membership. By overseeing the club's online activities, the President of Speaking On Purpose Virtual Toastmasters Club ensures that members receive high-quality feedback and educational support regardless of their location. This role involves driving the adoption of digital tools to enhance the member experience and expand the club's reach. Jeff Arnette executes operational strategies that maintain a strong sense of community in a virtual setting. Through the management of online resources, the executive supports the nonprofit's mission to provide accessible communication training. Ultimately, Arnette secures the success of the club by leveraging technology to empower members to achieve their professional and personal speaking goals.