Toastmasters International Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Toastmasters International has 10 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, financial oversight, and club leadership development.

Committed to fostering global communication excellence, Toastmasters International empowers individuals through a structured educational framework that builds confidence and public speaking proficiency across diverse international communities.

Leadership Roles at Toastmasters International

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Fidelis Akanang
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jonathan Lam
  • President, Novartis Club Term 2025 & 2026 (Part Time) - Rosan Esa
  • Immediate President - Mitali Patel
  • President - Shruti Khorgade
  • President - Charvi Paliwal
  • President - Valerie Nava
  • President of UofG Toastmasters (Volunteer) - Alex Godlewski
  • Toastmaster , , Member of Toastmasters International Founder & President (Dtm) - Liru Wang
  • President of ALEBDA Toastmasters Club - Jehad Hattab
  • Fidelis Akanang - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    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 Chief Executive Officer ensures that the educational curriculum remains relevant in a rapidly evolving professional landscape. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain the integrity of the club network while scaling operations to meet rising demand for communication skills. Fidelis Akanang drives the implementation of hybrid club models, ensuring accessibility for members regardless of geographic location. Through rigorous oversight of international expansion, the Chief Executive Officer secures the sustainability of the organization, ultimately fostering a supportive environment where individuals achieve personal and professional communication goals on a massive scale.

    Jonathan Lam - Chief Financial Officer

    Jonathan Lam, the Chief Financial Officer at Toastmasters International, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for this expansive educational network. Lam oversees the financial planning and analysis required to support over 14,000 clubs globally. By optimizing budget distribution, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that educational materials and member support systems receive consistent funding. This role involves monitoring revenue streams from membership dues and international operations to maintain the nonprofit status while investing in digital infrastructure. Jonathan Lam drives financial transparency, providing the Board with accurate data to inform strategic decisions regarding global expansion. Through careful management of assets, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates operational risks and supports the long-term viability of the organization. By balancing cost-efficiency with the need for high-quality training resources, Lam secures the financial foundation necessary for members to thrive in their public speaking journeys across diverse international markets.

    Rosan Esa - President, Novartis Club Term 2025 & 2026 (Part Time)

    Rosan Esa, the President, Novartis Club Term 2025 & 2026 (Part Time) at Toastmasters International, leads the operational execution of club-level educational programs. Esa coordinates the delivery of speech training and impromptu speaking sessions within the corporate environment. By facilitating constructive feedback loops, the President, Novartis Club Term 2025 & 2026 (Part Time) ensures that members meet their specific professional communication objectives. This leadership role involves managing club membership engagement and organizing regular meetings that align with the broader organizational mission of building confidence. Rosan Esa drives the adoption of standardized training modules, tailoring the experience to meet the unique needs of corporate professionals. Through active mentorship and the promotion of a supportive club culture, the President, Novartis Club Term 2025 & 2026 (Part Time) fosters an environment where participants refine their leadership and presentation skills, directly contributing to the overall success of the global Toastmasters network.

    Mitali Patel - Immediate President

    Mitali Patel, the Immediate President at Toastmasters International, provides critical continuity and strategic guidance for club leadership transitions. Patel oversees the transfer of institutional knowledge, ensuring that incoming officers maintain the high standards of the educational program. By advising on best practices for member retention and meeting quality, the Immediate President supports the ongoing development of public speaking skills within the local club structure. This role involves evaluating past performance metrics to refine future meeting agendas and educational outcomes. Mitali Patel drives the implementation of feedback mechanisms that allow members to track their progress toward communication goals. Through consistent support of the current leadership team, the Immediate President ensures that the club remains a vibrant, supportive environment for personal growth. By bridging the gap between past successes and future objectives, Patel secures the stability and effectiveness of the club, reinforcing the organization's commitment to excellence in communication.

    Shruti Khorgade - President

    Shruti Khorgade, the President at Toastmasters International, manages the daily operations and strategic direction of the local club chapter. Khorgade architects the meeting schedule and ensures that every session provides high-value opportunities for members to practice public speaking. By fostering a culture of constructive feedback, the President enables participants to overcome communication challenges and build lasting confidence. This leadership role involves recruiting new members and maintaining the educational standards set by the global organization. Shruti Khorgade drives the execution of club-level events that encourage impromptu speaking and leadership development. Through effective coordination of club officers, the President ensures that all administrative tasks support the primary mission of member growth. By creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, Khorgade facilitates the professional development of individuals, ensuring that the club remains a cornerstone of the community's educational efforts and a vital part of the international network.

    Charvi Paliwal - President

    Charvi Paliwal, the President at Toastmasters International, leads the strategic initiatives for club engagement and educational excellence. Paliwal oversees the implementation of the Toastmasters curriculum, ensuring that members receive consistent training in speech delivery and leadership. By managing the club's internal resources, the President creates a structured environment where individuals can refine their communication skills through regular practice and peer evaluation. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional representatives to align club activities with the broader organizational goals. Charvi Paliwal drives member participation by organizing workshops and specialized sessions that address diverse professional interests. Through the effective management of club meetings, the President ensures that every member has the opportunity to receive constructive feedback and achieve their personal goals. By maintaining high standards of excellence, Paliwal strengthens the club's impact, contributing to the overall success of the global network in empowering individuals to become more effective communicators.

    Valerie Nava - President

    Valerie Nava, the President at Toastmasters International, directs the operational activities and member development programs within the club. Nava architects the educational roadmap for members, ensuring that each individual progresses through the Toastmasters training modules effectively. By overseeing the quality of speech evaluations, the President ensures that members gain actionable insights to improve their public speaking and leadership abilities. This leadership role involves managing the club's administrative functions and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages participation. Valerie Nava drives the growth of the club by promoting the benefits of the educational program to the local community. Through the strategic allocation of meeting time and resources, the President ensures that the club remains a supportive space for personal and professional growth. By maintaining a focus on member success, Nava contributes to the organization's mission of building confidence and communication skills across a diverse and expanding global membership base.

    Alex Godlewski - President of UofG Toastmasters (Volunteer)

    Alex Godlewski, the President of UofG Toastmasters (Volunteer) at Toastmasters International, leads the educational and operational efforts for the university-based club. Godlewski architects programs specifically designed to help students and faculty develop essential public speaking and leadership skills. By managing the club's meeting structure, the President of UofG Toastmasters (Volunteer) ensures that participants receive consistent opportunities to deliver speeches and receive constructive feedback. This leadership role involves building partnerships within the academic community to increase membership and awareness of the Toastmasters mission. Alex Godlewski drives the integration of professional development workshops that prepare members for future career challenges. Through the effective coordination of volunteer efforts, the President of UofG Toastmasters (Volunteer) maintains a high-quality educational environment that supports the personal growth of every member. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Godlewski ensures that the club remains a vital resource for communication training within the university setting.

    Liru Wang - Toastmaster , , Member of Toastmasters International Founder & President (Dtm)

    Liru Wang, the Toastmaster , , Member of Toastmasters International Founder & President (Dtm) at Toastmasters International, provides expert guidance and leadership for club-level educational initiatives. Wang architects training sessions that focus on advanced communication techniques and leadership mastery. By leveraging the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, the Toastmaster , , Member of Toastmasters International Founder & President (Dtm) ensures that members receive high-level mentorship and constructive feedback. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of the organization's core curriculum to ensure alignment with global standards. Liru Wang drives the development of specialized workshops that cater to the needs of experienced speakers and emerging leaders. Through the effective management of club activities, the Toastmaster , , Member of Toastmasters International Founder & President (Dtm) fosters a supportive environment where members achieve their highest potential. By contributing to the overall success of the club, Wang reinforces the organization's commitment to excellence in public speaking and leadership development.

    Jehad Hattab - President of ALEBDA Toastmasters Club

    Jehad Hattab, the President of ALEBDA Toastmasters Club at Toastmasters International, manages the operational and educational functions of the club. Hattab architects the meeting agenda to ensure that members have ample time for speech delivery and impromptu speaking practice. By overseeing the evaluation process, the President of ALEBDA Toastmasters Club ensures that every member receives the constructive feedback necessary for personal and professional growth. This leadership role involves coordinating club events and maintaining a supportive atmosphere that encourages active participation. Jehad Hattab drives the recruitment of new members and the retention of existing ones by highlighting the value of the Toastmasters educational program. Through the effective management of club resources, the President of ALEBDA Toastmasters Club ensures that the chapter remains a productive and welcoming environment. By focusing on the core mission of building confidence, Hattab contributes to the organization's global impact, helping individuals achieve their communication goals through consistent practice and peer support.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Toastmasters International Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Toastmasters International?
    Toastmasters International is led by Fidelis Akanang (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jonathan Lam (Chief Financial Officer) and Rosan Esa (President, Novartis Club Term 2025 & 2026 (Part Time)).
    Who is part of Toastmasters International’s executive team?
    The executive team of Toastmasters International includes leaders such as Fidelis Akanang (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Jonathan Lam (Chief Financial Officer), Rosan Esa (President, Novartis Club Term 2025 & 2026 (Part Time)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Toastmasters International have?
    Toastmasters International has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Toastmasters International’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Toastmasters International includes roles such as Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Novartis Club Term 2025 & 2026 (Part Time), Immediate President, President.