August 24, 2026
District 211 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
Date: August 24, 2026
Time: 8:02–9:00 p.m. Central Time
Location: Zoom
Presiding Officer: District Director Estelle Foster
Attendees
Estelle Foster, District Director
Burchell McGhee, Program Quality Director
Gary Vaughn, Club Growth Director
Elias Hayes, Finance Manager
Arlene Santiago, Co-Public Relations Manager
Stephen Enteman, Co-Public Relations Manager
Jill Groboski Vahlin, Administration Manager
Tom Coscia, Parliamentarian
Wendy Pesavento, Immediate Past District Director
Patti Howard, Immediate Past District Director
Mathew Kanour, Division A Director
Carrie Dostal, Area 11 Director
John Guthrie, Area 12 Director
Bertha Murillo, Area 14 Director
Anne Warth, Division B Director
Kari Sipinen, Area 22 Director
Arun Menon, Area 23 Director
Dawn Weber, Area 24 Director
Eric Seling, Area 25 Director
Christina Evans, Division C Director
Sherri Leonardis, Area 34 Director
Cynthia Mill, Area 35 Director
Dr. Shantay Wakefield Tigner, Area 36 Director
Leigh Kottwitz, Division D Director
Trisha Gordon, Area 42 Director
Alexa Dickson
Ireen Smithers
Richard Porter
Ed Bick
Maryann Reichelt, Pathways Support Coordinator
Call to Order
District Director Estelle Foster called the meeting to order at 8:02 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Estelle welcomed members to the August District Executive Committee meeting and recognized newly appointed Area Directors Kenny Freeman and Alexa Dickson. She also recognized Area Directors who had begun completing and submitting club visit reports.
Program Quality Director Burchell McGhee delivered the opening inspiration, encouraging district leaders to focus on priorities, break large responsibilities into manageable steps, maintain healthy boundaries, support one another, and remember the shared mission of building new clubs and supporting existing clubs in achieving excellence.
Administration Manager Jill Groboski Vahlin reviewed the District Mission and Toastmasters Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence and confirmed that a quorum was present.
Adoption of Agenda
Estelle noted that the distributed agenda had been updated to include the Public Relations Manager report. With no additional corrections, the amended agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.
Administration Manager Report
Jill provided a summary of the July 27, 2026 inaugural District 211 Executive Committee meeting. The previous meeting included reports on district startup activities, officer training, club growth, the district website, and preparation for the new Toastmasters year. District leadership identified unity and leadership development as priorities. The district realignment proposal involving six clubs was approved by a vote of 21–1.
No additional corrections to the July meeting minutes were presented.
Division Director Reports
Division A — Mathew Kanour
Division A Area Directors have begun conducting club visits. Carrie Dostal had completed one official visit and Colleen Lang had completed two.
Eagle's Voice is expected to fold into another club, which would leave Area 11 with four clubs. Muscatine Toastmasters, which had previously been expected to remain below good standing, has returned to club-in-good-status with eight members and is continuing recruitment efforts.
Following the recent district realignment, Area 15 currently has five clubs in good standing. Division A continues to seek an Area Director for Area 15, with potential candidates being considered.
Division B — Anne Warth
Division B Area Directors are scheduling club visits, with some choosing to make informal introductory visits before conducting their official visits. Arun Menon had completed two official visits. Club visit reports are due by November 30.
Division B has added 21 new members, with Mapleton Risers adding approximately six. Three clubs have already achieved two Distinguished Club Program goals, six clubs have submitted Club Success Plans, and 12 clubs have at least four officers trained.
Speak Like a Leader in Frankfort received publicity through an article in the Frankfort Patch. John Deere Toastmasters is launching a Speechcraft program, Pimatui is planning a September 9 open house, and Logistically Speaking in Morton is planning a 20th anniversary celebration and open house in October.
Division B plans to conduct a Division Council meeting within the next two weeks. Arun Menon is also exploring opportunities for club presidents and Vice Presidents Public Relations to promote Toastmasters through community colleges and park districts.
Anne noted the need for makeup Area Director training and shared an idea from Eric Seling for developing an onboarding/reference resource for new Area Directors.
Division C — Christina Evans
Division C's primary focus during August was club officer training, along with informal club visits and reminders about the September Club Success Plan deadline.
Area 31's State Farm clubs were expected to have at least four officers trained in all six clubs by the end of August.
In Area 32, Jason Heisler conducted informal visits while installing officers at four clubs. Diversity for Success is no longer meeting and its members reportedly have joined other clubs. Sunrise Speakers celebrated its 50th anniversary in July.
In Area 33, approximately half of the clubs had at least four officers trained. Effingham is working toward reinstatement and is organizing a Speechcraft program.
Area 34 continues to work on officer training. Gem City in Quincy has discontinued hybrid meetings, creating potential challenges for Area Director visits and participation in district activities due to geographic distance.
In Area 35, two of four clubs had at least four officers trained. Efforts continue to establish contact with officers of Top Talk Toastmasters.
Southern Illinois Toastmasters conducted a Speechcraft program in July, and Mount Vernon is considering a future Speechcraft program.
All clubs in Area 36 had more than four officers trained.
Division D — Leigh Kottwitz
Kenny Freeman has been appointed Area 41 Director. Area 44 remains vacant.
An effort is underway to establish a community club in Moberly, Missouri, following the closure of the club at the Moberly Correctional Center. Meetings are expected to begin September 14 and continue on Monday evenings in a hybrid format.
There is also an effort underway to establish a Toastmasters club at the Algoa Correctional Facility.
Approximately 39% of Division D clubs had at least four officers trained. Following completion of officer training, Division D will focus on club visits and supporting clubs in completing their Club Success Plans.
Division E
No Division E report was presented.
Finance Manager Report — Elias Hayes
The July reserve statement had not yet been received, preventing completion of the July financial closeout. Elias expects to present the completed July report at the September meeting.
District 211 has established an outside bank account with U.S. Bank for event management, checks, and other district transactions separate from the district reserve account.
A District 211 Zeffy account has also been established as a no-fee ticketing and event-management platform.
Elias is working with the Trio to prepare the first draft of the district budget. The draft is expected to be available by August 31 for review prior to its September submission.
The Finance Manager's report was placed on file for audit.
Public Relations Manager Report — Arlene Santiago and Stephen Enteman
The Public Relations team plans to send an introductory district communication outlining how members can submit information and the deadlines for district communications.
The district expects to distribute two communications each month: one focused on timely announcements and current events and another in a newsletter format.
District 211 now has a Facebook page, Facebook group, and LinkedIn presence. The next submission deadlines are September 14 for a September 21 communication and September 28 for an October 4 communication.
Club Growth Director Report — Gary Vaughn
Gary continues to form Club Growth committees and is seeking volunteers for leadership roles, particularly in areas such as club retention and new club development.
Approximately 16 clubs have submitted Club Success Plans. District leaders were asked to continue reminding clubs to complete their plans by the September 30 deadline.
Gary has also been working with the Public Relations team on the district's Facebook page, Facebook group, and LinkedIn presence. Additional Club Growth communication and activities are expected as Toastmasters International tools and information become available.
Program Quality Director Report — Burchell McGhee
Round one of Club Officer Training concludes August 31. As of the meeting, 55 of 128 clubs (43%) had at least four officers trained. Another 20 clubs had three officers trained.
District-wide, 387 of 826 officers (47%) had completed training. Division training percentages were:
Division A — 36%
Division B — 49%
Division C — 55%
Division D — 45%
Division E — 47%
4G Leaders, Lincoln-Way Toastmasters, and Speakeasy Toastmasters were recognized for having all officers trained.
Plans are underway for the second round of Club Officer Training to be conducted in person at three locations.
Division and Area Director training was conducted July 18. Four of five Division Directors (80%) and 13 of 21 Area Directors (62%) had completed training. Overall, approximately 65% of Division and Area Directors had been trained, toward the district's goal of 85% by September 30.
Three Area Director positions remain open:
Area 15 — Division A
Area 44 — Division D
Area 55 — Division E
A makeup training session is being planned.
Planning is underway for the District Spring Conference in mid-April, including the International Speech and Table Topics contests. Volunteers will be needed for Toastmasters Leadership Institutes, educational programming, the spring conference, and speech contests.
District Director Report — Estelle Foster
Estelle and Burchell recently attended District Leader Training and the Toastmasters International Convention. Estelle emphasized a key takeaway from the training: district activities should remain focused on improving the member experience at the club level.
District leadership will work to complete the District Success Plan, Communication Plan, and Market Analysis Plan by the September 30 deadline.
The district is also developing incentives for clubs, Area Directors, and Division Directors that complete requirements early. Area Directors were asked to encourage clubs to submit their Club Success Plans, which can help clubs achieve their mission, retain members, and attract guests.
District 211 will receive an International Officer visit for the spring conference. A planning team will be needed to coordinate the visit.
Estelle also warned members that a fraudulent email had been sent in her name requesting purchases, particularly gift cards. District leaders were advised not to respond to suspicious requests and to verify questionable communications directly with Estelle or other district leadership.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
The next scheduled District Executive Committee meeting will coincide with the District Council Meeting. Council members will receive notice of the meeting.
The District Council will review the proposed District 211 budget and vote on any member measures requiring council action.
Pathways Support Announcement
Pathways Support Coordinator Maryann Reichelt announced an open Pathways Support Zoom session scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. Central Time.
The session is open to both new and experienced Toastmasters and will address participant questions. Assistance for newer members will include accessing the Toastmasters International website and Base Camp and navigating Pathways.
Questions and Additional Announcements
Arun Menon asked when member educational achievements are reflected in the Club Status Report. Burchell explained that after an education award is submitted and approved in Base Camp, it generally appears in the report within 24 hours. Updates may take approximately one week during beginning-of-month processing.
Estelle reminded the committee that three Area Director positions remain vacant and noted that appointments must be submitted to Toastmasters International by August 31 for appointees to receive credit for serving the full year.
Closing Thought
Immediate Past District Director Wendy Pesavento reflected on the opportunity to intentionally create the culture of the newly formed District 211.
She encouraged leaders to take the best from each of the three former districts, listen to differing perspectives, recognize the contributions of volunteers, and create an environment where members feel welcomed, supported, appreciated, and inspired to lead.
She emphasized that District 211's culture will be shaped through the everyday interactions, decisions, and actions of its leaders and encouraged members to be intentional about creating a district culture in which people feel valued and proud to participate.
Adjournment
With no further business, District Director Estelle Foster declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Groboski Vahlin
Administration Manager
District 211