July 27, 2026
District 211 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
Date: July 27, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Presiding Officer: District Director Estelle Foster
Attendees:
Estelle Foster, District Director
Gary Vaughn, Club Growth Director
Elias Hayes, Finance Manager
Steve Enteman, 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
Kari Dostal, Area 11 Director
John Guthrie, Area 12 Director
Bertha Murillo, Area 14 Director
Anne Warth, Division B Director
Patrick Olson, Area 21 Director
Arun Menon, Area 23 Director
Dawn Weber, Area 24 Director
Eric Seling, Area 25 Director
Christina Evans, Division C Director
Donna Gerig, Area 31 Director
Jason Heissler, Area 32 Director
Kenneth Sours, Area 33 Director
Sherri DeLeonardis, Area 34 Director
Leigh Kottwitz, Division D Director
Candace Alba-Marshall , Area 51 Director
Richard Porter, Area 52 Director
Aimee Pullen, Area 53 Director
Ireen Smithers, Area 56 Director
Call to Order
The inaugural District 211 Executive Committee Meeting was called to order by Tom Coscia, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. District Director Estelle Foster welcomed attendees and thanked district leaders for their willingness to serve as the first leadership team of the newly formed District 211.
Inspiration and Mission
Christina Evans shared an inspirational message using two quotes from Toastmasters founder Ralph Smedley:
"The past prepares us to meet the challenges of the future."
"We learn best in moments of enjoyment."
She encouraged leaders to build upon the strengths of the legacy districts while creating an environment where learning, curiosity, and collaboration thrive.
Sherri DeLeonardis then presented the District Mission and Toastmasters Core Values:
District Mission: We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.
Core Values: Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence.
Quorum
Following clarification of the quorum requirement, Gary Vaughn confirmed that approximately 24–25 voting members were present. Tom Coscia confirmed that a quorum had been established, allowing the meeting to proceed.
Approval of Agenda
The revised agenda was presented. Hearing no corrections or additions, the agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.
Administration Manager Report
Administration Manager Jill Groboski Vahlin provided an update on the development of the District 211 website.
Highlights included:
Website survey received approximately 150 responses.
Members' highest priorities were:
Easy navigation
Well-organized information
Mobile-friendly experience
Reliable event calendar
Training information
Speech contest information
Club resources
District leadership contact information
Many respondents indicated they primarily visit the Toastmasters International website for Pathways and Club Central, suggesting quick links should be included on the District website.
Survey results will guide development of the new website to ensure it reflects member needs rather than committee assumptions.
Division Reports
Division A – Matthew Knorr
Matthew Knorr shared his enthusiasm for helping shape the first year of District 211.
Highlights included:
Areas 11–14 have Area Directors in place.
Area 15 remains vacant.
First Division Council meeting is scheduled.
Division priorities include:
Building connections among clubs
Social events
Open houses
Educational workshops
Leadership development
Thanked the Trio for Area and Division Director training.
Division B – Anne Warth
Anne Warth introduced the Division B leadership team:
Area 21 – Patrick Olson
Area 22 – Carrie Sipinen
Area 23 – Arun Menon
Area 24 – Dawn Weber
Area 25 – Eric Seeling
Additional updates:
Team includes both experienced and first-time Area Directors.
Three Area Directors attended July training; remaining directors will attend make-up training.
Area Directors have begun contacting club officers and promoting Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI).
Patrick Olson completed an unofficial club visit to John Deere Toastmasters.
John Deere Toastmasters will host a nine-week hybrid Speechcraft program and is seeking mentors.
Division C – Christina Evans
Christina Evans reported that all six Area Director positions have been filled following an extensive recruitment effort.
Area Directors include:
Area 31 – Donna Gerig
Area 32 – Jason Heisler
Area 33 – Kenneth Sours
Area 34 – Sherri DeLeonardis
Area 35 – Cynthia Mill
Area 36 – Shantae Tigner
Division C held its first Division Council meeting and is preparing for the upcoming program year. Christina thanked several district leaders for assisting with recruitment efforts.
Division D – Leigh Kottwitz
Leigh Kottwitz reported:
Area Directors currently serve Areas 42, 43, and 45.
Vacancies remain in Areas 41 and 44.
Club growth opportunities have been identified in:
Moberly, Missouri
St. Robert, Missouri
Jefferson City correctional facility
Requested guidance on monitoring club officer training participation.
Division E
No report was presented.
Finance Manager Report
Finance Manager Elias Hayes introduced himself as the district's primary resource for reimbursements and budget questions.
Updates included:
District bank account is expected to be established by the end of July.
District budget will be finalized following approval of the district realignment and completion of banking arrangements.
Leaders were encouraged to reach out with reimbursement requests or budget questions.
Club Growth Director Report
Gary Vaughn outlined goals for membership growth and retention.
Highlights included:
Goal of establishing one new club in each division.
Current club-building opportunities include Mercy Hospital and several Missouri communities.
Division Directors were encouraged to invite Gary to Division Council meetings.
Plans are underway to establish committees focused on:
New club development
Mentoring
Demonstration meetings
Member retention
District dashboard is now available.
Four clubs have already submitted Club Success Plans.
Approximately 37 clubs are currently at charter strength or above.
Program Quality Director Report
In Burchell McGee's absence, District Director Estelle Foster presented her report.
Highlights included:
187 officers attended the first round of Club Officer Training.
Additional Round 1 Zoom training sessions are scheduled.
Round 2 training is planned to be conducted in person at three locations.
Area and Division Director make-up training is being planned.
Current Area Director vacancies remain in:
Area 15
Area 41
Area 44
Area 54
Area 55
Spring Conference planning has begun and will include the International Speech Contest and Table Topics Contest.
Volunteers are being recruited for conference, education, and speech contest committees.
District Director Report
District Director Estelle Foster emphasized that District 211 represents the coming together of three legacy districts.
She identified two strategic priorities for the year:
Unity – Building a district where every member and every club feels a sense of belonging.
Leadership Development – Intentionally developing future district leaders through mentoring, encouragement, and leadership opportunities.
Estelle encouraged leaders to embrace change, learn from one another, and focus on creating one unified district built upon the strengths of its legacy districts.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
District Realignment
A district realignment proposal was presented due to clubs falling below charter strength and changes in club status.
Proposed Changes
Musco Toastmasters: Area 14 → Area 15
Leadership Train: Area 21 → Area 33
Top Talk Toastmasters: Area 46 → Area 35
Anheuser-Busch Toastmasters: Area 53 → Area 56
Speak Like a Leader: Area 33 → Area 23
Grace Church Toastmasters: Area 44 → Area 41
Motion
Sherri DeLeonardis moved to adopt the proposed realignment.
The motion was seconded by the Area 22 Director.
Discussion
Discussion included questions regarding Toastmasters International dashboard updates, Area Director vacancies, and future flexibility should suspended clubs return to good standing.
Vote
In Favor: 21
Opposed: 1
Motion carried.
The proposed District 211 alignment for the 2026–2027 Toastmasters year was adopted.
Closing Remarks
Gary Vaughn closed the meeting by describing District 211 as the convergence of three rivers, each bringing its own history and strengths to create a stronger current together. He encouraged leaders to:
Share resources
Mentor future leaders
Communicate openly
Continue building one unified district
Announcements
Tom Coscia requested that district leaders submit a high-quality headshot for inclusion on the District 211 website.
Adjournment
District Director Estelle Foster adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Groboski Vahlin
Administration Manager, District 211