Lee Proctor, IP5, MS2

It is an honor to be a finalist for District 29’s Club Growth Director (CGD) for the 2022-2023 Toastmaster Year. 

I’m sure you may be wondering why I believe I’d be a good fit for this role. 

For starters, I have been a Toastmaster on and off since 2004, continuously since 2017.  I’ve spent the past three years serving as Area 32 Director and Division B Director, achieving Distinguished Area and Select Distinguished Division.  Currently, I am Treasurer for Humor Mill Toastmasters in Division C, President of Free and Wild Toastmasters in District 27, and serving as Mentor for Avantus Toastmasters in District 29.  I have also achieved proficiency in the Innovative Planning and Engaging Humor Paths with Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) getting closer by the day! 

Outside of Toastmasters I work as a Watch Officer in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has honed my skills as a coordinator crossing multiple organizations; as a leader in my sons Cub Scout Pack which has helped me improve as a mentor and trainer; and as a husband and father of two young boys (6 and 7) which has helped build my patience (kids), empathy, and an understanding of what is really important in life.   

I plan on taking these experiences to fill the role of CGD, which is to build new clubs, strengthen existing clubs, and grow membership.  I intend to continue the Club Extension and Retention Committees to utilize expertise within the District to help achieve these goals. I also intend to reach out to the following groups within the District to stir interest for new corporate and community clubs. 

  • County and City governments where clubs currently do not exist, to include Warren County, Westmoreland County, and Front Royal. 
  • Hospital systems to include INOVA, Valley Health, and Mary Washington 
  • Local Chambers of Commerce, Tourism, and Cultural Organizations to help develop community clubs, and 
  • Directly to millennials via festivals, concerts, coffee shops, universities, and business and trade organizations  

With our country slowly returning to normal, and Toastmasters slowly returning to in-person and hybrid activities, the potential for growth may not be greater, and I believe these areas would be a great start.  As result, I foresee our District growing immensely over the next 12 months.   

 With my background and vision, I would appreciate your consideration as you vote for the District 29 Club Growth Director for the 2022-2023 Toastmasters year!