District 16 Profiles

I have been a member since 2012. I joined to help improve my speaking skills but what I did not expect was the leadership development as well as the many friends I would make. I have held many leadership positions and have also been fortunate to represent the club in the 2013 state humorous contest where I placed 2nd. I have also finished first in the 2015 and 2018 District 16 Evaluation contest. Since joining I have experienced many professional and personal successes which I credit Toastmasters for but even after multiple years I still discover areas where I need to continue to improve. I call our meetings my weekly dose of self-confidence. I highly recommend Toastmasters as a way to help improve oneself.

I was born in Waukegan, IL. I moved to Oklahoma in 1991. Worked in Cosmetology for a long time. I married my husband, Ron Olsen 27 years ago. I have 3 kids, Matt, Danielle, and Jeremiah. I joined Toastmasters in 2012 after my husband registered me. My Toastmaster Home club is Tulsa Club 148, where I have served as various club officers. I have coached 2 clubs to President Distinguished. I did my first tour as an Area Governor for the 2014-2015 year and helped the area reach President Distinguished. I was also awarded the Area Governor of the Year. I was voted as a Division Director the 2015-2016 where we became a Select Distinguished Division. During this time , I created the newsletter "Wanda's Wednesday Whit" I was awarded my first DTM in 2015 and received my second in 2019.

20 years experience in public speaking.  This includes providing a briefing to military members up to United States Navy Admiral level,USAF Colonel and their civilian equivalent.

Kerry Austin has been a Toastmaster for over 16 years. He is a member of Distinguished Toastmasters in Norman and has won numerous speaking-awards but his most noted award is being selected as the 2018 Toastmasters International Speech Contest winner for the state of Oklahoma and 2008 Winner of the Humorous Speech Contest winner for the state of Oklahoma. Kerry is the recipient of the 2007 Dale Carnegie Leadership “Highest Award for Achievement”. He is also the creator and developer of Picture Perfect Memory Training and has authored 2 books, “Picture Perfect Memory” and “i Motivate”.  He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Nazarene University. Although he has had many successes his proudest moments have been as a veteran of the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for over 12-years.

I am Kathleen O’Toole, District Director for District 16. Members are the key to a successful district. All of our members have hidden skills and talents. This year we will tap into those skills and lead the membership with clear communication and direction. Our focus will be on supporting the district mission and building strong teams. As District Director, I bring over 20 years of corporate leadership experience, problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills to the position.

I am so excited to be a part of Toastmasters and the leadership team in District 16. I joined Toastmasters when I realized all the potential that is available through the support of the members and the monthly meetings. I have learned so much from fellow Toastmasters and continue to learn with each encounter. So many have jumped in to help me as I set goals and strive to become a stronger leader and better communicator.

I am Michael Kirkland and in Toastmaster for 8 years. I ran for Club Growth Director because I want to make a difference and help the members and District become better. Help me to make District 16 to become stronger and better. My vision is have all members become more active, to work together and focus on better member retention: Let work together in retaining current members, recruiting new and former members, and developing partners with companies and interest groups to form new clubs.

From a little girl, I have loved and enjoyed people. Being the middle of five children, maybe that explains why.  Life has taken me around the world; born in Detroit, lived in five different states, raised my son, <em>Michael Jordan</em>, in Georgia, worked in Kuwait for 2 years, 2 months, 8 days, then back to Georgia.  In late 2010, I relocated to Tulsa. Tulsa was a challenge for me because I had left the home of my dreams, dear friends and all my familiar surroundings in north Georgia. My life turned upside down. Needing to connect with people, I joined Jenks America Toastmasters. Yes – I joined Toastmasters purely for social reasons. I will never forget that first meeting where I felt so welcomed, cared for and even loved. Then I began to dig my heels into the program.  I listened and learned. I presented many speeches. I stepped into club officer roles and had no idea what was ahead. Continuing to connect with members, I continued to step out of my comfort box to serve as an Area Governor, then Division Director and into the District TRIO. Toastmasters has changed my life. The last three years, with my employer, I have trained hundreds of co-workers and supervisors in public speaking skills using the Dale Carnegie book, “Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking”. I amaze watching the changes in people as they grow in confidence and speaking ability. In my personal life, I gained confidence and a new worth and purpose in life. Now, I desire to give back and always be an “ambassador” for the organization. It is an honor to serve as your District Director. Toastmasters has changed my life and I want to bring this positive change to others. It truly is “a great day to be a Toastmaster”. <em>Hobbies: piano playing, model dollhouse building, model-railroad landscaping, old movies, domestic “stuff”, traveling and hanging out with friends and family. </em>

Daniel Hanttula is known as "The Masonic Tour Guide," and his written works have been recognized by the Masonic Service Association, The Scottish Rite Journal, Freemasonry for Dummies, the Whence Came You podcast and many others. On the Masonic speaking circuit, Daniel has traveled from Delaware to Hawaii, speaking to lodges on leadership, technical and esoteric topics (See partial list, provided below). Most recently, Daniel was tapped by the MW Grand Lodge of the State of Oklahoma to give a 1-hour presentation on Masonic Social Media, and by the South Central Conference of the York Rite to speak on "Protecting Masonic Information." By day, Hanttula is a Virtual CIO and Managing Partner of Decision Forward LLC, and is contracted by schools and financial institutions to speak on 21st century Internet safety.

I have been with Toastmasters since 2017. Toastmasters has changed my life. It helped me rise back from adversity and focus on achievements. I have achieved the Distinguished Toastmasters award, Triple Crown award, and 2 Pathways path. I have been giving back to Toastmasters by serving in every leadership opportunity. I have over 15 years of IT experience working with the customer across 5 continents. Successful as a Club President, Area Director, Club Coach, and Division Director. I look forward to serving as your District 16 WebMaster.

I grew up in Sweden in northern Europe and have traveled to 79 countries for business, humanitarian aid work, and adventure travel. I have extensive Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge.

I first joined Toastmasters in the 70's and with periodic breaks in membership I remain a Toastmaster to this day. Among my claims to fame I can say I have made almost every monumental mistake a Toastmaster can make, but that just makes life fun!

I am a seven year member of Toastmasters.  When I first joined Tinker Toastmasters, I had no expectation although my enthusiasm was high.  Once I stepped out of my comfort zone, achieved educational awards, expanded my visibility and fostered new relationships, the Toastmasters experience became clearer.  I realized that I had to become a leader, give more than I receive, and make a difference.  The success of District 16 through all club, area and division levels is one which we will share together while maintaining integrity, serving continually and exhibiting excellence in all we do.  

The enthusiastic communicator! José is an accomplished speaker and leader, he has served in multiple leadership roles and participated in all levels of competition. He enjoys mentoring and helping others grow.

Ray D. Willis, MBA, DTM, is a highly versatile, innovative management professional emphasizing innovation and creativity in solving complex problems.