TK O’Geary of Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, was elected to the Board of Directors of Toastmasters International, a worldwide non-profit educational organization dedicated to the development of communication and leadership skills. Elected at the 88th Annual International Convention in Denver, Colorado, O’Geary will serve a two-year term as an International Director. As a member of the Board of Directors, O’Geary will work with eighteen other elected members to guide the organization by setting a strategic vision.
O’Geary brings vast board experience to the Toastmasters board of directors. As a board member and past president of New Mexico MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement,) she reviewed and set policies, ensured fiscal responsibility, provided strategic planning, and monitored performance measures for the educational non-profit. In addition, she served on boards for New Mexico State Science & Engineering Fair and several startup companies.
As a 32-year member of Toastmasters, she also brings a wealth of experience directly related to Toastmasters. She served as District Governor in 2012-13 and guided District 23 to its first Distinguished District award in several years. She has also served as a Pathways Guide, Pathways Chief Ambassador, as well as several other district offices. Pathways is the online educational platform Toastmasters International released in 2017.
In 2014, she received the District 23 Compañera Award for continued service to the district.
“What an exciting time to serve as a member of the Board of Directors,” said O’Geary. “I look forward to working with the diverse, wonderful, and distinguished board, continuing the work of those who preceded us. We are truly standing on the shoulders of giants.”
“TK O’Geary has served our District 23 in many roles: She is a faithful member and inspiring officer of several clubs. Her tenure as District Governor (Director) was outstanding. Well known in the District for her analytical skills, she used these to set us on a path of distinction in our District Conferences in attendees and diverse offerings. What led me to continue in Toastmasters is her inclusion of even the newest and most naive members in the planning and implementation of club and conference events. We members can count on TK’s being in our corner. The consummate Toastmaster, TK embodies our core values: respect, integrity, service and excellence.” ~ Mable Orndorff-Plunkett, Chief Pathways Ambassador for District 23
“TK is a seemingly limitless well of enthusiasm and encouragement. Where some may see obstacles between themselves and personal or club goals, TK only sees possibilities. She has pushed me to accomplish things I did not feel up to accomplishing on my own, and I am honored to have TK as a role model and a mentor. Her positive attitude impacts Toastmasters at all levels: member, club, area, district, and now region!” ~ Marianne Bjelke
“Over these past thirteen years, I have come to enjoy, admire and respect TK. As I have watched her grow in leadership, so have I enjoyed how she inspires others to greater and greater accomplishments. It was TK who encouraged me to servant leadership as I worked through the chairs to District Governor. It TK who helped me grow through the many challenges of leadership. She has helped to shape me into the person I am today. TK is a great mentor and friend to me and to District 23.” ~ Jim McCabe, District 23 Governor, 2014-15
Feature Photo: The 2019-2020 Toastmasters International Board of Directors (left to right) – 1st row: Tuire Vuolasvirta, Joan Lewis, Lark Doley, Deepak Menon, Matt Kinsey, Carol Prahinski, Susan Zhou, Stefano McGhee; 2nd row: John Lesko, Margaret Page, Sudha Balajee, Naomi Takeuchi, Larry Marik, TK O’Geary; 3rd row: Mohamad Qayoom, David Templeman, Aletta Rochat, Dan Rex, Richard Peck, Anthony Longley.
