Stefano S. McGhee, a technology executive from Massachusetts, has been elected president of Toastmasters International's Board of Directors. McGhee assumed the one-year term at the organisation's 2026 International Convention in Vancouver, Canada, held 19-22 August. McGhee most recently served as senior director of technology operations for Harvard Business Publishing, where he led a team managing critical applications including Harvard Business Review. He holds a master's degree in military operational arts and sciences from the United States Air Force's higher education organisation. A Toastmaster since 2005, McGhee has achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, the organisation's highest educational level. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit with over 245,000 members across more than 14,000 clubs in nearly 150 countries.

From Vancouver to District 91: now it's its turn. 29 August 2026 There are moments in leadership that stay with you. For me, one of those moments happened in Vancouver. Standing alongside Toastmasters from around the world, each carrying a flag representing a country at the Convention opening ceremony, I was reminded of the extraordinary diversity of its organisation. Hundreds of people from different cultures, backgrounds and walks of life, united by a shared belief: People can become more confident, capable communicators and leaders when they are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to grow. That is what Toastmasters means to me. And after an inspiring week, I have come back with one thought firmly in my mind: Toastmasters International has an incredible opportunity in District 91 this year. The International Convention gave Toastmasters International a chance to step back from the day-to-day running of its clubs and District and see the bigger picture. There are now 13,708 clubs and 265,512 members across 93 districts, with more than 101,000 education awards achieved in 2025-26. Behind every number is a member. Someone who found the courage to speak. Someone who learned to lead. Someone who became more confident at work. Someone who found friendship and connection. Perhaps someone who walked into a Toastmasters meeting feeling nervous and walked out thinking: Maybe I can do this. That is the impact Toastmasters International should never lose sight of. Proud moments for District 91 Alongside Lynne and Alison, I had the privilege of attending two days of District Leader training before the Convention. It was an intense and inspiring opportunity to learn, share ideas and connect with leaders from across the world. Toastmasters International were incredibly proud to see District 91 recognised as a Distinguished District, as well as being recognised in the top three Districts with the highest number of clubs with 20+ members. Debbie, its Immediate Past District Director, led the team to receive the award on behalf of District 91. And then came another very special moment: Jean Gamester, DTM, from District 91 was elected First Vice President of Toastmasters International for 2026-27. A tremendous achievement, Jean, congratulations! It is a wonderful reminder that members from its own District can make an impact far beyond their individual clubs. The World Champion is from its Region! One of the highlights of Convention is always the World Championship of Public Speaking. Eight speakers, having progressed through the Toastmasters contest journey from Club to Area, Division, District and Region, reached the World Championship stage. This year's World Champion is Dirceu D'Silva from District 59, Region 10, with his winning speech, "Best Decision Ever." And I love that he is from its Region. His journey began, just like every other contestant's, with a decision to stand up and speak. Perhaps there is a future World Champion sitting in one of its District 91 clubs today. When Toastmasters International create the environment and provide the opportunity, Toastmasters International encourage members to step forward. And then Toastmasters International support them to discover what they are capable of achieving. Turning strategy into action Over the past few weeks, Toastmasters International has been developing its District Success Plan and Budget. But a strategy on a page doesn't create success. People do. Its strategy comes alive in its clubs, in the welcoming meeting, the first speech, the completed Path, the new leader and the member who asks for help and finds someone ready to support them. That is why its immediate priority is Club Success Plans. Just as Toastmasters International has a plan for District success, every club needs a meaningful plan that creates its own trajectory towards excellence. These are due by the end of September, with special recognition for early submissions. Toastmasters International is also focused on new club growth, with recognition opportunities for clubs chartered before the end of September. If there is a gap at your workplace or community for a toastmasters club, let's work together to make it happen. Your Voice Matters On 19 September, Toastmasters International will hold its first District Council meeting of the year, following the District Executive Committee meeting on 6 September. District Council is an important part of how District 91 is governed and gives its clubs a voice in District business. I encourage every Club President and Vice President Education to register and attend. If you have questions, please speak to your Area or Division Director, or contact me. The people behind the progress Every District leader has chosen to give their time, energy and expertise to serve its members. To its District Leadership Team, Area Directors and Division Directors - thank you for everything you do, most of which happens quietly behind the scenes. A special thank you to Violet Karamagi, its Finance Manager, for her expertise and commitment to its budget work. And to Deborah Williams, its Administration Manager and Suhas Kumar, its Public Relations Manager, thank you for the incredible collaboration over these first few weeks. You have helped Toastmasters International communicate effectively and make the District run smoothly. I am genuinely proud to lead this team. 1-1-3-1 Challenge At the Convention, Toastmasters International were challenged to embrace the 1-1-3-1 Challenge: 1 - Invite someone. Invite 1 person who could benefit from Toastmasters. 1 - Ask for help. Ask 1 person to support you. None of Toastmasters International has to do everything alone. 3 - Recognise people. Recognise 3 people for the contribution they make. 1 - Celebrate one success. Stop and celebrate 1 thing you or your club has achieved. Then do it again. Vancouver reminded me how big Toastmasters is. District 91 reminds me why it matters. And let's make this a year Toastmasters International can all look back on and say: Toastmasters International made a difference. Are you ready? Last Updated on 29th August 2026 by Suhas Kumar