During the term 2000–01, District Governor Linda Northrop, DTM, led Founder’s District to Distinguished status. For outstanding leadership performance during this term, Toastmasters International recognized Wilma Springer, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training for Excellence in Education and Training; and Lauren Kelly, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Marketing for Excellence in Marketing.
Founder’s District served as Host District for the Toastmasters International 70th Annual Convention held in the Hilton-Anaheim Hotel August 22–25, 2001. During the Hall of Fame awards ceremonies, The Founder, edited by Kelly Teenor, DTM, PDG, was named a Top Ten District Bulletin. Also, Alfred Herzing, DTM, Toastmasters International First Vice President was elected International President for the term 2001–02.
In 2001–02 District Governor Wilma Springer, DTM led Founder’s District to Distinguished status. During the 71st International Convention in San Antonio, Texas Lt. Governor R. Kent Jones, DTM and Lt. Governor Lauren Kelly, DTM were recognized respectively for Excellence in Marketing and for Excellence in Education and Training. The Founder, edited by Lyle Wiedeman, ATM-G was named a Top 10 District Newsletter again. Also, Past District Governor John Angiolillo, DTM was presented with a Presidential Citation for his contributions and dedicated service in Founder’s District.
During the 72nd Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, Hall of Fame awards ceremony, August 22nd, 2003. Lt. Governor, R. Kent Jones, DTM was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training.
During the Hall of Fame Awards ceremony at the 73rd Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada, August 20, 2004, Norman L. Cook, DTM, Lieutenant Governor Education and Training was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training. In addition, Past International President Alfred R. Herzing, DTM received a Presidential Citation for his dedication to the success of Toastmasters International and Dan Rex, ATM-B received a Presidential Citation for his tireless efforts implementing a modern information system at Toastmasters International Headquarters.
District Governor Norm Cook’s theme for 2004–2005 was Succeed with a B.A.N.G., which is an acronym for Basic manuals, Advanced manuals, New Clubs, and Growth in membership. Founder’s hosted International President Jon Greiner, DTM, at its Fall Conference in November 2004, celebrating the 80th anniversary of Toastmasters International at the Santa Ana Performing Arts Center, just a few blocks from the original Santa Ana YMCA meeting location used by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley. At the Spring Conference, all of the Divisions were redrawn and an 8th Division was formed to prepare for future Area expansion without major realignment. Ed J. Mihalka, DTM, was elected as the first Division Governor for Division H. During the Hall of Fame Awards at the 74th Convention in Toronto, Canada, on August 26, 2005, Ken Sisco, DTM was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training. In addition, Terry McCann, ATM-S, was given a Presidential Citation for his work in the growth and evolution of the world’s greatest communication and leadership training organization.
In July 2006, Toastmasters International changed the educational system. It strengthened the leadership track by introducing a Competent Leadership manual, and renamed the communications track award designations. CC (Competent Communicator) replaced the CTM designation and AC (Advanced Communicator) replaced the ATM designations; the requirements for the awards did not change. The requirement for CL (Competent Leader) changed to completion of the new CL manual. New AL (Advanced Leader) Bronze and Silver designations were added. The AL-B award replaced the old CL award, while the AL-S award replaced the old AL award. DTM remained the highest award, achieved by completing AC-G and AL-S. Members had the option of using either the old or new programs until June 30, 2008 when the new program went into full effect.
At the 75th Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., August 23 to 26, 2006, Past District Governor Lauren Kelly, DTM, became the sixth person from Founder’s District to be elected International Director. In addition, Celly Adamo, DTM, was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training.
In 2006–2007 Founder’s District achieved Distinguished status under District Governor Celly Adamo, DTM. For outstanding leadership performance during this term, at the Hall of Fame Awards ceremony at the 76th Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, August 17, 2007, Toastmasters International recognized Alanda Dyer, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training for Excellence in Education and Training; and H. D. Boesch, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Marketing for Excellence in Marketing.
In 2007-2008, during District Governor Alanda Dyer, DTM’s term, two of Founder’s District Leaders received special recognition at Toastmasters International Hall of Fame Awards ceremony at the 76th Annual Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, August 15, 2008. District Lt. Governor Robert J. Hudack, DTM, was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training and Past District Governor Wilma M. Springer, DTM, was awarded a Presidential Citation for her exemplary contributions to Founder’s District. Alanda’s theme was ”Speak – Lead – Achieve”
In 2008-2009, during District Governor Bob Hudack’s, term, the district began electronic distribution of The Founder, and of club copies of district directories, resulting in thousands of dollars of savings to the district. This also resulted in more timely distribution of directories. Webmaster Dan Cossack and Treasurer Jimmy Adams implemented online preregistration and payment for district events. Founder’s District’s Facebook page was launched. At the 2009 77th Annual International Convention, Maira T. Pineda, ACS, ALS, Founder’s Governor Education and Training was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training. Bob’s theme was: “Members Transformed”.