In 2009-2010, District Governor Maira Pineda’s theme was: “Be eXtraordinary”. To exemplify her theme, Maira inaugurated “The Homer Award” for Helen Blanchard who was the first woman member, first International President of Toastmasters. The first recipient was Jimmy Adams because of innovation, improvement, and logic in the treasurer’s duties for the District. At the 2010 78th Annual International Convention in Palm Desert, California, Ede Ferrari- D’Angelo, DTM, Founder’s Governor Education and Training was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training.
In 2010-11, District Governor, Ede Ferrari D’Angelo, chose her theme to be: “Inspiring Leaders and Communicators”. Toastmasters International updated the organization’s brand and discontinued the emblem used since its inception. It also included the International theme as the only one to be used by all districts throughout the world.
Under the leadership of District Governor Ede Ferrari D’Angelo, DTM, Founder’s District achieved Distinguished status and was ranked number 13 in the world. Among many activities that year, Ede re-introduced the Leadership Breakfast that was popular during the 1990s. This event brings together current and future District leaders for networking and educational opportunities. At the International Convention, Wes Hoover, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training and Richard Elliot, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Marketing was recognized for Excellence in Marketing.
Founder’s District Governor for 2011-2012 is Wes Hoover, DTM. His term marked the first year of Toastmasters International’s brand implementation which launched the International theme “Where Leaders are Made.” His button complimented members by saying: “To Be The Best… Nothing Less”. This year, Founder’s District achieved Distinguished status. At the International Convention in Orlando, Victoria Dotson, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training and Harry Yan, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Marketing was recognized for Excellence in Marketing.
In May 2012 Victoria Dotson, DTM, was elected to serve as Founder’s District Governor for the 2012-2013 term. Her concentration was “Working Together to Succeed”. In July of that year, Founder’s District T.V. was launched, created and produced by Daniel Cossack, DTM. In March 2013, Toastmasters International rewrote its Mission Statements and the Mission Statements for the District and the Club. The change expresses the values of the organization in a shorter, more concise format. At the International Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, Harry Yan, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training. Norman Stein, DTM, and Dr. Frannie Stein, DTM, were both awarded the Presidential Citation Award. This is one of the highest honors from Toastmasters International to members who have shown continual support and dedication to the organization by helping building clubs, promoting leadership and providing significant contributions to his or her club and district.
Harry Yan, DTM became Founder’s District Governor for the 2013-2014 term. He challenged members to: “Pursue Your Passion. This year, 2014, is the 70th Anniversary of Founder’s District and the 90th Anniversary of Toastmasters International. Under the cool and methodical leadership of Harry Yan, Founder’s District achieved Select Distinguished status. The Toastmasters International Convention was held outside of the North American continent for the first time in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. There, Linda Ulrich, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training, was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training while Pan Kao, DTM, Lieutenant Governor of Marketing was recognized for Excellence in Marketing.
In 2014-2015, Linda Ulrich, DTM, was the last district leader to have the title District Governor. Her theme was “Elevate Your Potential” with a graphic designed by Colette Gardner, DTM. At the Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, Pan Kao, DTM, was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training.
After the titles of District Officers were changed, Pan Kao, DTM became the first Founder’s District Director for the 2015-2016 term. His focus was to motivate members to “Join & Serve to Prosper.” Serving in Toastmasters is such a wonderful learning opportunity. Coincidentally, at the business meeting of the 2015 Fall Conference, District Council voted to reform (split) Founder’s District, forming a new District 100 to begin in July 2017. Now, even more leaders will be needed for two Districts. After winning at the Spring Conference, Josephine Lee went on to finish in third place at the Toastmasters International Convention’s World Champion of Public Speaking held in Washington, D.C.. Siri Payakapan, DTM was recognized for Excellence in Education and Training.