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Spring 2009 District 18 Conference Speaker Bios

Kristin NicholsonKristen Nicholson, DTM4
International Director 2007-2009

The only thing Kristin Nicholson loves more than the Toastmasters’ educational program, is the challenge of leadership opportunity. As a member of Toastmasters International since November 1997, she has successfully served in every club officer position and many District leadership roles. She believes it is her gift to inspire others to reach their personal success and individual goals, and uses her education and professional experience to help them create a plan for achievement.

Kristin has Bachelor Degrees in Psychology and Justice from the American University, as well as being a certified DISC and Meyer-Briggs instructor. She has owned her own business and worked as a professional trainer. Kristin is an attorney, and has worked as in-house counsel for international banking institutions and large corporations in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Currently, she is a litigator in a family law practice in Rockville, Maryland and uses her Toastmasters skills to advocate for the rights and protection of children and abused persons.

Introduction for Presentation:
Kristin Nicholson has Bachelor Degrees in Psychology and Justice from the American University, as well as being a certified DISC and Meyer-Briggs instructor. Kristin first joined Toastmasters in November of 1997, and since that time has served in almost every club officer and many District leadership roles. Through her professional and service experience, Kristin has had the opportunity to both follow leaders and serve as a leader, and today’s interactive presentation will give us a chance to benefit from some of her experiences.

Title/Abstract: The Art of Leadership.
One of the most important goals in Toastmasters is the building of leadership skills. As Toastmasters, we have the unique opportunity to practice leadership skills by volunteering for leadership roles at the club and district levels. This workshop is about the power of teamwork and the reality that all leaders do not share the same styles. The goal of this presentation is to share a few categories of leadership and demonstrate how these categories can work together to create a diverse and dynamic team. It is through understanding and open-mindedness that true leadership is exemplified. Learn how to create a successful team by unifying through common values and a compelling purpose. Most importantly, learn that the appreciation of individual differences can make the greatest difference in all of your professional, personal and community activities.

Dilip AbayesakaraDilip Abayesakara, DTM
Toastmasters International President 2005-2006

Distinguished Toastmaster Dilip Abayasekara served as Toastmasters International President in 2005-2006, only the second Toastmaster from District 18 to serve in that position. In District 18, he is a member of the Chambersburg Toastmasters Club and the Greater Newark Area Toastmasters Club. He is also a member of clubs in District 38, 46, and 82.

A Toastmaster since 1986, Dilip distinguished himself in both communication and leadership. He won district level contests in Table Topics, Evaluation, and International Speech, and was twice a finalist in the World Championship of Public Speaking, placing second in 1992. He is one of the few Toastmasters to earn the designation of ‘Accredited Speaker’ in recognition of professional level speaking skills.

As District Governor in 1996-1997, Dilip and his team lead District 18 to be a President’s Distinguished District. He served as an International Director in 1999-2001 and was elected Third Vice President in 2002.

Dilip says that Toastmasters changed his life. Thanks to the world of communication that his Toastmasters experience opened up, Dilip changed his career from that of an industrial scientist to that of an entrepreneur -- trainer, speech coach, and inspirational keynote speaker. He resides in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania with his wife Sharon and children Allison and Alex.

Vicki Kinsman

Details to be added shortly

Heather Perkins (Picture and bio to be added shortly)

Title/Abstract: Selling Yourself for Success

Jay Abraham said “Understand that you need to sell you and your ideas in order to advance your career, gain more respect, and increase your success, influence and income.” Particularly in today’s economy, we need to be able to sell ourselves and our ideas. This is true for advancement in your career, finding a new job or persuading someone to join your Toastmasters club. This interactive workshop will discuss communication approaches to effectively sell yourself and your ideas in a variety of settings.

Heath SuddlesonHeath Suddleson, DTM
Immediate Past District Governor for District 27

Heath Suddleson, DTM is the Immediate Past District Governor for District 27, which is comprised from parts of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. From a President’s Distinguished Area, to a President’s Distinguished Division, and all three years in the Leadership Trio as a Distinguished District, Heath has a proven track record of success.

Professionally, Heath is a Principal member of the project controls team for a multi-national company where he is responsible for reviewing and revising policies, as well as the development and delivery of training programs. Heath has more than 20 years of managing complex design and construction programs worth more than US$10 Billion in total.

At home, Heath enjoys time with his wife, Michele, and two sons, Ryan and Nicholas. He is a certified soccer coach for Ryan’s team. Heath is very active in the American Legion, an organization of military veterans, and he also enjoys time riding his Harley through the countryside.

Title/Abstract: The Art of Evaluation
More than just Evaluate to Motivate, this session goes into detail on how to develop and deliver the most effective evaluations. Your evaluations will be on target and on point every time. You will learn the most common pitfalls in evaluations and how to avoid them.