Big "D" Toastmasters

Overcoming Fears for 75 Years!

Since 1949, and the oldest club in Dallas, Big “D” Toastmasters has been one of the premier Toastmasters clubs in Dallas, and has provided its members with weekly public speaking opportunities, a supportive environment, and a venue for developing new friendships. Come join us!

Big "D" 75th Anniversary

Club Leadership

Elected officers of Toastmasters clubs have the opportunity to aid in the club's success and gain valuable hands-on leadership experience.
These are our current club officers. Click their Position/Name to learn more about their role.

Club President - Paloma Schmidt

The Club President, who sets the tone for the club, is expected to provide helpful, supportive leadership for all of the club’s activities. They motivate, make peace, and facilitate as required. Though they must occasionally step in and make a difficult decision, rarely do so without consulting club members and other club officers. They strive to show respect for all members, even when they do not agree with them, and provide leadership for all. Stay current on all new developments via the Leader Letter and the announcements published on the Toastmasters website.

VP Education - Don Teague

Don Teague

The vice president of education, schedules members’ speeches and projects and serve as a resource for questions about education awards, speech contests, and the mentor program.

The VPE is an important source of Toastmasters knowledge for club members, and it is their job to become familiar with all aspects of the Toastmasters education program.

VP Membership - Nefertari Carranza

Promotes the club and manage the process of bringing in guests and transforming them into members. By initiating contact with guests, making them feel welcome, and providing them with the information they need to join, they help maintain a constant influx of new people into the club. They also attentively monitor membership levels and strategize with the rest of the executive committee about how to overcome membership challenges when they occur.

VP PR - Paloma Schmidt

They promote the club to the local community and notify the media about the club’s existence and benefits it provides. They promote the club, update web content, and safeguard the Toastmasters brand identity. It’s their job to notify the media whenever their club does something newsworthy. As vice president public relations, they'll find themselves writing news releases, creating and distributing fliers, and maintaining the club’s presence at various key places on the Web and in the community. Stay current on all new developments via The Leader Letter, Toastmaster magazine and the announcements published on the Toastmasters website and social media sites.

Club Secretary - Shayoni Banerjee

They maintain all club records, manage club files, handle club correspondence, and take the minutes at each club and executive committee meeting. They are also in charge of updating and distributing a roster of the current paid membership, and keeping the club officer list current at World Headquarters.

Treasurer - Sree Nambiar

They are the club’s accountant. They manage the club’s bank account, writing checks as approved by the executive committee and depositing dues and other club revenues. They are also in charge of submitting membership-renewal dues to World Headquarters (accompanied by the names of renewing members), filing necessary tax documents, and keeping timely, accurate, up-to-date financial records for the club. Though the treasurer’s duties are usually not the most demanding of all the club leadership positions, the consequences for members can be serious when they’re not completed accurately and on time. Stay current on all new developments via The Leader Letter and the announcements published on the Toastmasters website.

Sgt. At Arms - Jahai George

They keep track of the club’s physical property, such as the banner, lectern, timing device, and other meeting materials. They arrive early to prepare the meeting place for members, and they stay late to stow all of the club’s equipment. They are also in charge of the meeting place itself, obtaining a new space when necessary, and maintaining contact with the people who allow us to use the space for the club meetings. The sergeant at arms also has a role to play during business meetings, speech contests, and other special club events. For example, the sergeant at arms escorts potential new members outside of the club’s meeting place while the members vote on admitting them to the club. The sergeant at arms stands at the door while contestants compete in speech contests to ensure that the speaker is not interrupted by latecomers. Stay current on all new developments via The Leader Letter and the announcements published on the Toastmasters website.

Immediate Past President - Don Teague

The Immediate Past President (IPP), provides advice and counsel as requested by the Club President. They are expected to provide helpful, supportive leadership for all the club’s activities, and provides counsel to the other club officers in a manner that is conducive to club success when called upon. They are a member of the Club Executive Committee and can vote on any matter discussed. They show respect for all members, even when they do not agree with them, and provide leadership for all.