Christine Brady, DTM

Toastmasters offices held and terms of service (international and regional level):

• 2015-2016 Area F6 Director
• 2016-2017 Division F Director
• 2017-2018 Public Relations Manager
• 2018-2019 Club Growth Director
• 2019-2020 Program Quality Director
• 2021-2022 Immediate Past District Director
• 2023-2025 Region Advisor

Toastmasters honors and recognition (international level):

• 2016-2017 President's Distinguished Division
• 2020-2021 Resilience Award
• 2022-2023 Gene Beckwith Memorial Award
• 2024-2025 Lawrence "Chris" Gregory Mentorship Award

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a Board Member:

Serving as a Senior Contracts Manager requires a unique blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills that directly align with the role of a Toastmasters International Board Member. In this role, I apply financial analysis, business acumen, and organizational skills to manage complex agreements with precision, balancing the need for detail with the ability to see the bigger picture. Leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams has strengthened my ability to build consensus, while conflict resolution and negotiation have taught me how to de-escalate situations, listen actively, and find workable solutions. I also place great importance on relationship management, minimizing friction and building trust to foster positive, long-term partnerships with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders. These experiences, coupled with strong written and verbal communication skills, allow me to clearly explain complex issues and have prepared me to serve with vision, integrity, and accountability. Just as I guide contracts toward fairness and long-term value, I would bring the same discipline, collaboration, and strategic thinking to advancing Toastmasters’ mission of empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders worldwide.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

I have significant experience in strategic planning through both my professional and volunteer roles. In my career, I was responsible for building a contracts department from the ground up, which required collaborating with key stakeholders in setting long-term goals, designing processes, and aligning resources to ensure sustainable growth and efficiency. This experience taught me how to translate vision into actionable steps while anticipating future needs. In my volunteer work with the Friends of the Orange Public Library Board of Directors, I helped plan with the expectation of a large donation request from the library due to its tighter budget. This required us to carefully evaluate priorities, strengthen fundraising efforts, and prepare the organization to respond responsibly and sustainably. Together, these experiences have strengthened my ability to think strategically, balance short and long-term objectives, and guide organizations toward sustainable success.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

As a Contracts Manager working with complex government contracts, I’ve developed significant financial expertise that directly relates to serving as a Toastmasters International Board Member. Government contracts require strict compliance with financial regulations, cost controls, and auditing standards. The most complex government contracts require me to work hand in hand with the Project Manager in evaluating budgets, negotiating pricing structures, analyzing financial risks, and ensuring fiscal accountability throughout the life of a contract. This experience builds a deep understanding of financial stewardship, transparency, and the responsible use of resources, all of which are critical to overseeing the budget and long-term financial health of an organization like Toastmasters International. By managing multi-million-dollar agreements with both precision and integrity, I’ve demonstrated the fiscal discipline and governance mindset essential to serving effectively on the Board.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

In my professional and volunteer roles, I have had extensive experience developing and refining policies. In a previous role, I authored internal policies to guide contract processing to ensure compliance, consistency, and efficiency across departments. I also created proposal review policies to establish clear evaluation criteria and streamline decision-making, as well as drafted company vehicle use policies to promote safety, accountability, and cost control. Beyond my professional work, I serve on the Friends of the Orange Public Library Board, where I helped update the organization’s bylaws, ensuring they reflected current governance practices and legal requirements. Together, these experiences demonstrate my ability to design policies that are both practical and sustainable, balancing organizational needs with accountability and clarity.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

From my previous leadership positions, I have learned that effective leadership begins with showing up authentically. When I bring my true self to the table, I build trust and create space for others to do the same. I’ve also learned the importance of listening to learn, not just to respond. By seeking to understand different perspectives, I’ve been able to make more informed and inclusive decisions. Over time, I developed the technique of asking thoughtful questions instead of immediately providing answers, which encourages dialogue, empowers others, and often leads to stronger solutions. Finally, I’ve recognized the value of patience and reflection, avoiding snap judgments that can overlook critical details or miss the human side of a situation. These lessons have helped me grow into a leader who prioritizes connection, respect, and thoughtful decision-making; qualities I believe are essential to serving on the Toastmasters International Board.

What experience and key strengths would you bring to the Board of Directors?

I bring a unique blend of professional expertise and communication skills that would serve the Board of Directors well. In my professional role in a Contracts department, I have gained extensive experience in governance and ethical conduct, ensuring transparency, compliance, and accountability in complex agreements. My specialized skills in risk management and negotiation allow me to evaluate challenges with clarity, balance competing priorities, and find solutions that protect organizational interests while fostering long-term relationships. Coupled with my academic background in English literacy and composition, I bring strong written and verbal communication skills that support clear policy development, collaborative dialogue, and effective decision-making. These strengths: ethical governance, risk awareness, strategic negotiation, and strong communication, position me to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and sustainability of Toastmasters International.

Why do you want to serve as an International Officer/Director?

I want to serve as a Toastmasters International Director because I deeply believe in the life-changing impact of this organization. Toastmasters has given me, and so many others, the opportunity to grow in confidence, find our voices, and develop as leaders. I have seen firsthand how it transforms lives by encouraging members to embrace change, challenge themselves, and achieve more than they imagined possible. My desire to serve on the Board comes from a love of this organization and a commitment to ensuring its continued success. I want to help take Toastmasters to the next level by strengthening its global presence, adapting to the evolving needs of members, and creating opportunities for future generations to benefit from the same transformative journey.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

I have volunteered with the Friends of the Orange Public Library, working in the on-site bookstore and at special book sale events throughout the year.

Have you worked with other Boards of Directors outside of Toastmasters? If so, describe your experience.

I currently serve on the Friends of the Orange Public Library (FOPL) Board in Orange, CA. FOPL’s mission is simple: to support and enhance our local library's resources and programs. We do this through generating grant funds from bookstore, online, and special sales; accepting and distribution of donations; seeking bequests from estates and trusts; and fostering volunteerism in the community. Our work provides the local community with: financial support for the Children's Summer Reading Program; Adult Literacy Program at the Library; books, e-books, DVDs and large print books for all three branches of the Orange Public Library; support for the digitization of the archives for the History Center; and funds for other projects as requested by the Library.

In your opinion, what are Toastmasters International’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

Toastmasters International’s major objectives are to empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders, to grow membership and establish new clubs worldwide, and to ensure the organization remains sustainable and relevant in a changing world. Achieving these goals requires a balance of vision and practicality. I would work toward them by promoting programs that strengthen member engagement and retention, supporting leaders in building and sustaining strong clubs, and encouraging the chartering of new clubs to expand our global reach. I would also ensure that decisions at the Board level are guided by good governance, ethical conduct, and financial stewardship. By listening to the needs of members across diverse regions and applying my professional expertise in governance and risk management, I can help advance these objectives and secure the continued growth and success of Toastmasters International.

Additional information about candidate:

Outside of my professional and leadership roles, I enjoy creative and restorative pursuits that keep me balanced. Crochet allows me to slow down and create something meaningful with my hands, while indoor rowing gives me both physical challenge and mental clarity. I also have a passion for nurturing houseplants and orchids, which has taught me patience and the value of consistent care. These interests not only bring me joy but also mirror qualities I bring to leadership: creativity, discipline, and the ability to foster growth over time.

My extensive travels in Egypt have given me a deeper appreciation for the diverse challenges and opportunities faced in different parts of the world. Experiencing life beyond North America has opened my eyes to cultural, economic, and social dynamics that shape how people connect, communicate, and lead. These experiences have expanded my perspective, reminding me that leadership must be inclusive, adaptable, and globally minded. I now approach decisions with a greater awareness that solutions cannot be “one-size-fits-all,” but instead must reflect the needs of a truly international community, something that is at the heart of Toastmasters International’s mission.