Jacqueline Houser, DTM

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

• 2018-2019 Area Director
• 2019-2020 Division Director
• 2020-2021 District Conference Chair
• 2021-2022 Club Growth Director
• 2022-2023 Program Quality Director
• 2023-2024 District Director
• 2024-2025 Immediate Past District Director

Toastmasters honors and recognition (international level):

• 2018-2019 Area Director of the year
• 2018-2019 President's Distinguished Area
• 2019-2020 Division Online Ovation Silver Award
• 2019-2020 Division Membership Payment Bronze Award
• 2019-2020 President's Distinguished Division
• 2019-2020 Division Director of the Year
• 2020-2021 D43 Innovator of the Year
• 2022-2023 District Leader of the Year
• 2022-2023 Excellence in Program Quality
• 2023-2024 Club Strength Award #5 in the world

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

I bring a diverse professional background that I believe connects strongly with the responsibilities of a Toastmasters International Board Member. Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked in sales, marketing, and finance, experiences that taught me the value of building relationships, managing resources wisely, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind.

In addition, my work as a Personal Development Coach requires me to listen deeply, ask meaningful questions, and help people find solutions. Those same skills, critical listening, collaboration, and empathy, are the same ones I will bring to the board.

I have been described as a results-driven coach, a strategic leader, and authentic collaborator. These are qualities I will bring to the Board to help shape strategy, strengthen governance, and ensure Toastmasters International remains impactful, relevant, and sustainable worldwide.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

Church Growth Strategic Planning Committee Member: I served on my Church Growth Strategic Planning Committee for a congregation of over 2,500 members, and our main goal was to ensure our expansion was sustainable. I worked closely with senior leadership to develop and execute strategies that aligned our infrastructure and ministries with the church's mission. The biggest win was adding an additional worship service as a practical interim solution to support our growth while the new church building project is underway.

Co-Chair, Program Planning & Development: Memphis Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (780 members): I had the opportunity to co-lead the strategic review of our community initiatives. Instead of just doing more, my focus was on doing things better. I partnered with Leadership and committee chairs to identify our most impactful programs, which resulted in a more engaged membership and stronger community visibility. We elevated the quality of our work and expanded our reach through more meaningful and collaborative partnerships.

Strategic Planning Committee Member: Memphis Chapter, The Links, Incorporated: My passion for community impact drives my work on the Strategic Planning Committee for the Memphis Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. As one of the newest members to this committee, I am excited for this challenge to reassess the current plan in today’s market and make recommendations for adjustment.

Strategic Planning Committee Member: District 3, National Association of Parliamentarians: In this newly developed committee, I collaborate with District leadership to shape the strategic framework under the theme “Your Voice, Our Vision: Educate, Empower, and Achieve.” By contributing to this framework, I will help strengthen District 3’s foundation for growth and ensure members are supported at every stage of their parliamentary journey.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

I bring strong financial stewardship skills developed through both professional and entrepreneurial roles. As a Credit Manager for four years, I guided clients in budgeting, debt-to-income management, and savings strategies. This experience sharpened my ability to analyze financial data, assess risk, and recommend sustainable solutions. As a business owner and independent contractor, I create and oversee budgets, manage resources, and reinvest strategically to ensure long-term sustainability. These experiences have strengthened my ability to balance fiscal discipline with strategic growth, skills directly applicable to serving on a Board where sound financial oversight and accountability are essential to advancing organizational goals.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

Parliamentarian & Chair, Bylaws Committee: Memphis Chapter, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated;
I led the effort to review, draft, and update our chapter’s bylaws and policies. I worked closely with the committee to evaluate outdated provisions, simplify the language, and make sure everything aligned with organizational standards. I also made it a priority to keep members engaged throughout the process by explaining the “why” behind the changes and building consensus for adoption. The result was a partial bylaw overhaul that took place over the program year and earned our chapter the Blue Ribbon Bylaws designation. Not only did we receive the highest score in the region for clarity, aesthetics, and organization, but members also felt ownership in the process, which was just as important to me as the recognition.

Member, Bylaws Committee: Memphis Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated;
I contributed to the development, revision, and governance of chapter policies to ensure consistency with organizational standards and effective chapter operations.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

From my leadership experiences, I’ve learned that true leadership is as much about patience as it is about action. I’ve had to practice patience with different work styles, communication styles, leadership approaches, and the various vantage points from which people view and interpret issues. These moments taught me the value of slowing down, listening more deeply, and creating space for others to be heard.

I have also learned to balance policy with perspective, applying rules with both the letter and the spirit of the law. I prioritize listening to diverse viewpoints, remaining adaptable, and staying curious when I don’t have all the answers, which helps me make more informed decisions. Collaboration thrives when I remain open to perspectives that differ from my own and adaptable when things don’t go as planned.

Through these experiences, I’ve developed the courage to make tough choices, recognizing that not every decision will satisfy everyone, but each can be made with fairness, integrity, and thoughtfulness. These lessons have been among the most important in my leadership journey, shaping me to lead with patience, empathy, confidence, and clarity.

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

I would bring to the Board of Directors extensive experience in strategic planning, governance, and organizational leadership. My background has prepared me to approach challenges with a long-term perspective, balancing innovation with sustainability. I am skilled at building consensus, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that decisions align with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.

I also bring a governance mindset that emphasizes accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of resources. I understand the importance of setting policies that allow organizations to adapt, grow, and remain relevant while upholding their core values.

Most importantly, I bring a deep commitment to servant leadership and to advancing Toastmasters International’s mission. I am dedicated to supporting the organization’s continued growth and global impact by helping to strengthen clubs, empower members, and ensure that Toastmasters remains relevant and impactful for future generations. I am eager to apply my background in relationship building, financial oversight and strategic planning to help shape the future of Toastmasters International.

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

I want to serve as an International Director because I am deeply committed to Toastmasters and the transformative impact it has on personal and professional growth. Guided by the principle of “be the change you want to see,” I am passionate about ensuring the program remains relevant, accessible, and impactful for future generations. Having spent much of my life advocating for the development of soft skills, which are often undervalued, I see this role as an opportunity to shape policies and initiatives that sustain and strengthen an organization dedicated to helping individuals grow, lead, and make a meaningful difference.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Active member supporting programs that advance educational development, economic empowerment, and social action. My leadership roles include Chair of the Nominating Committee, Chair of the Publicity Committee, Chair of Delta of the Year Committee, Co-Chair of Program Planning & Development, Co-Chair of the Tennessee State Cluster Conference (1,500 attendees), and Internal Development Trainer for the State of Tennessee. In these roles, I have successfully collaborated with volunteers across multiple generations, fostering engagement, mentorship, and leadership development.

Memphis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated
Associate member engaged in leadership and programmatic initiatives that nurture future African American leaders through service, cultural awareness, and civic engagement. I served as Sergeant-at-Arms, Chair of the Oratorical Contest (Chapter and State Chair), Regional Advisor for the Oratorical Contest, Co-Chair, Regional Conference 2023 (800 attendees), Parliamentarian, Chair of the Nominating Committee and Chair of the Bylaws Committee.

The Memphis Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Active member contributing to initiatives that promote friendship, provide service, and deliver transformational programming addressing the needs of underserved communities

National Association of Parliamentarians, Beta Unit
Active member working toward learning more in parliamentary procedure to strengthen governance, leadership development, and effective meeting management; currently working toward earning the Registered Parliamentarian designation

Order of the Eastern Star, Murry’s Chapter #554
Active member supporting charitable and community service activities grounded in faith, fellowship, and philanthropy

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
Past Ambassador, representing the Chamber in the community, supporting local business engagement and fostering partnerships while collaborating with volunteers from diverse generational and professional backgrounds

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

Jefferson Community School Center – Board of Directors: As a member of the Board of Directors, I applied my skills in collaboration, resource development, and community engagement to preserve the center as a gathering place for both youth and the elderly. I partnered with community members and leaders to ensure the center continues to serve as a bridge between generations through education, recreation, and fellowship. By supporting grant applications and fundraising efforts, I played a key role in securing resources for essential repairs and renovations, allowing the center to thrive as a safe, enriching, and unifying space for the community.

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

In my opinion, Toastmasters International’s major objectives are to:

1. Empower members to become effective communicators and leaders
2. Strengthen and sustain clubs worldwide
3. Ensure the organization’s long-term relevance and sustainability

These goals are essential to advancing the mission of developing confident speakers and leaders who positively impact their communities.

As a Board member, I will prioritize strategic governance and alignment with the International Strategic Plan. I firmly believe that the Board must champion initiatives that enrich the member experience, ensure clubs remain vibrant and inclusive, and broaden our appeal across generations to attract and retain a diverse membership. It is equally important to embrace innovation, including technology and hybrid engagement models that cater to the evolving needs of a global membership.

I am committed to responsible stewardship of resources, data-informed decision-making, and forward-facing policies that prepare Toastmasters for its second century. By collaborating with fellow Board members, I will help strengthen the organization’s foundation while guiding its growth, impact, and relevance for generations to come.

Additional information about candidate:

I am a detail-oriented individual who strives for excellence in every endeavor. Dependable and results-driven, I consistently meet deadlines and follow through on my responsibilities. Time and money are two invaluable resources that I hold in high regard; once spent, they can never be regained, so I am committed to using them wisely!

As a devoted wife to Metrick for 28 years, a mother of three adults, Alex, Morgan, and Lindsey, and a proud fur-parent to Scotty, I bring the same passion and commitment to my personal life as I do to my professional and volunteer endeavors.

I thrive on connecting authentically with people, learning from their experiences, and building meaningful relationships. Born in California, raised in Alabama, and now residing in Tennessee, I possess a blend of perspectives that inform how I lead, collaborate, and engage with diverse groups.

Travel has expanded my worldview and enhanced my adaptability. Having visited multiple countries and continents, I deeply appreciate different cultures, customs, and traditions. As a lifelong learner, I continuously seek opportunities for personal and professional growth while contributing to the success of the communities and organizations I serve.