Sandra Orland, DTM

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

• 2019-2020 Area Director
• 2020-2021 Public Relations Manager
• 2021-2022 Club Growth Director
• 2022-2023 Program Quality Director
• 2023-2024 District Director
• 2024-2025 Immediate Past District Director
• 2024-2025 District Leadership Chair

Toastmasters honors and recognition (international level):

• 2019-2020 District 10 Above and Beyond Award
• 2019-2020 Distinguished Area Award
• 2019-2020 Area Director of the Year Award
• 2020-2021 District 10 Above and Beyond Award
• 2022-2023 District Excellence in Program Quality Award
• 2023-2024 District Club Strength Award

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

I have over 25 years of experience in the Information Technology field, with the last eight years as an IT Solution Architect. In this role, I have led agile teams, guided organizational change, mentored colleagues, and overseen cross-functional collaboration while owning complex technical solutions. I apply agile practices that align with the organization’s need to evolve its educational programs and member engagement strategy across both hybrid and digital formats. My experience has prepared me for the strategic oversight and responsibilities of a Toastmaster Board Member. Earlier in my career as a Research Assistant at Case Western Reserve University, I focused on colon cancer biology, molecular techniques, and data analysis. That foundation sharpened my ability to rely on evidence-based decisions and structured testing, skills I now apply in governance and strategy.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

Strategic planning is at the heart of what I do. Knowledgeable of the desired outcomes and how to best arrive there. Whether I’m guiding District leaders through success planning or leading the architecture of enterprise web platforms, as an IT Solution Architect Consultant, I own the technical solution from vision to delivery: balancing budgets, timelines, and long-term impact, ensuring a collaborative environment, engaging planners, architects, and developers to align diverse stakeholders, and translating strategy into scalable systems. I mentor teams in Agile practices that adapt to evolving needs while staying aligned with our goals. I’ve built sustainable leadership pipelines through coaching and continuity planning, and I take governance seriously, overseeing fiduciary responsibilities and contract approvals with a clear eye on risk and standards. Strategic planning isn’t just a skill set for me; it’s how I lead, build, and empower.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

In my role as the District Director, I provided complete fiduciary oversight of District funds, ensuring every decision aligned with the organization’s mission and policies. I worked closely with the District Executive Committee to develop and submit annual budgets on time, securing approval from the District Council and maintaining transparency with all stakeholders. Beyond planning, I oversaw day-to-day operations, including expense approvals, contract reviews, and resource allocation, while ensuring compliance with audit requirements and regulations. This balance of mission impact and fiscal discipline reflects the same responsibilities held by a nonprofit board treasurer or CFO.
Professionally, as an IT Solutions Architect at Progressive Insurance, I bring a parallel perspective of budget stewardship and cost-conscious leadership. I manage enterprise-level technology projects under strict budget and timeline requirements, often delivering under cost while maintaining quality. By retiring legacy systems and modernizing infrastructure, I help reduce long-term expenses and improve return on investment. Partnering with planners and domain architects, I ensure technical solutions are not only innovative but financially viable. While not a finance-exclusive role, it consistently requires cost-benefit analysis, resource optimization, and disciplined execution.
This blend of fiduciary oversight, technical strategy, and governance experience demonstrates the ability to align resources with the vision, manage risk, and ensure financial health —key responsibilities for a member of the Board of Directors.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

At Progressive Insurance, I provide leadership in technical solution ownership for enterprise systems, ensuring that governance policies regarding data, software development, and infrastructure are not only followed but also translated into clear, actionable standards. My advocacy for Agile and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) practices has established consistent methodologies that are embedded across teams and aligned with long-term strategy.
In Toastmasters, my governance experience extends to nonprofit operations. As District Director, I ensured compliance with Toastmasters International’s governing documents while I led the development of the District Success Plan, budget, and alignment proposals. I guide the work of District Executive Committees and Councils, applying policy to strengthen leadership, financial stewardship, and member support. As the Parent-Teacher Union President, I needed to ensure that we were raising money to address the greatest needs of our students, support school community-building events, and assist our teachers in reducing the burden of supply costs. We developed policies in collaboration with our Principal to ensure the effectiveness of our events and the safety of our students. As a Girl Scout Leader, I ensured the safety and well-being of the girls entrusted to my care through additional policies regarding drop-off, at events, and at pickup.
Across both professional and volunteer leadership, I approach policy and governance as a strategic framework: one that enables alignment, fosters accountability, and ensures decisions are grounded in mission and long-term sustainability.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

In every leadership role, one lesson has remained constant: success comes from building and leading a team with a shared direction. A united voice does not erase individuality; it amplifies it. I’ve learned to lead with heart, making space for people’s strengths, needs, and aspirations. Some members openly express their desire to grow, and when they do, my mission aligns with theirs: to help them think critically, act with purpose, and step into leadership.
I’ve also learned that not everyone will align with my vision, and that’s not failure; it’s reality. People vary in their self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the depth of their care for others. Respecting those differences while staying true to the mission has been one of my most significant areas for growth as a leader. I ensured that as a District Team, we had the opportunity to learn more about our strengths and how we can leverage them as a united team.
To balance priorities, I practiced agile and iterative methodologies. I treated my District role as a project, using a Monday.com board with milestones and deadlines to track progress. That structure brought clarity and accountability, but it also brought joy. I could see both the big picture and the daily wins. Along the way, I came to accept that time, quality, and cost are always in tension with one another. You can optimize two, but rarely all three. That insight shifted me from frustration to realism, enabling me to make informed tradeoffs.
Perhaps the hardest, yet most important, lesson has been learning to let go. Supporting others doesn’t always mean carrying them to the finish line. Sometimes it means letting them continue their own path, even if that path doesn’t meet my expectations. When that happens, it isn’t a failure; it’s a reflection point, a chance to learn, recalibrate, and move forward with compassion.
Together, these lessons have shaped my approach to leadership: one that is purposeful, structured, and human.

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

I bring several key strengths and experiences to the Board of Directors that align with its key competencies. My strengths are Strategic, Leaner, Individualization, Communication, and Relator, all of which are beneficial as a Board Member.
Strategic Vision – I align long-term goals with operational execution across tech and nonprofit sectors, demonstrated through enterprise solution design at Progressive Insurance and District Success Plan leadership in Toastmasters. Ensuring the steps we take today move toward addressing future needs. I pivot as needed when results aren’t realized.
Mentorship & Leadership Development – I build leaders through coaching, team building, and succession planning. I have been fortunate enough to mentor Toastmasters District leaders and cultivate sustainable pipelines within IT teams. I am open to learning from others, understanding myself, and applying my emotional intelligence to every situation.
Financial Stewardship – I managed budgets with accountability, ensured compliance, and balanced mission-driven spending with fiscal responsibility, both as District Director and as an IT solutions leader overseeing enterprise project budgets. As a Parish Council member, we needed to ensure the longevity of our organization, balancing collaborative events with maintaining operational stability.
Policy & Governance Expertise – I craft, interpret, and enforce policies that support sustainable growth and ethical leadership, from corporate governance standards to Toastmasters’ governing documents. I am not afraid to ask questions when the context is unclear to remove additional interpretation. I constantly review policies first before answering questions, regardless of how familiar I am with the context.
Inclusive Communication – Connects with diverse audiences through storytelling, music, and clear messaging, creating spaces where individuals feel valued and engaged. I listen to understand and build trust. Through trust, dialogue can be established. Ensuring a message cannot be misinterpreted as having alternative meanings. I understand the uniqueness of individuals in needing information in various ways to gain knowledge.
Creative Problem-Solving – I tackle challenges with inventive, practical solutions that prioritize group well-being, from resolving team conflicts to reimagining processes that enhance efficiency and morale. I remain curious, which enables me to continue exploring the impact on the end user. I ask questions to ensure the solution fits the problem and work through testing scenarios to uncover potential issues.
Technology Fluency – I bring expertise in systems architecture, software development, and digital transformation, helping organizations effectively adopt modern tools and navigate change. I ensure that technology isn’t just creating new problems but is also fit for purpose and aligns with our strategy. I embrace technologies, such as AI integration, while keeping humans in the loop to enhance effectiveness and resilience.

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

I want to serve as an International Director because I believe Toastmasters is a global framework for building leaders who speak with confidence, connect with purpose, and create impact. I believe in the transformative power of Toastmasters - to help people not only talk but lead, connect, and thrive. I’ve seen how these empowered voices and increased self-confidence ripple out, strengthening workplaces, families, and communities. I’ve helped build those voices, and now I want to help shape the systems that sustain them.
Professionally, I have over two decades in technology, most recently as an IT Solution Architect for Progressive Insurance, where I have experience architecting solutions in a Fortune 100 company, aligning vision with execution, and balancing innovation with governance. I lead cross-functional teams, manage multimillion-dollar projects, and balance competing priorities—skills directly relevant to the Board’s role in ensuring operational excellence and long-term sustainability.
Within Toastmasters, I have built clubs, managed finances, guided policy, and mentored leaders across districts and regions. These experiences taught me that local impact can strengthen global growth. Sustainable growth happens when people feel valued and connected to purpose.
As a Board Member, I would bring strategic planning, governance experience, a systems-thinking mindset, and a commitment to servant leadership, with a passion for enhancing the member experience and a mission to keep Toastmasters relevant, inclusive, and inspiring for generations to come. I am committed to serving with integrity, listening with intention, and leading with a voice that uplifts.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

I serve as a volunteer musician in three symphonic bands, two of which are nonprofit organizations. I recently organized rebuilding the Patriot Symphonic Band’s website. I ensured the team was supported in modernizing its digital presence and securing board approval. Additionally, I supported the high school music program's fundraising, logistics, and morale as a Music Boosters Officer and Volunteer for five years, coordinating uniforms, assisting with performances, and encouraging student musicians. In my role as Parent-Teacher Union Officer and President for five years, I organized events, served on fundraising committees, advocated for families, and strengthened school-community partnerships, promoting transparency and ensuring that all voices were represented. As a Parish Council Board Member for two years, I contributed to strategic decisions, outreach initiatives, and parish-wide planning, always focusing on collaboration and practical outcomes that best served the community. I also taught second graders in faith formation for six years at the Parish School of Religion, blending creative engagement with trust-building for children and families during their formative years. I led a Girl Scout troop for 14 years, supporting girls through badge work, service projects, and personal challenges, helping them grow into confident, capable young women through consistency, compassion, and mentorship. Over my formative high school years, I have guided younger members through hands-on learning and leadership growth as a 4-H Teen Leader and Youth Camp Mentor, returning each summer to create safe, inclusive, and memorable experiences. My life has been filled with outstanding volunteer and ambassador experiences.

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

I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Patriot Symphonic Band, a nonprofit arts organization, where I have focused on marketing and outreach for the past two years. My work has included developing strategies to grow audiences, coordinating social media campaigns, supporting member communication, and building partnerships that foster stronger community connections. A highlight of this role was leading the modernization of the band’s website, applying technical expertise to create a platform that is more engaging, accessible, and reflective of the ensemble’s mission. This experience has allowed me to blend creativity and strategy in the service of the arts, while ensuring alignment with nonprofit goals.
I also served on a Parish Council, a governance body entrusted with setting the strategic direction of our church community. During my elected two-year term, I collaborated on budgetary planning, long-term initiatives, and parish-wide programs. The work required balancing spiritual priorities with operational realities, always with a focus on integrity, inclusion, and stewardship. Discussions often called for discretion, consensus-building, and respect for diverse perspectives, all of which reinforced my belief in leadership that listens first, aligns with vision, and acts with purpose.
Both experiences strengthened my understanding of nonprofit governance. They amplified my commitment to servant leadership, ensuring that decisions remain aligned with the mission while meeting the needs of the communities being served.

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

Toastmasters International’s primary objectives are clear: to empower individuals through communication and leadership, to ensure clubs remain strong and sustainable, and to expand access so members across the globe can thrive. I want to contribute to those objectives by helping build systems that not only support members in speaking but also in leading, connecting, and creating lasting impact.
Integrity and ethical conduct guide every role I take on. Whether managing enterprise-level projects at Progressive Insurance or supporting District leaders through complex decisions, I approach challenges with care, loyalty, and responsibility. I believe Board service requires confidentiality, trust, and the ability to stand united once decisions are made.
Within Toastmasters, I have built clubs, guided policy, supported finances, and led conferences. I have mentored leaders across cultures and generations, always listening first and respecting the local context. Cultural awareness is vital for ensuring our objectives are met in ways that honor the diverse experiences of our members.
Strategic planning is one of my strongest skills. I have developed District Success Plans, aligned budgets with long-term goals, and built leadership pipelines that outlast individual terms of service. My perspective is global, shaped by both systems-level corporate work and nonprofit governance, and I am comfortable navigating varied cultural, regulatory, and economic landscapes.
I am also fundamentally data-driven. I prepare thoroughly, analyze objectively, and remain flexible when new information arises. My background in financial oversight and organizational governance equips me to approach Board work with both rigor and creativity.
At its heart, leadership is service. I want to help Toastmasters continue to evolve while staying grounded in its mission. My commitment is to serve with integrity, to listen with intention, and to lead in a way that uplifts every voice.

Additional information about candidate:

With over 25 years in technology and 6 years in biomedical research, I bring a distinctive, cross-disciplinary lens to every organization I serve. Beyond the boardroom, I’m a lifelong maker—designing and sewing fashion garments, exploring new crafts from crochet and knitting to paper arts, and always finding joy in creating with my hands. My latest adventure? An AI-powered indoor garden tower, where I’m cultivating herbs, salad vegetables, and curiosity. Music is another lifelong thread; I play trumpet in symphonic bands, volunteer as a church musician, and thrive in the collaborative energy of ensemble performance, especially in pit orchestras. I share a joyful life with my husband of 22 years, our two college-aged daughters, and our spirited Aussie-doodle rescue. Our newest passion, RV camping in our travel trailer, fuels dreams of summer road trips and tiny home adventures across Northeast Ohio.