Karen Burgess, DTM

Member Since: 2000
Home Region: 1
Home District: 21
Supporting Districts: 2, 7, 15, 39, 57

Toastmasters offices held and terms of service (international, region and District level):

• 2023-2024 Immediate Past District Director
• 2022-2023 District Director
• 2021-2022 Club Growth Director
• 2019-2020 Program Quality Director

What is your understanding of the Region Advisor role and how does your experience relate to the role?

The Region Advisor is charged with supporting the Districts to achieve the District Mission; to build relationships and foster teamwork amongst the Districts and District trios; to offer direction with conflict resolution when needed; Identifying the strengths and opportunities for growth in the Districts. Additionally, the role of Region Advisor is to support the teams in their various lanes and help them look forward to the coming months and the necessary actions that lay ahead. Throughout my various leadership roles, from club President to Immediate Past District Director, I feel that I have addressed all these aspects of the Region Advisor role.

What is your experience with coaching individuals and/or teams?

During my years as IPDD, I mentored the incoming District Director, who had not been a member of our district for 10 years and needed to understand the district structure. Also, that year, I provided mentoring to the PQD and CGD. As DD, I mentored the new PQD and CGD in their roles. Currently, I am mentoring the PQD in his role. I have coached the DLC team, DECM, Realignment Committee, and the Website Design Committee. I have also mentored and coached numerous members throughout my 25 years in Toastmasters.

Why are you interested in serving as Region Advisor?

After serving on the district team for the past 4 years, I want to be able to share the knowledge, skills, and experience I have acquired. I also aspire to become a better facilitator and be able to run workshops for adult learners that will benefit them. I believe that my experience would allow me to share insights with incoming leaders to support them in staying focused on the tasks at hand and the District Mission. I have been a Toastmaster for 25 years and consider myself a life-long learner. I believe this will help me in learning the Region Advisor role and to be able to support the districts I serve.