ABOUT DISTRICT 14
D14 Boundaries
Our History
District 14 Toastmasters has a rich and storied history, dating back to its establishment in 1944. From its humble beginnings, our district has grown into a vibrant community dedicated to empowering individuals to become confident communicators and effective leaders.
Over the years, District 14 has fostered a supportive environment where members can hone their public speaking and leadership skills through a diverse array of clubs, events, and training programs. Our district has been instrumental in shaping countless success stories, with members achieving personal and professional growth that has positively impacted their communities.
As we continue to evolve, District 14 remains committed to its mission of providing a dynamic and encouraging platform for self-improvement. Join us in celebrating our legacy and being a part of our future, as we strive to inspire and develop the leaders of tomorrow.
Alpha 289 First & Oldest Toastmasters Club in Georgia
About Us
In the 1940’s, Harry Jaffe, an Alabaman, introduced Toastmasters to Georgia. In December 1944, the first club was chartered, club #289, the Henry W. Grady Club.
In 1966, John Lister became the editor of the first District 14 Newsletter. Originally called The Rebel Rouser, the name is now The Georgia Gavel.
In 1969, the first District 14 Toastmaster of the Year award was presented to P. Greg McCarthy, a member of the Georgia – Carolina club #2523. At that time, the District had only three Divisions: Northern, Southern and Eastern.
In the District year 1968–69, the first Communication award for a non-Toastmaster was presented to Dr. Noah Langdale, President of Georgia State University in Atlanta.
District 14 Toastmasters — History
Founded 1944 • Celebrating decades of leadership growth across Georgia
Origins
In the 1940s, Harry Jaffe (an Alabaman) introduced Toastmasters to Georgia. In December 1944, the first club was chartered: club #289, the Henry W. Grady Club.
Our Newsletter
In 1966, John Lister became editor of the first District 14 newsletter. Originally called The Rebel Rouser, it’s now known as The Georgia Gavel.
First District Awards
In 1969, the first District 14 “Toastmaster of the Year” award was presented to P. Greg McCarthy. At that time, the District had three divisions: Northern, Southern, and Eastern.
Communication Award
In District year 1968–69, the first Communication award for a non‑Toastmaster was presented to Dr. Noah Langdale, President of Georgia State University in Atlanta.
Milestone: Title Change from Governors to Directors
Toastmasters International changed District leadership titles from Governors to Directors.
- 2013–2014 — J.D. Dirkschneider, DTM — Theme: “Where Leaders Are Made”
- 2014–2015 — Charlie Mae Ferrell, DTM (led D14 to Select Distinguished) — Theme: “Where Leaders Are Made”
Year by Year: Past District Governors (1960–1990)
- 1960–1961 — Bob Perkins
- 1961–1962 — Happy Chandler
- 1962–1963 — Dick Piazza
- 1963–1964 — Fred Delves
- 1964–1965 — Bates Causey
- 1965–1966 — Ken Thayer
- 1966–1967 — Richard A. (Dick) Saams
- 1967–1968 — Phil Viviani, DTM
- 1968–1969 — Attie Fleming, DTM
- 1969–1970 — Cecil Passmore
- 1970–1971 — John Lister, DTM
- 1971–1972 — Orville Dickinson
- 1972–1973 — Ray Young (led D14 to PDD)
- 1973–1974 — P. Greg McCarthy, DTM (led D14 to PDD)
- 1974–1975 — Dick Anderson (led D14 to PDD)
- 1975–1976 — Charlie Powell (led D14 to Distinguished)
- 1976–1977 — Jessie Paulk, DTM
- 1977–1978 — Bill Schweitzer
- 1978–1979 — T. R. (Dick) Banks, DTM (led D14 to Distinguished)
- 1979–1980 — P. Greg McCarthy, DTM (led D14 to Distinguished)
- 1980–1981 — Charles W. Rooney, DTM (led D14 to Select Distinguished)
- 1981–1982 — Hollis C. Hurst, DTM (led D14 to Select Distinguished)
- 1982–1983 — John C. Whitmore, DTM (led D14 to Distinguished)
- 1983–1984 — W. A. (Bill) Waldrop, DTM (led D14 to Distinguished)
- 1984–1985 — Bobby Ramsey, DTM
- 1985–1986 — Bob Roberson, DTM (led D14 to PDD)
- 1986–1987 — Bill Baxter, DTM
- 1987–1988 — Ann Henderson (first female DG; led D14 to PDD #1)
- 1988–1989 — David Caraway (led D14 to PDD #4)
- 1989–1990 — Jim Dawson (led D14 to PDD #1)
Year by Year: PDG (2000–2013)
- 2000–2001 — James Fair, DTM (led D14 to Select Distinguished)
- 2001–2002 — Jean Embry, DTM
- 2002–2003 — George Kan, DTM (led D14 to PDD #6)
- 2003–2004 — John Lewallen, DTM — Theme: “Put Your Heart in It”
- 2004–2005 — Steve Williams, DTM — Theme: “Learn, Grow, Achieve”
- 2005–2006 — Felicia Artis (now Kemp), DTM — Theme: “U Can”
- 2006–2007 — Lee Holliday, DTM (led D14 to PDD #6) — Theme: “Dare To Soar”
- 2007–2008 — Joy Lewis, DTM — Theme: “Excellence in Action”
- 2008–2009 — Cindy Cannon, DTM (led D14 to PDD #4) — Theme: “Dream Believe Achieve”
- 2009–2010 — Theresa Spralling, DTM — Theme: “Empowered to Succeed”
- 2010–2011 — Roy Ganga, DTM — Theme: “Energize Your Voice” (led D14 to Select Distinguished)
- 2011–2012 — Kene Iloenyosi, DTM — Theme: “QM = QC (Quality Meetings = Quality Clubs)”
- 2012–2013 — Dwight Jones, DTM — Theme: “Where Leaders Are Made”
Have additions or corrections to our historical record? Contact the District 14 PR team.