Colleen Marie Kelly, DTM

Candidate’s office: District Director

Program year: 2023-2024

Member since: February 1, 2018

Education: 

Bachelors in Christian Studies

4 DTMs (2 Legacy DTMs in 28 months + 2 Pathways DTM in 20 months)

John Maxwell DISC Behavioral Analysis Consultant Certification | John Maxwell DISC Behavioral Analysis Trainer Certification

John Maxwell Advanced Leadership Certification – Leadership, Public Speaking, Coaching, Mentoring

Lean Sigma Black Belt | Lean Sigma Green Belt | Certified Meeting Planner

 

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

District 6 Program Quality Director, July 01, 2022 – June 30, 2023
Readership Toastmasters Secretary, July 01, 2022 – June 30, 2023
District 6 Club Growth Director, July 01, 2021 – June 30, 2022
Readership Toastmasters VP Membership, July 01, 2021 – June 30, 2022
District 6 Administration Manager, July 01, 2020 – June 30, 2021
Readership Toastmasters Club President, July 01, 2020 – June 30, 2021
D106 Division D Division Director, July 01, 2019 – June 30, 2020
Daylighters Toastmasters Vice President Public Relations, July 01, 2019 – June 30, 2020
D106 Area 12 Area Director, July 01, 2018 – June 30, 2019
Anoka Toastmasters Sergeant At Arms, July 01, 2018 – June 30, 2019

Toastmasters honors and recognition:

DocuSign SE Toastmasters New Club Sponsor, June 27, 2022
NorthRock Partners New Club Sponsor, August 20, 2021
UPS Minneapolis New Club Mentor, October 29, 2020 – April 29, 2021
Toasty Lunchmasters New Club Mentor, February 1, 2019 – August 1, 2019
Phoenix Award Recipient – Goal Getters Toastmasters, March 22, 2021 – June 30, 2021
Phoenix Award Recipient for Coaching a Club to Presidential Distinguished x2
  – Readership Toastmasters, July 01, 2019 – June 30, 2020
  – Preferred Speaking Toastmasters Club, July 01, 2018 – June 30, 2019
Division D Online Ovation Silver Award, June 30, 2020
D106 Area 12 – Distinguished Area, July 01, 2018 – June 30, 2019
D106 Division B Area Director of the Year, July 01, 2018 – June 30, 2019

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District officer:

  • 10+ years experience as a Project Manager
  • 8+ years experience as a Certified Lean Sigma Black Belt (streamlines processes and procedures for the most cost efficient and effective way of doing things)
  • 15+ years experience as an Administrative & Executive Assistant supporting senior level executives in fast pace environments.
  • 20+ years experience in Event Planning
I believe that the duties as a District Leader will pull on my education, work experience, as well as Toastmasters Journey.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

As a project manager and Certified Lean Sigma Black Belt, I regularly worked with individuals and teams to facilitate strategic planning sessions to drive successful outcomes for organizations – both cross functionally and at a division level.
 
As the D6 Club Growth Director and Program Quality Director I partnered with the other Trio Members to prepare the District Success Plan and Budget for each of the respective years.
 
I also developed the Club Growth Marketing Plan, identified a Club Research Chair, Club Extension Chair, New Club Kick Off Chair, Club Retention Chair, and Club Coach Chair and partnered with them to develop strategic plans to build new clubs and strengthen existing clubs.
 
As the D6 Program Quality Director, I formed a dedicated club officer training team – something the district never had before – and significantly up-leveled the entire club officer training experience which was a strategic direction change.  This resulted in the district seeing the highest training numbers that we have seen in years which in turn sets the clubs up for success.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

At a medical device company, I worked for, I played an integral role in managing an engineering department’s $640K annual direct expense budget by helping to ensure expenses were charged to the correct cost center or project and reviewed cost center spend each month to hit budgets each quarter. I also effectively managed the PDW (labor) charge outs to ensure we didn’t have unplanned negative absorption to our cost center/function. My efforts significantly contributed to a cost savings of $500K.
 
I also led a $2.1M Supply Chain Optimization for another company I worked for.
 
As the D6 Club Growth Director and Program Quality Director I partnered with the other Trio Members to prepare the District Budget for each of the respective years.

What experience do you have in developing procedures?

As a Certified Lean Sigma Black Belt, I have walked teams through the DMAIC Process: Define (What is the Pain / Problem and Desired Outcome?), Measure (Current State), Analyze (Identify Root Cause), Improve (Implement Countermeasures to Drive Desired Outcomes) and Control (Setting things on a Path of Continuous Improvement). This process at times has often resulted in creating or updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

As a Certified Lean Sigma Black Belt, I have walked teams through the DMAIC Process:
Define (What is the Pain / Problem and Desired Outcome?), Measure (Current State), Analyze (Identify Root Cause),
Improve (Implement Countermeasures to Drive Desired Outcomes) and Control (Setting things on a Path of Continuous Improvement).
 
This process at times has often resulted in creating or updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
 
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
  • As a Leader, it is imperative that you set your people up for success and don’t assume it will just happen.
  • Every Leadership Experience is an Opportunity to Learn and Grow. 
  • Every Leadership Experience is an Opportunity to Value People in a Greater Way and Intentionally Add Value to Them. 
  • Never Stop Believing in People’s Potential or Encouraging Them in it. 
  • Even the BEST Communicators can be Better Communicators. 
  • Mentors are Vital to Your Success.
  • TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!

Why do you want to serve as a district leader?

My greatest passion is helping individuals and organizations step into their full potential.
With that in mind, I regularly look for ways both in my personal and professional life as well as Toastmasters Journey to do just that.
I see serving as a District Leader as a wonderful opportunity to intentionally add value to the members of District 6.  This is meaningful to me as I believe in the potential of District 6.  
 
  • I believe in the potential of our seasoned members and leaders as they have tremendous wisdom and experience to glean from that helps strengthens our foundation as a district.
  • I believe in the potential of our current members and leaders as they are navigating a new norm that will help pave the way for a successful future.  
  • I believe in the potential of our future members and leaders as I believe as they will play an equally important role in helping take District 6 to the next level through the talents and perspectives they bring to the table!
  • I believe that the greatest days of District 6, and I want to be a partner in the process of helping us realize the intrinsic potential that is within our district.

In your opinion, what are the district mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

The District Mission is to Build New Clubs and Support All Clubs in Achieving Excellence!
 
As a District Leadership Team, we need to be even more intentional about supporting our members and clubs in ways that are meaningful and beneficial in their eyes. This will mean increasing our relationship building efforts to identify what is needed and responding accordingly. It will also mean looking at what we are currently doing well and looking for ways to up level those things to produce a greater Member Experience as well as increased effectiveness as a District Leadership Team. This will increase Club Quality, Member Retention, Membership Growth, and New Club Building Efforts.
 
My heart is to do my part in helping set District 6 up for long-term success by putting things in place operationally that will put us on a path of continuous improvement. Each leader will be encouraged to do his or her personal best and then set the stage for their successor’s success. This will be Key as a leader’s true legacy is seen the success of his or her successors.

Additional information about yourself:

I enjoy bike riding, swimming, hiking, time with friends, and traveling.

I have done volunteer work in 21 nations around the world where I have served in a variety of capacities including but not limited to working in churches, orphanages, relief centers, building training centers, providing food, clothing, medical supplies, etc.

I am currently writing my first book entitled, Defying the Odds: Hope and Healing for Those Who have Aged Out of Foster Care.  My HOPE is that the book be an encouragement to those who are aging out of foster care as well as bring awareness to individuals and organizations who are in a position to help these individuals step onto the path of his or her potential.