SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Emergency Management Agency Director Thomas Smoot was recently elected to serve as president of the Downtown Akron Toastmasters Club. Smoot joined Toastmasters in September 2019. He will serve as president from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization’s membership exceeds 364,000 in more than 16,200 clubs in 145 countries. The Downtown Toastmasters Club was originally chartered on December 1, 1961.
“I am incredibly proud of the leadership Thomas Smoot has shown in the last year as our EMA Director. Since the first day of the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his team worked closely with our federal and state partners, first responders and healthcare providers, and many other community partners to respond to this crisis,” said Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro. “As the president of Toastmasters, I know Thomas will further develop his leadership skills, while also helping others develop strong leadership and communication skills.”
As club president, Smoot will preside over the club, business, and Executive Committee meetings. He will provide helpful, supportive leadership for the club’s activities. He plans to gain practical leadership experience while helping other Toastmasters to learn and grow in their professions and their personal lives. He also plans to increase the Downtown Toastmasters Club membership, diversity, and achieve a distinguished club recognition.
“Toastmasters has been a tremendous help to build my skills as an innovative communicator and leader. I am looking forward to further building my leadership and communication skills during the upcoming year,” said Smoot. “I encourage others interested in becoming more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders to join our club.”
To learn more about the Downtown Akron Toastmasters Club, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Downtown-Akron-Toastmasters-133784687220974/.