PORTLAND, Ore., May 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- District 7 Toastmasters serving Oregon and Southwest Washington announced its new officers for 2016-17. Leanna Lindquist of Portland will lead the nonprofit organization as District Director, with Donna Stark of Eugene serving as Program Quality Director and Cathy French of Florence as Club Growth Director. Their one-year terms begin July 1.

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"It's an honor to assume the role of District Director," Lindquist said. "Our District mission is to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. We've historically fulfilled this mission by providing members with the resources to grow socially and professionally by building communication and leadership skills. I welcome the opportunity to guide the District in its continued pursuit of that mission."

Lindquist, a retired registered nurse, hold the title of Distinguished Toastmaster, the organization's highest educational award. She has a history of changing the status quo. While serving on the board as Treasurer of the McLean House, a historic property owned by the city of West Linn, Oregon, she spearheaded the renovation and refurbishing of the house and property. As President of the Oregon Medical Association Alliance, she initiated the first statewide prescription drug takeback program. In 2011 the program was adopted nationwide by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

After joining Toastmasters in 2009, Lindquist continued to be a positive force for change. In 2011, she created the District's first sponsorship program for funding semiannual conferences. In 2012 she put on the World's Largest Toastmasters Meeting in Pioneer Courthouse Square. In 2014-2015 she initiated a marketing campaign that raised awareness of Toastmasters in strategic markets across the District, resulting in recognition by Toastmasters International.

"My theme for the coming year is 'Be Extraordinary,'" Lindquist said. "My top priority is meeting the needs of our members by creating an atmosphere of excellence that inspires and motivates them to achieve team and individual goals."

Lindquist exemplifies being extraordinary. She continues to accumulate honors for her work: Volunteer of the Year, Colton School District; Volunteer of the Year, Oregon Medical Association Alliance; 2011-2012 and 2014-2015 District 7 Toastmaster of the Year; 2014-2015 Toastmasters International Excellence in Marketing Award; and 2011-2012 District 7 Toastmasters Division Governor of the Year.

About District 7 Toastmasters

District 7 represents 175 Toastmasters clubs in Oregon, Southwest Washington and Northern California. For more information, please visit www.d7toastmasters.org.

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, the organization's membership exceeds 332,000 in more than 15,400 clubs in 135 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.

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SOURCE District 7 Toastmasters