PROGRAMS

distinguished club

What is the Distinguished Club Program (DCP)

The Distinguished Club Program serves as the starting point for the District Recognition Program, which encompasses the Distinguished Area, Division, and District programs.

District 56 Distinguished Clubs

Before this new 2025-2026 Toastmaster year, a President’s Distinguished Club was the highest level of recognition a club can achieve within the Distinguished Club Program. To attain this distinction, a club must fulfill at least nine out of the ten goals outlined in the DCP, in addition to meeting membership requirements. 

2024-2025 President's Distinguished Clubs
ANICO Articulators Toastmasters Club
AspenTech Houston Toastmasters
Blue Frog Toastmasters Club
C & F Leaders Club
Cane Island Path Blazers Toastmasters
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters
Clear Lake Communicators  Toastmasters Club
Conroe Speaks Club
Cy-Fair Super Speakers Club
Daybreakers Toastmasters Club
Deerwood Toastmasters Club
Diamond Club
Dining Out Toastmasters Club
Find Your Voice Toastmasters
Firm Speakers Toastmasters Club
Fluor Toastmasters Club
Friendswood Toastmasters
Greenway Plaza Toastmasters
Houston Galleria Project Management Toastmasters
H-Town Toastmasters Club
Katy Toastmasters Club
Memorial City Toastmasters
Mente Abierta
Mid-Pearland Toastmasters
Mindspeak Club
Missouri City Toastmasters Club
Pensadores de Houston Toastmasters Club
POP Houston Toastmasters Club
Post Oak Toastmasters
Professionally Speaking Singles Toastmasters Club
Southeast Houston Toastmasters
Spring Ahead Speakers Toastmasters Club
Storytellers
Successfully Speaking Toastmasters Club
Sugar Land Toastmasters
Talk of the Town Toastmasters
Unity Toastmasters Club
Voices Without Boundaries Toastmasters Club
WLK Toasters
Woodlands Toastmasters Club
Word Doctors Toastmasters Club
2023-2024 President's Distinguished Clubs
American General Toastmasters
ANICO Articulators Toastmasters Club
Blue Frog Toastmasters Club
Cane Island Path Blazers Toastmasters
Cheniere Toastmasters Club
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters
Clear Lake Communicators  Toastmasters Club
Conroe Speaks Club
Daybreakers Toastmasters Club
Deerwood Toastmasters Club
Determined To Master Speaking
Diamond Club
Dining Out Toastmasters Club
Firm Speakers Toastmasters Club
Friendswood Toastmasters
Health Wealth and Happiness Toastmasters
Houston Galleria Project Management Toastmasters
Katy Toastmasters Club
Master Evaluators
Medically Speaking Toastmasters Club
Memorial City Toastmasters
Mente Abierta
Missouri City Toastmasters Club
Pensadores de Houston Toastmasters Club
Pensadores Northwest
Post Oak Toastmasters
Power Speakers
Professionally Speaking Singles Toastmasters Club
Southeast Houston Toastmasters
Spring Ahead Speakers Toastmasters Club
Successfully Speaking Toastmasters Club
Sugar Land Toastmasters
Sugar Speakers Club
Unity Toastmasters Club
West Pearland Toastmasters
Woodlands Toastmasters Club
Word Doctors Toastmasters Club
2022-2023 President's Distinguished Clubs
American General Toastmasters
ANICO Articulators Toastmasters Club
Blue Frog Toastmasters Club
Cane Island Path Blazers Toastmasters
ChampionX Toastmasters
Cheniere Toastmasters Club
City of Bryan Club
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters
Clear Lake Communicators Club
Conroe Speaks Club
Cy-Fair Super Speakers Club
Daybreakers Toastmasters Club
Diamond Club
Dining Out Toastmasters Club
Firm Speakers Toastmasters Club
Houston Galleria Project Management Toastmasters
Katy Toastmasters Club
Market Street Toastmasters
Master Evaluators
Memorial City Toastmasters
Missouri City Toastmasters Club
Pearland Toastmasters Club
Pensadores de Houston Toastmasters Club
Pensadores Northwest
Phillips 66 HQ Toastmasters Club
Power Speakers
Southeast Houston Toastmasters
Southwest Project Management
Spring Ahead Speakers Toastmasters Club
Successfully Speaking Toastmasters Club
Sugar Land Toastmasters
Talking Heads Club
True Blue Talkers
UAGC Orators Toastmasters Club
Unity Toastmasters Club
West Pearland Toastmasters
Woodlands Toastmasters Club
Word Doctors Toastmasters Club
2021-2022 President's Distinguished Clubs
American General Toastmasters
ANICO Articulators Toastmasters Club
AspenTech Houston Toastmasters
Big Red Toastmasters
Blue Frog Toastmasters Club
C & F Leaders Club
Cane Island Path Blazers Toastmasters
Cheniere Toastmasters Club
Clear Lake Communicators Club
Clear Lake Toastmasters Club
Conroe Speaks Club
Cy-Fair Super Speakers Club
Daybreakers Toastmasters Club
Deerwood Toastmasters Club
Diamond Club
Dining Out Toastmasters Club
Find Your Voice Toastmasters
Firm Speakers Toastmasters Club
Frankly Speaking Toastmasters
Hess Explorers Toastmasters
Houston Methodist Toastmasters
Katy Toastmasters Club
Master Evaluators
Mid-Pearland Toastmasters
Missouri City Toastmasters Club
Pensadores de Houston
Phillips 66 HQ Toastmasters Club
Silver Tongue Club
Southwest Project Management
Spirited Speech Masters
Spring Ahead Speakers Toastmasters Club
Successfully Speaking Toastmasters Club
Sugar Land Toastmasters
TACL Club
Talking Bull Club
Unity Toastmasters Club
West Pearland Toastmasters
Westhollow Club
Woodlands Lakeside Toastmasters Club
Woodlands Toastmasters Club
Word Doctors Toastmasters Club
Young Professionals Southeast Toastmasters
2020-2021 President's Distinguished Clubs
1960 North Houston Toastmasters Club
Aggie Toastmasters
American General Toastmasters
ANICO Articulators Toastmasters Club
Aspen Tech Houston Toastmasters
Big Red Toastmasters
Blue Frog Toastmasters Club
Boeing Club
C & F Leaders Club
Cane Island Path Blazers Toastmasters
Cheniere Toastmasters Club
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters
Clear Lake Communicators Club
Conroe Speaks Club
Cy-Fair Super Speakers Club
Daybreakers Toastmasters Club
Deerwood Toastmasters Club
Determined To Master Speaking
Diamond Club
Dining Out Toastmasters Club
Find Your Voice Toastmasters
Firm Speakers Toastmasters Club
Frankly Speaking Toastmasters
Greenway Plaza Toastmasters
Houston Galleria Project Management
HP Houston Toastmasters Club
Katy Toastmasters Club
Market Street Toastmasters
Medically Speaking Toastmasters Club
Mente Abierta
Missouri City Toastmasters
Pasadena Toastmasters
Pathways of Professional Speakers
Pensadores de Houston
Pensadores Northwest
Post Oak Toastmasters 
Professionally Speaking Singles Toastmasters Club
Rising Stars Toastmasters (formerly Financially Speaking)
Silver Tongue Club
Southwest Project Management
Spring Ahead Speakers Toastmasters Club
Spirited Speech Masters
Successfully Speaking Toastmasters Club
Sugar Land Toastmasters
Sweet Talkers
Talking Bull Club
THE Tomball Toastmasters
True Blue Talkers
UHCL Toastmasters
UTHealth Speaks!
VNS Voices Toastmasters Club
Weatherford Talks Toastmasters Club
Westhollow Club
West Pearland Toastmasters
Woodlands Lakeside Toastmasters Club
Woodlands Toastmasters Club
Word Doctors Toastmasters Club
Young Professionals Southeast Toastmasters

Before this new 2025-2026 Toastmaster year, a Select Distinguished Club was the second-highest level of recognition a club can achieve within the Distinguished Club Program. To attain this distinction, a club must fulfill at least seven out of the ten goals outlined in the DCP, in addition to meeting membership requirements. 

2024-2025 Select Distinguished Clubs
American General Toastmasters
Brazosport Club
Chatter Champions Toastmasters
Cypress Toastmasters Club
Determined To Master Speaking
Mainland Toastmasters
Master Evaluators
Pearland Toastmasters Club
Sound of Greenway
Southwest Project Management
Space City Toastmasters Club
Speak Up Houston Toastmasters
Spirited Speech Masters
Sugar Speakers Club
Talking Bull Club
Uptown Club
West Pearland Toastmasters
Woodforest Toastmasters Club
2023-2024 Select Distinguished Clubs
AspenTech Houston Toastmasters
C & F Leaders Club
Cy-Fair Super Speakers Club
Greenway Plaza Toastmasters
H-Town Toastmasters Club
InNOVators Toastmasters
Market Street Toastmasters
Phillips 66 HQ Toastmasters Club
Silver Tongue Club
Sound of Greenway
Spirited Speech Masters
Storytellers
Talking Bull Club
True Blue Talkers
WLK Toasters
2022-2023 Select Distinguished Clubs
A+ Toastmasters
AspenTech Houston Toastmasters
C & F Leaders Club
Deerwood Toastmasters Club
Easy Risers Club
Friendswood Toastmasters
Heights Toastmasters Club
McDermott McToasters
Professionally Speaking Singles Toastmasters Club
Talking Bull Club
Westhollow Club
2021-2022 Select Distinguished Clubs
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters
Friendswood Toastmasters
Heights Toastmasters Club
InNOVators Toastmasters
Marathon Speaks! Club
Professionally Speaking Singles Toastmasters Club
2020-2021 Select Distinguished Clubs
A+ Toastmasters 
JETS Communicators
League City Toastmasters
Memorial City Toastmasters
Mid-Pearland Toastmasters
Outspoken Club
Pearland Toastmasters Club
Phillips 66 HQ Toastmasters Club 

A Distinguished Club is the lowest level of recognition a club can achieve within the Distinguished Club Program. To attain this distinction, a club must fulfill at least five out of the ten goals outlined in the DCP, in addition to meeting membership requirements. 

2024-2025 Distinguished Clubs
A+ Toastmasters
Big Red Toastmasters
ChampionX Toastmasters
Chevron Phillips Chemical HQ Chemunicators
ENGIE Toastmasters – Verbal Visionaries
High Noon Club
Houston Medical Center Toastmasters
ICIS Toastmasters
Kingwood Toastmasters Club
League City Toastmasters
Phillips 66 HQ Toastmasters Club
Power Speakers
Southwest Houston Toastmasters
Talking Heads Club
True Blue Talkers
Voice of Moses
West Houston Toastmasters Club
2023-2024 Distinguished Clubs
ChampionX Toastmasters
Cougar Rhetoric
Heights Toastmasters Club
Mindspeak Club
Phillips 66 Global Toastmasters
Seriously Speaking Toastmasters Club
Slick Talkers
Talk is Cheap Toastmasters Club
Timmons Talkers
Woodforest Toastmasters Club
2022-2023 Distinguished Clubs
All Star Club
Dance and Toast Masters Club
Exxonmobil Houston Campus Toastmasters Club
Greenway Plaza Toastmasters
High Noon Club
Houston Police Dept Toastmasters Club
H-Town Toastmasters Club
InNOVators Toastmasters
Mainland Toastmasters
Marathon Speaks! Club
Talk Of Downtown Club
THE Tomball Toastmasters
Voice of Moses
Woodforest Toastmasters Club
Wordcrafters Club
Young Professional
2021-2022 Distinguished Clubs
A+ Toastmasters
Exxonmobil Houston Campus Toastmasters Club
Lunch Bunch Club
Pearland Toastmasters Club
Talk is Cheap Toastmasters Club
UAGC Orators Toastmasters Club
Young Professional
2020-2021 Distinguished Clubs
Alvin Toastmasters Club
Exxonmobil Houston Campus Toastmasters Club
Heights Toastmasters Club
Hess Explorers Toastmasters 
Power Brokers
South Main Speakers Club

Distinguished Club Program at a Glance

Each club executive committee — which includes all seven officers and the immediate past president — develops a Club Success Plan based on the needs and goals of club members.  To help club officers, the plan identifies helpful resources that can be used.  The Club Success Plan calls for club officers to identify assignments, develop a timetable, and track accomplishments.  Each club’s success is crucial to the success of its areas, divisions, and districts.

How Does the Program Work

The Distinguished Club Program is an annual program, running from July 1 through June 30, that recognizes club achievements in education, membership, training, and administration.  The program consists of 10 goals for your club to obtain, using the Club Success Plan as your guide.

Any club member can track how their club is doing in the Distinguished Club Program by visiting the Dashboard on the Toastmasters International website.  To help keep track of your progress toward these goals throughout the year, updated reports are posted daily on the Toastmasters International website at http://www.toastmasters.org/distinguishedperformancereports.

At year-end, the number of goals the club achieved is calculated. Based on the goals met and whether or not the qualifying requirement has been met, the club may be recognized as a Distinguished, Select Distinguished, President’s Distinguished, or Smedley Distinguished Club.

What are the Qualifying Requirements

A qualifying requirement is a prerequisite or prior condition for participation in the program. If a qualifying requirement is not met, your club may not earn Distinguished recognition even if all of its goals are met. To be eligible for recognition, a club must be in good standing and must meet the qualifying requirement of having either 20 members or a net growth of at least five new members as of June 30.  Transfer and honorary members do not count toward the qualifying requirement.

To support Districts in building momentum toward future success, the Toastmasters International Board announced changes to the membership qualifying requirement for the Distinguished Club Program for the 2025-2026 program year.  A new qualifying requirement is that the Club Success Plan be completed and submitted by September 30th.  A Smedley level must have a minimum of 25 members, and all 10 program goals.   Effective immediately, the membership requirement is now having either 20 members or a net growth of at least three (3) new, dual, or reinstating members as of June 30.

When your club meets all the qualifying requirements and also does the following, it is eligible for Distinguished recognition at year-end:

What are the Distinguished Club Program Goals

There are ten goals that serve as targets to help each club become a quality, sustainable club.

Educational Goals

01. Four Level 1 awards achieved

02. Two Level 2 awards achieved

03. Two more Level 2 achieved

04. Two Level 3 awards achieved

05. One Level 4, Level 5, or DTM award achieved

06. One more Level 4, Level 5, or DTM award achieved

Membership Goals

07. Four new, dual, or reinstating members

08. Four more new, dual, or reinstating members

Training Goals

09. A minimum of four club officers trained during each of the two training periods

Administration Goals

10. On-time payment of membership dues accompanied by the names of eight members (at least three of whom must be renewing members) for one period and on-time submission of one club officer list

What are the Recognition Levels My Club Can Earn

Achievement

Recognition Earned

Achieve five of 10 goals

Distinguished Club

Achieve seven of 10 goals

Select Distinguished Club

Achieve nine of 10 goals

President's Distinguished Club

Achieve ten of 10 goals

Smedley Distinguished Club

DISTRICT CLUB

CLUB SPONSOR

A Club Sponsor is appointed to help get a new club through the chartering process.

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DISTRICT CLUB

Club MENTOR

A Club Mentor is an appointed advisor for a newly formed club.

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DISTRICT CLUB

CLUB COACH

A Club Coach establishes a rapport with an existing club facing challenges prior to becoming their advisor.

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CHRIS LIPPv2

Chris Lipp

FEATURED SPEAKER

Lecturer in Communication, Rice University

Chris Lipp trains thousands of individuals through his corporate workshops at companies, including Google and Microsoft, and he regularly coaches entrepreneurs worldwide. Chris is the author of two books, The Startup Pitch and Magnetic: How Great Leaders Persuade and Inspire. He has helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital for entrepreneurs. Chris spent the last fifteen years studying power and persuasion. He currently lectures at Rice University. A long-time Toastmaster, Chris was President of the Stanford club in 2010. In 2011, he won the District evaluation contest and scored second in the District humorous speech contest. In 2012, he served as an Area Director.

MIKE CARRv2

Mike Carr

FEATURED SPEAKER

World Champion of Public Speaking 2020

Mike Carr and his wife Julie live in Austin and have 8 kids and many stories. Mike is an active member of Toastmasters in Austin, Texas, and when not being a dad, he is a partner in a financial firm and runs his own business. He frequently speaks internationally to large organizations like Merrill Lynch, UBS, and Hewlett Packard and innumerable small ones about the stories we tell others, the stories we tell ourselves, and the stories we choose to listen to. Mike is the 2020 World Champion of Public Speaking and is known in the financial world as the “Economic Storyteller.”

Farzana Chohan, DTM

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Region 5 International Director

Click here to learn more about Farzan Chohan!

ElizabethRuiz_gbk

Elizabeth Ruiz, DTM

Immediate Past District Director

"I've witnessed profound transformations in our members' communication skills and personal growth, igniting a passion for leadership that resonates in every corner of our diverse community. Serving alongside dedicated individuals committed to excellence has been an honor beyond words—a journey where every challenge conquered has led to unprecedented triumphs!"

CarolineJeterv2

Caroline Jeter, PM5

Administration Manager

Caroline Jeter has been an active member of Toastmasters since 2021, serving in a variety of leadership roles including VP Education, Treasurer, club sponsor, club mentor, and Area Director. For the 2025-2026 Toastmaster year, Caroline is proud to serve as Administration Manager. Passionate about helping others, Caroline finds joy in supporting members as they grow in confidence, achieve their goals, and reach new milestones. She looks forward to contributing to a successful year of service, leadership, and organizational excellence.

DeanRobertson

Dean Robertson, DTM

Public Relations Manager

Distinguished Toastmaster Dean Robertson, Public Relations Manager for District 56 Toastmasters! With a robust background in leadership and dedicated service, Dean has consistently uplifted members through various officer roles at both the club and district levels. Believing that clear communication is the cornerstone of all success, Dean's primary goal this year is to significantly enhance the flow of information to ensure every District 56 member is well-informed and connected to the pulse of our vibrant community.

BeckyNoe

Becky Noe, DTM

Finance Manager

Becky Noe is a CPA with over 27 years of accounting experience working in both operations accounting, internal audit and internal controls. Currently, Becky is building an internal audit function for a soon to be publicly traded organization. Becky joined Toastmasters in 2015. She has served in a variety of club officer roles. This is her third time serving as Finance Manager for District 56.

SamanthaTraylor_rgbkv2

Samantha Traylor, DTM

Club Growth Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Samantha brings more than a decade of committed service to Toastmasters at the club and district levels. She has served in all officer roles, mentored and coached clubs, secured corporate donations, and supported her Division in achieving Select Distinguished status in the 2023-2024 yr. Passionate about member and club experience, she is dedicated to helping District 56 grow, thrive, and reach Distinguished status.

DonnaFossmeyer

Donna Fossmeyer, DTM

Program Quality Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Donna has more than 30 years of Toastmasters experience servicing at the club and District levels. She is committed to helping the members and District 56 reach Distinguished status.

JWilliams

Jocelyn V. Williams, DTM

District 56 Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Jocelyn V. Williams has been a member of Toastmasters since 2003, serving at every level within District 56—from Club Officer to Area and Division Director, and most recently as Club Growth Director and Program Quality Director. Now serving as the 2025–2026 District Director, Jocelyn is honored and energized to lead with purpose and passion. With over two decades of service, Jocelyn remains inspired by the transformative power of Toastmasters and the joy of helping others grow. Her leadership is anchored in the belief that together, we can achieve excellence, deepen our connections, and empower every member. Let's make this a year of lasting impact—together!

IrwanKwik_r

Irwan Kwik, DL5

Division R Director

Irwan joined Katy Toastmasters in April 2017 to improve his public speaking skills. He set a goal to complete ten speeches within eight months. Katy has been in his first city in the USA for eleven years. He likes to challenge himself mentally and physically, such as hiking with his family and friends. His slogan is "There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Time." His goal for 2025 in Toastmasters is to achieve the DTM award. During his 8-year tenure in Toastmasters, he has served as Club President, Club VPPR, Club VPE, and Area Director.

Tosin Esho, DL5

Division Q Director

Tosin Esho will serve as the D56 Division Q Director for the 2025/2026 term. He has held various officer roles and is dedicated to helping Toastmasters and clubs achieve their goals.

EllenWieczorek

Ellen Wieczorek, DTM

Division P Director

I have had the honor of serving in various leadership capacities within Toastmasters, including President, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, and Area Director. These experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of club and district operations. As Division Director, I am committed to supporting our clubs, developing future leaders, and advancing the mission of Toastmasters International with integrity and excellence.

PattiBlue

Patricia Clarkson, DTM

Division O Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Patricia Clarkson has been a proud member of Toastmasters since 2023, bringing energy, heart, and vision to every role she’s held. From Club President, VPE, VPM, and secretary, to Area Director and Club Coach Chair, Patricia now steps into the role of Division Director with deep commitment and a servant leader’s mindset. She believes in the life-changing power of clear communication and confident leadership. Patricia is passionate about encouraging others to step into their purpose, and she sees Toastmasters as a powerful space for growth, connection, and transformation. Her goal this year is to support, strengthen, and inspire every club she serves—one meeting, one member, one moment at a time.

Linda Goldberg, DTM

Division N Director

I joined Toastmasters in 1994 because my boss told me to join. I have stayed because of the confidence I have gained, the wonderful people I have met, and what I continue to learn from our diverse group at every meeting. I enjoy the sharing of stories in Toastmasters and find that we have more in common with others than we have differences.

Kyle

Kyle Ray, IP4

Division M Director

Kyle Ray serves as Division M Director for District 56, where he’s committed to helping clubs thrive through connection, encouragement, and clear goals. Having joined Toastmasters in 2012, Kyle now engages members with a steady hand and his heart for growth to every Toastmasters journey—believing that great leaders are built one speech, one meeting, and one relationship at a time.

MarkVine

Mark Vine, EH5

Division L Director

Mark has been in Toastmasters since 2021 and during this time he has had the privilege to have held several leadership roles within his Home Club Deerwood Toastmasters, including VPE & President. This was followed by becoming an Area Director for Division L 41 during the 2024-25, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and is very excited to be continuing his Toastmaster Journey, as Director of Division L in District 56 in 2025-26!!! Mark firmly believes that “We Rise by Lifting Others” and greatly values the networking, leadership and educational opportunities Toastmasters has provided; particularly the friendships he has developed over the past few years.

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