I joined Toastmasters in 1998 because I wanted to be a more effective communicator. As an extrovert, I have always been comfortable talking, but I needed a place to obtain feedback and practice. Personal situations led me to step away from Toastmasters for a while, but I realized that speaking skills deteriorate without practice and I missed the members of District 19!
Over the years, I’ve served the District in a number of ways including Area Director, Finance Manager and now Program Quality Director. As an accountant, serving as Finance Manager (previously Treasurer and Audit Committee) is well within my comfort zone. My new role will be a stretch, but I’m super excited to serve in this way and to learn and serve along with my fellow district officers.
On a personal level, I have been happily married to my husband Craig for 32 years and have an “adult” son, Josh (age 20). I enjoy my role as pit crew for all the things my big boys love to do including dirt bike racing and golfing. As an Iowa State graduate and CPA, FBL Financial Group, Inc. had paid my salary for 30 years where I have worked most of my career in statutory and GAAP financial reporting for its main subsidiary, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. In addition to Toastmasters, I volunteer with FBL Women’s Inclusive Network, Accounting and Finance Women’s Alliance and as a barista at my church.