Melissa McGavick, DTM

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a Board Member:

My relevant work experience, coupled with my certifications and educational background, align seamlessly with serving as an International Officer of the Toastmasters International Board. Here's how each facet contributes to my effectiveness in this capacity:

Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting:

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

As the President of the Board of Directors for a non-profit organization, I dedicated my efforts to developing 3- and 5-year strategic plans along with corresponding budgets. This endeavor required close collaboration with all of the organization's subcommittees to ensure that our plan adequately prepared the organization for our envisioned future. Crucially, I worked to secure consensus among the membership, as it was essential for the successful adoption and implementation of our strategic plan.

While serving as Co-Director at another non-profit, I set targets and crafted fundraising plans to support a Cancer Center's Patient Assistance Fund.

Furthermore, my role as an International Director on the Toastmasters Board from 2020 to 2022 allowed me to actively engage in exercises utilized by the Strategic Planning Committee to formulate our current strategic plan. My committee involvement extended to the District Leader Roles and Responsibilities Committee, the Policy Review Committee, the Incentives Committee, and participation in Listening Groups. In addition to committees when I was on the board, I have served on board committees outside of the two-year term, including the Training & Development Advisory Committee, the International Elections Committee and the Club Quality Committee.

In my current capacity running McGavick Interactive Training, I have undertaken the responsibility of creating the business plan, spearheading product development, and orchestrating the marketing strategy for the company. As part of my commitment to growth, I have completed specialized courses designed to sharpen my strategic thinking and innovation.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

In my role as a business owner, I carry the responsibility of managing budgeting, overseeing accounts receivable and accounts payable, and ensuring the reconciliation of accounts.

While serving as the President of the Board for a non-profit organization, I held the critical duty of aligning the budget with the strategic plan, a pivotal step in facilitating the implementation of all programs and initiatives. My collaborative efforts extended to working closely with various committees to make necessary budget adjustments and allocate funds to areas that furthered the organization's mission and delivered greater benefits to its members.

As Co-Director of another non-profit, I worked with the team to create the budget and corresponding strategic plan. I was responsible for regularly reviewing the Statement of Activities. I successfully secured sponsorships from both private and corporate donors. Additionally, I collaborated with my team to reduce activity costs, thereby enabling us to allocate more funds toward patient assistance.

During my tenure as a member of the Toastmasters Board, I reviewed monthly financial reports and approving the annual budget for Toastmasters International.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

Serving as the committee chair for the Bylaws and Policy committee within a nonprofit membership-driven organization, I assumed the leadership role in the comprehensive review and update of all organization policies and procedures, aimed at better serving our current membership. This undertaking was quite substantial, given that nearly two decades had elapsed since the last comprehensive review had taken place. Over this time, various items had been added or amended, resulting in a need to address contradictory and outdated provisions.

In my capacity as a consultant, a client company engaged my services to craft corporate policies and procedures, along with an employee training manual. This comprehensive project also included the development of a corresponding training course, all designed to ensure compliance with multi-state regulations.

Additionally, during my service on the Toastmasters International Board, I actively participated in the review, deliberation, and approval of policies presented by various board committees. My contributions extended to my involvement in creating the policies eventually approved by the board, serving on committees such as the Policy Review Committee, the Incentive Committee, the District Leadership Roles and Responsibilities Committee, the International Elections Committee and the Club Quality Committee.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

These are three of the many lessons I learned while serving in previous leadership positions:

1. Develop leaders by partnering with the members of your team in their self-development goals. When you help others achieve their personal goals while also achieving the organizational goals, everyone benefits.
2. Create an open and inclusive environment where diversity of thought can be expressed. Making space for discussion and deliberation allows everyone to feel heard and valued. Encouraging others to bring their ideas to the table and allowing time for those ideas to be vetted fosters collaboration and trust.
3. Over-communicate with your team and all stakeholders. By communicating clearly and frequently, you decrease the likelihood of others guessing or making assumptions about what is or is not happening.

What experience and key strengths would you bring to the Board of Directors?

I would bring several valuable experiences and key strengths to the Board of Directors and specifically the Executive Committee:

Firstly, I possess the ability to distill complex ideas and processes into easily understandable concepts, which enables me to secure buy-in from stakeholders at all levels. My track record of clear and effective communication with individuals throughout organizations has been instrumental in my prior board roles, and I believe it would be a valuable asset to the Toastmasters International Executive Committee.

Secondly, for the role of an International Officer, I offer experience in financial stewardship, coupled with a strong aptitude for strategic thinking. These skills would be dedicated to serving our members and ensuring that our resources are optimally allocated to support our mission.

Lastly, having served in both the capacities of International Director and Region Advisor, I have gained valuable insights into the unique dynamics, challenges, and commonalities within our districts and regions. This experience positions me to understand and address the diverse needs of our Toastmasters community effectively.

Overall, my ability to simplify complexities, coupled with financial acumen and a deep understanding of our organization, makes me well-prepared to contribute effectively to the Executive Committee of the Board.

Why do you want to serve as an International Officer/Director?

I am driven by a love for the organization and its mission with a desire to extend this life-changing opportunity to more individuals around the globe. Serving you as an International Officer would be an honor and a privilege.

Toastmasters has the remarkable ability to change lives. By empowering people to become the best versions of themselves, to find their voice, and to develop leadership skills that transcend borders this program unlocks the potential within each member.

In this role, I would see myself as a guardian of the Toastmasters community, entrusted with the responsibility of furthering its growth and enriching its educational programs. I aim to blend steadfast stewardship with innovative thinking, ensuring that Toastmasters remains at the forefront of personal and professional development.

This journey is not just about the destination; it's about the path we take. As an International Officer, I anticipate addressing complex challenges, making strategic decisions, and embracing the diverse perspectives of our global community. Together, we will continue to work on creating Toastmasters' inclusive environment, where every member feels a sense of belonging and engagement.

One pivotal aspect of our journey is growth. While building new clubs and attracting new members are vital, I am equally passionate about retaining members for the long term. I want to decipher the code that transforms short-term members into lifelong advocates for Toastmasters. We must focus not only on recruitment but also on creating an environment where members choose to stay, achieve their goals, and continue to enrich our organization.

Serving as an International Officer will be a lot of work. I am excited about throwing myself wholeheartedly into the challenge and this inspiring journey with you. Together, you and I can and will expand Toastmasters' impact, inspire positive change, and empower individuals to embrace their full potential.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

My volunteer experience outside of Toastmasters includes the Board of Directors of a Scholarship Organization, the Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Speakers Association, President of the Board of Directors for Women's Business Network (WBN), Co-Director of Women Think P.I.N.K. a nonprofit organization that raises funds for the Hillman Cancer Center Patient Assistance Fund, Director for the Downtown Women's Club Pittsburgh Chapter (DWC), Chairperson for Cranberry Women's Business Network Chapter, President of Women Entrepreneurs in Business (WEB), Job skills instructor for underserved and at-risk populations, For 7 years, lead a team of 70+ volunteers to create a welcoming environment for a weekly gathering and was responsible for the safe collection of significant amounts of cash.

While serving on the board of WBN I chaired several committees including: Membership Growth and Retention, Chapter Expansion, Nominations, Strategic Planning and Budgeting, Bylaws and Policies, Education, Speakers Bureau, Technology Committees.

Have you worked with other Boards of Directors outside of Toastmasters? If so, describe your experience.

I have had the privilege of working with other Boards of Directors outside of Toastmasters. One significant experience was my involvement with the Women's Business Network (WBN), an organization dedicated to supporting the growth of women business owners and professionals through its network of chapters. I served a term as President of the Board and another term as Vice President. During my tenure on the board, I took on various leadership roles, including chairing several committees such as Membership Growth and Retention, Chapter Expansion, Nominations, Strategic Planning and Budgeting, Bylaws and Policies, Education, Executive Search, Speakers Bureau, and Technology Committees. Over the years, WBN experienced growth, both in terms of chapters and membership. We transitioned from a paper-heavy system to a streamlined digital platform, introducing self-payment options for members. To enhance the support provided to chapters and members, we initiated chapter leader education programs and expanded our member events. Additionally, we successfully hired a new Executive Director during my tenure, further strengthening the organization's leadership. Before taking on board roles, I was part of the local chapter leadership team as the Chairperson for the Cranberry Women's Business Network Chapter.

I also had the opportunity to contribute as Co-Director on the board of Women Think P.I.N.K., a nonprofit organization focused on fundraising for the Hillman Cancer Center Patient Assistance Fund. Furthermore, I served as the Membership Committee Chair during my time on the Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Speakers Association (NSA). Prior to joining the NSA-Pittsburgh board, I was actively involved as a member of the Membership Committee.

In addition to these experiences, I held the role of Director for the Downtown Women's Club Pittsburgh Chapter (DWC) and served as President for Women Entrepreneurs in Business (WEB).

Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors for a local scholarship organization that provides educational scholarships.

These experiences have collectively enriched my understanding of effective board governance and leadership, allowing me to contribute to various organizations in meaningful ways.

In your opinion, what are Toastmasters International’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

Toastmasters International has several major objectives that collectively contribute to its mission of empowering individuals to become effective communicators and leaders. Based on Toastmasters International's current strategic plan, the organization's major objectives include:

1. Club Excellence: Ensuring all clubs provide a high-quality member experience, fostering environments where members can thrive and achieve their personal development goals. This focus on excellence is intended to sustain member satisfaction and retention.
2. Member Achievement: Enhancing members' growth by offering structured educational pathways and resources. Continuous improvement in the Pathways learning platform is a key aspect of supporting member success.
3. Awareness and Engagement: Expanding global recognition of Toastmasters as a premier organization for leadership and communication development. This involves growing public awareness and engagement with the broader community.
4. Operational Effectiveness: Improving internal processes and support for members worldwide, ensuring efficient operations in areas such as customer service, and logistics, which are vital for global scalability and consistency. Ensure long-term financial stability by investigating ways to diversify revenue streams

To achieve these objectives, I would work closely with fellow board members, district leaders, club officers, and members. I would promote transparency, inclusivity, and active communication within the organization. Additionally, I would seek input from members and leverage their diverse perspectives to inform decision-making.

Ultimately, my approach as a member of the executive committee and board would be rooted in the principles of good governance, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to Toastmasters' mission. I would strive to ensure that the organization continues to empower individuals worldwide to become effective communicators and leaders.

Additional information about candidate:

Outside of Toastmasters, I have a diverse range of interests. I enjoy in admiring architecture, delving into world history, learning about different cultures, capturing the beauty of nature through photography, and walking with my dog. Most of all, I am fortunate to share my travel adventures with my supportive husband, Kevin. Traveling has enriched our lives. These interests not only contribute to my personal fulfillment but also provide a well-rounded perspective that I believe enhances my ability to connect with people from various backgrounds and walks of life.