Our Officers

Commitment to our members

Club officers provide leadership and support to foster a positive environment that's conducive to members professional growth, allowing them to achieve their Toastmasters education program goals.

Meet WEHOT's club officers for the July 2021 to December 2021 term. The success of our club and its members depend on the dedication and commitment of these member volunteers.

President

As Chief Executive Officer, the president is responsible for the club’s overall operation. The president presides at meetings, guides the club through the Distinguished Club Program, meets regularly with club officers and works closely with the area director to coordinate goals. With a big-picture perspective, the president sets the trajectory for the club’s activities.

  • Resides: West Hollywood

  • Occupation: Screenwriter/playwright/book editor

  • Member since: March 2016

  • Pathway: Presentation Mastery

  • Previous officer positions held: President (Jul 2019-Jun 2020, Feb 2022-Present); Vice President Education (Sep 2021-Feb 2022); VP Public Relations (Jan 2018-Jun 2019)

Rick Willett, PM3


Why did you join West Hollywood Toastmasters?


Why did you become a club officer?

I was dragged into it actually, first as a VP of PR, but then I found that it added to the learning curve. I was actually much less experienced in leadership than in public speaking, so I've been an officer ever since to keep growing.

What do you hope to achieve as a club officer this term?

To reignite excitement in our club in these (hopefully) final days of COVID/Zoom and to encourage members to keep moving forward with the program because I'm living proof of how much you can gain from it -- even online.

What is your favorite aspect of West Hollywood Toastmasters?

The confidence it has given me in all interactions in my life, personal and professional.

Rick's Reminder:

If you're a passive Toastmasters member, you're only get a small part of what it has to offer -- and what you paid for.

Vice President Education (VPE) & Sergeant at Arms (SAA)

The vice president education helps members progress in their educational journeys by scheduling meeting roles and signing off on completed projects. VPEs facilitate new-member orientation and assign mentors. This position is often regarded as the most challenging, but it doesn’t have to be if the workload is divided.

The sergeant at arms addresses meeting logistics, including room reservations and meeting set-up and cleanup. They arrange meeting role equipment, the club banner and evaluation forms. The SAA stores and transports the club supplies and equipment. When you arrive at our meetings to find them completely ready to go, thank the sergeant at arms!

  • Resides: Coeur d'Alene, ID

  • Occupation: Consulting Project Manager, Alight Solutions

  • Member since: April 2016

  • Pathway: Presentation Mastery

  • Previous officer positions held: VP Education (Jul 2016-Jun 2017); President (Jul 2017-Jun 2018); Secretary (Jul 2018-Jun 2019); Treasurer (Jan 2019-Sep 2021); Sgt at Arms (Jan 2022-Present)

Garad Copstead, CL


Why did you join West Hollywood Toastmasters?

I joined Toastmasters to increase my confidence while presenting and facilitating meetings and workshops.

Why did you become a club officer?

As a club officer, I have a real opportunity to give back to a club that has given so much to me.

What do you hope to achieve as a club officer this term?

My goal as VP Education is to help my fellow members achieve their Toastmasters and educational goals. As Treasurer, I want to ensure our members keep coming back and renew their membership so they can continue to experience the benefits our club offers. As Sgt at Arms, I do everything I can to make our online meetings run smoothly.

What is your favorite aspect of West Hollywood Toastmasters?

WEHOT is a diverse and dynamic group of people from all walks of life and I appreciate the opportunity to become better individuals together.

Vice President Membership (VPM)

The vice President membership focuses on building club membership. They greet visitors, provide them with information and plan outreach activities (open house and community events) to attract visitors.

  • Resides: North Hollywood

  • Occupation: Effects Animator

  • Member since: October 2020

  • Pathway: Presentation Mastery

  • Previous officer positions held: VP Public Relations (Jul 2021-Dec 2021); VP Membership (Jan 2022-Present)

KC Ong, PM1


Why did you join West Hollywood Toastmasters?

To face my fear of public speaking head-on.

Why did you become a club officer?

To contribute to the club and learn on the job about social media.

What do you hope to achieve as a club officer this term?

To maintain and elevate our club's presence in social media, in the hope of attracting more people joining us as guests or members.

What is your favorite aspect of West Hollywood Toastmasters?

People of different backgrounds and diverse views. Learning something new every time.

Vice President Public Relations (VPPR)

The vice president public relations establishes and maintains the lines of communication between the club and its members, as well as between the club and the public. They work to increase awareness of Toastmasters through media publicity and social media.

  • Resides:

  • Occupation:

  • Member since: June 2021

  • Pathway:

  • Previous officer positions held: VP Public Relations (Jul 2022-Present)

Nick Echeverry


Why did you join West Hollywood Toastmasters?


Why did you become a club officer?


What do you hope to achieve as a club officer this term?


What is your favorite aspect of West Hollywood Toastmasters?


Secretary

The club secretary manages all records and correspondence, including membership attendance, supply orders, officer lists, past club records and meeting minutes. This job is less visible but plays a significant role in cultivating camaraderie and engagement.

  • Resides:

  • Occupation:

  • Member since: October 2019

  • Pathway: Persuasive Influence

  • Previous officer positions held: Secretary (Oct 2021-present)

Lana Melman, PI1


Why did you join West Hollywood Toastmasters?


Why did you become a club officer?


What do you hope to achieve as a club officer this term?


What is your favorite aspect of West Hollywood Toastmasters?


Treasurer and Immediate Past President (IPP)

The treasurer manages the club’s financial health by collecting dues, paying bills and tracking financial status. This role is important (especially at contest time) because the “club in good standing” status is dependent on paid memberships. Members with an accounting background are very comfortable and well-suited for this role.

The Immediate Past President provides advice and counsel as requested by the Club President. They provide helpful, supportive leadership for all the club’s activities, and you will provide counsel to the other club officers in a manner that is conducive to club success when called upon. They are a member of the Club Executive Committee and can vote on any matter discussed.

  • Resides: Fairfax District, Los Angeles

  • Occupation: VP & Talent Agent

  • Member since: April 2017

  • Pathway: Dynamic Leadership

  • Previous officer positions held: VP Membership (Jan 2018-Jun 2020), President (Jul 2020-Jun 2021), Treasurer (Sep 2021-Present)

Brianna Ancel, DL4


Why did you join West Hollywood Toastmasters?


Why did you become a club officer?

To develop my leadership skills and help the club and its members thrive.

What do you hope to achieve as a club officer this term?

Provide guidance, support and input to the new officers.

What is your favorite aspect of West Hollywood Toastmasters?

We are made up of such a wonderful and diverse group of people from all walks of life. The TM community is rich with people looking to grow and having that support and encouragement creates a wonderful environment for personal success both in the club and in my personal and work life.