2025 Recipient:
Wendy Williamson, DTM
What an amazing phone call to make! I was delighted to advise Wendy Williamson that she is this year’s recipient of the George Keenan award!
I met Wendy over a dozen years ago and got to know her when I was a Division Director, and she was Area Director in Division F. Wendy was an amazing Area Director and the clubs she served were very lucky to have her. She was committed, organized, very caring, and fun loving. The clubs flourished with her guidance. Wendy took all those great qualities and applied them as she learned and grew in Toastmasters leadership and continues to carry those qualities through every role she takes on. I now call her a valued friend, as do many of the members of District 60.
Wendy has taken on many roles in the district, too numerous to list. Some of the highlights include mentoring new and existing members of our district, mentoring Club Coaches, delivering training and workshops, being our district’s Pathways Chair as Pathways was launched, and was District Director 2020-2021.
Below are some of the heartfelt testimonies accompanying Wendy’s nomination:
- Wendy has been an absolute powerhouse within District 60. In her various Trio roles, she’s guided the district through realignment (creating District 123) and the unprecedented trials of Covid, and after that, expanding her support to Region 6 and Region 5 in two consecutive terms as a Region Advisor.
- Wendy has the ability to look inside someone, and not only see what they are now, but see the person and Toastmaster they could become, and blossom into, with a bit of coaching and help.
- Wendy is a dedicated Toastmaster, a true leader, and she exemplifies all the qualities of a Toastmaster deserving of this prestigious award.
- She is a natural leader who readily takes on challenges and new responsibilities.
- I have seen Wendy work alongside, and bring out the best in our members, with Toastmasters at all levels of this organization, from Icebreaker to DTM.
- Wendy is a dedicated Toastmaster and continues to serve tirelessly in District 60. She is so deserving of this award recognition.
Congratulations Wendy! Wear the black hat proudly!
Rhonda
Rhonda Mauer, DTM
George Keenan Award Recipient 2024
George Keenan
George Keenan was a dedicated Toastmaster who served Toastmasters International and District 60 for many years, particularly as Parliamentarian and Credentials Chair, and as District Governor in 1984-85. He was one of the most recognized Toastmasters in District 60 due in large part to his stature and his distinctive black hat which he always wore. In 1995, to commemorate his 80th birthday and his 35th year in Toastmasters, his wife Judy, in coordination with the District Leadership Team, established an award in his name.
The George Keenan Award is given each year to an active Toastmaster in District 60 who continues to serve and promote the Toastmasters organization within the district and externally. The Selection Committee, consisting of past recipients who continue to be active in District 60, meets to consider all eligible nominations, selecting a recipient who embodies the Toastmasters values and continues to serve Toastmasters in District 60.
Nomination Process
The nomination deadline for the 2026 award is March 15, 2026!
You can nominate a past district leader you feel meets these qualifications by:
- completing the George Keenan Award Nomination Form –> Word
- talking to your nominee to obtain any additional insights into past contributions,
- soliciting testimonials or additional information to support the nomination, (optional)
- sending your submission to GK@toastmasters60.com
Previous award recipients who continue to be members of District 60 make up the Selection Committee. They review all submissions and, in addition to roles held, consider other factors including integrity and conduct when deciding the recipient of the award.
The 2026 George Keenan Award will be presented at the District 60 Conference April 25/26 2026.
Award Recipients:
| 2025 Wendy Williamson 2024 Rhonda Mauer 2023 David Bachan 2022 Johanne Von Zuben 2021 Elton Brown 2020 Karim Premji 2019 Marilyn Latchford 2018 Phyrne Parker 2017 Randie Jacobs 2016 Karen Goodyear 2015 Dawn Frail 2014 Tim Sulisz 2013 Tony Nelson 2012 John Rich 2011 Rob Peck 2010 Ross Mackay |
2009 David Chilvers 2008 Bill Bienia 2007 Judy Suke 2006 Eric Matto 2005 Michiel Bagchus 2004 Kai Rambow 2003 Heather Loveridge 2002 Raghbir Dhillon 2001 Pauline Duncan-Thrasher 2000 Ralph Williamson 1999 Doug Barclay 1998 Bob Porter 1997 Vince DaCosta 1996 Harold Usher 1995 George Keenan |
