2024 Recipient:
Rhonda Mauer, DTM
To receive this award, to be in the company of the amazing accomplished past recipients of the George Keenan Award, is a complete honour. I am in awe. My heart is full.
I didn’t personally have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Keenan, but I have had the pleasure of meeting and or working with over a dozen of the past recipients of the George Keenan Award. To a person, they are amazing humans! Perhaps they give me a glimmer of who George Keenan was.
- They embody the Toastmasters core values of Integrity, Respect, Service and Excellence.
- They are accomplished Toastmasters
- They continued to serve as leaders, mentors and helpers after completing elected roles in the district.
- They are very positive, enthusiastic, uplifting people.
- They are so happy for the successes of their fellow members.
My Toastmasters journey began in 2009. I was completing my employee development plan and knew I wanted to improve my communications skills so that I could communicate more effectively with my manager. I began to research how, and found Toastmasters.
The first role I held outside of my club was Area Director. Taking that role was the biggest most impactful growth experience I had up to that point. I grew in skill and confidence. What a privilege to work with the clubs and their members. I was inspired by the leaders of the district.
I went on to hold roles in District 60 including of Division Director, Club Growth Director, Program Quality Director and, in 2017 – 2018, District Director. I also had the privilege of holding a role of at the international level as Region Advisor in 2021 – 2022 and have served on a number of international committees.
Currently, I am a member of TGIF Advanced Toastmasters and was a past member of Plaza Speakers Toastmasters Club and Albany Club Toastmasters.
I learned some core lessons through my journey. The power of yes, and the importance of mentorship. Along the way I found my place, my people. The people I have met, worked with and learned from in Toastmasters are extraordinary…. kind… brilliant… giving.
When you find something you love taking part in like toastmasters, you can’t help but become involved and stay involve.
I am honoured to be the 2024 recipient of the George Keenan Award. A high honour from a district and organization I am so proud to be part of. Thank you so much for this great honour.
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 2025 award is March 15, 2025!
You can nominate a past district leader you feel meets these qualifications by:
- completing the George Keenan Award Nomination Form (PDF / 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 2025 George Keenan Award will be presented at the District 60 Conference April 26/27 2025.
Award Recipients:
| 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 |
