About District 216
Michigan · Indiana · Ohio · Ontario
District 216 is one of more than 100 Toastmasters International districts worldwide. A district exists to support clubs — helping them grow, train officers, run speech contests, and connect members across a shared region.
Toastmasters is a non-profit educational organization that has been helping people develop communication and leadership skills since 1924. Every club follows the same Pathways learning curriculum; what changes from club to club is the people, the schedule, and the personality.
If you are new to Toastmasters and curious how a meeting actually works, the easiest next step is to visit one. Clubs welcome guests, and most meetings are free to attend.
How District 216 Came Together
District 216 is the product of a multi-year realignment effort by Toastmasters International, combining three established districts into a single regional structure:
- District 11 — Indiana and northern Kentucky (Division A clubs joining D216)
- District 28 — Southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio
- District 62 — Western and northern Michigan, with member clubs across the border in Ontario
The change positions clubs alongside neighbors they already share contests, training, and events with, and consolidates district-level operations so volunteer leaders can spend more time supporting members and less on overhead.
A Transition Committee has guided the planning since 2024. Full details — including the club-by-club realignment — are in the realignment proposal: District 216 Proposed Realignment 2026–27 (PDF).
2026–2027 District Leadership
Roles marked “to be announced” will be updated as appointments are formalized.
Top District Officers
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District Director Bruce Racalla |
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Program Quality Director Vicki Harwood |
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Club Growth Director Nyrhe Royal |
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Administration Manager To be announced |
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Finance Manager To be announced |
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Public Relations Manager Merek Roman |
Division Directors
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Division A — W. Michigan / N. Indiana Janice Cooper |
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Division B — Central Michigan Chris Harwood |
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Division C — N. Michigan to Detroit Suburbs Alison Jolliff |
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Division D — Metro Detroit Dan Leung |
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Division E — SE Michigan / Ohio / Ontario Debora Nelson |
District Transition Committee
The Transition Committee has led District 216 planning since 2024, coordinating club realignment, leadership development, and operational readiness for the July 2026 launch.
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Transition Committee Chair | Carol Prahinski, DTM |
| D216 Infrastructure Contact | Bruce Racalla |
| Current D62 District Director | Owen Monday Jr., DTM |
Questions for the Transition Committee can be directed to district216toastmasters@gmail.com.