Pooler Georgia scientist elected to top position for District 14 Georgia Toastmasters.
New Toastmaster District Director Padma Kaviratna (L) being congratulated by former District Director Roy Ganga (R).
At the Toastmasters conference in Atlanta on May 6-7, 2016, Padma Kaviratna was elected District Director for District 14 Georgia Toastmasters for the upcoming Toastmaster year of July 2016 through June 2017. In this position, Kaviratna will be responsible for leading and administering the Toastmasters International programs for over 2,600 members and 130 clubs in District 14, which covers the geographical area east of I-85 in the state of Georgia. Kaviratna becomes the second person of Indian subcontinent descent to hold this position in the state of Georgia. Previously, Roy Ganga, a Guyanese of Indian descent, was elected to serve during 2010-2011.
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development, with a membership of more than 332,000 members. Members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 15,400 clubs in 135 countries that make up the global network.
Kaviratna has been affiliated with Toastmasters since 2006 and said it is one of the best investments he has made towards his personal and professional development. “Through member clubs Toastmaster teaches individuals how to better articulate their message and gain confidence through presentations, evaluations, listening, and leading. It is a phenomenal and extremely cost effective program,” says Kaviratna.
A strong proponent of the importance of effective communication, Kaviratna has successfully coordinated several leadership programs, sharing his experience and tips. He has lectured on Team Building, Effective Communication, Public Relations, Presentations, Mentoring, and Leadership. He holds several speaking and leadership awards including the Distinguished Toastmasters designation.
Kaviratna immigrated to the United States from Sri Lanka 30 years ago and lived in Michigan and Richland, Washington before calling Pooler, Georgia, home. He is married and the father of two boys. With a Ph.D. in chemistry, Kaviratna currently works as Manager, Process and Product Development, at EMD Performance Materials Corporation in Savannah.
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