Page 7 - September 2019

Lead, Follow or . . . LEAD!

Paul Fanning, DTM

The 2019-20 cover stories introduce the members of the District
Executive Committee to the membership. Some were elected,

others appointed. Everyone on the Committee is dedicated to
helping the rest of us thrive and be successful.
This month’s article focuses on our District Administrative
Manager, Paul Fanning. Below are his answers to questions

posed by the Editor.

My Back Story

Contrary to some people’s opinion, Dr. Ralph Smedley and I

are not contemporaries. I first encountered Toastmasters in
the 1970’s in San Diego. I was going to another organization’s
meeting, and they and Toastmasters met at the same
restaurant at 6:30am. My meeting was to my left when I

entered, and Toastmasters to the right. The hostess thought
I belonged on the right rather than with the “stuffy” group
I had been invited to join. I had no idea what Toastmasters
did (envisioned each place setting with a fancy wine glass or

even a two-slice toaster)! I hurried to the right meeting (on
the left) with the General, Navy captains, acommanders, and
me. Thus, endeth the first encounter.
Fast forward a couple of decades to a massive, holiday

weekend fire in the Wasilla Valley of Alaska. I was the only
staff officer in town. Up came the cameras from the local TV

VOICES! | SEPTEMBER 2019 7