Ann’s toastmaster story began in 1999 when she joined Salem Toastmasters Club #138. As a newbie, she was under the tutelage of several experienced toastmasters including Chuck Fredrickson, past District 7 governor.  In that atmosphere Ann thrived and grew in the areas of communication and leadership. Later Ann moved into leadership outside her club serving as a Area Governor, Division Governor and Fall Conference Chair.  When a new club started in her hometown of Silverton, Ann served as a club mentor and continues to be active there.  Through the years Ann has filled many officer positions within the two clubs:  President, VP Education, VP Public Relations, Secretary and Treasurer.  When the opportunity presented itself to step into leadership as a member of the District 7 trio, the time was right and Ann was ready and willing to assume the responsibility as Lt. Governor of Education & Training for the 2007-2008 year.  As District 7 Governor for the 2008-2009 year, Ann has been “putting her whole self in” supporting her Lt. Governors, Scott & PJ.

In her free time Ann enjoys a variety of pursuits.  By training and profession Ann is a professional pianist.  She is a freelance accompanist in the Willamette valley, working with instrumentalists, vocalists and Festival Chorale Oregon, a community choir that performs three major concerts each year. In addition to making many friends Ann’s association with Festival has provided new experiences consisting of two choir tours in Europe and singing on the stage of Carnegie Hall.   For seven years  Ann was a member of the music faculty at Willamette University in Salem, OR, as an accompanist for vocalists and instrumentalists.  Another interest of Ann’s is  gardening. Nurturing her plants whether in the house or in the garden is a source of great joy. Reading is also a favorite, relaxing pastime.  Some of her favorite authors include:  Francine Rivers, Michael Phillips and Randy Alcorn, contemporary writers of inspirational fiction.  Ann has also read and benefited from the writings of Jim Rohn, America’s business philosopher.  Making quilts has been a creative outlet for Ann in recent years and she has some lovely hand-crafted items that grace her home. Ann has been married for 36 years to her husband, Le, who is a general contractor and a recent Toastmaster. They reside in Silverton and have two sons and three grandchildren.