Sometimes hard work is rewarded. At least one hard worker in District 16 earned his award as Outstanding Area Governor for 2009 by truly doing some of the hardest work.

Ed Engelke was named to the honor at the Oklahoma District 16 Spring Conference staged on May 16, after serving as Area T2 Governor for two consecutive years.

But being Area Governor wasn't enough for the man who has been a Toastmaster member since 2003. He combined his Area Governor duties with those of District 16 Public Relations Officer. This post was further combined with the duties of maintaining one of the finest websites in Toastmasters International. Engelke looks back at the past Toastmaster year.

"District 16 had great leaders," he said. "Our District Governor, Hobart Richardson, involved many Toastmaster leaders to assist in the needs of the 1,400 members in the state. From these leaders some really stood out."

Engelke cites Cassandra Oliver who was selected the Division Governor of the Year for the District in 2009. She was the leader of Division T, Engelke's own division, for which he was named the new Division T Governor for 2009-2010. Engelke said he will continue his work with the website as he takes on the challenges of Division Governor. With the new position, he will oversee activities of six areas and 30 clubs.

"I see it as an opportunity to expand my experience and develop more of the skills I need in leadership," he said. "I do know that club members benefit when clubs have strong leadership, and that those leaders look to the Area and the Division governors.

Engelke is a member of the All Stars Club which meets at the Brookside Library on the second and fourth Mondays. Since joining, he has served in several of the club officer roles including President, Vice President of Education and Training, and Vice President of Public Relations.

Engelke is employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Tulsa, a career spans almost 38 years and includes seven years in the U.S. Air Force.

Ed Engelke's wife, Janice, is new to Toastmasters. She became a charter member of the Okmulgee Orators in October, 2008. The Okmulgee club meets on the first and third Tuesdays at the Jubilee Christian Center in Okmulgee. Prior to becoming a member, she served the District in various support roles during speech contests and conferences.

The Engelke's have been married for the past 37 years and have two children and five grandchildren.