I'm Jo Ann O'Toole and I want to be your next Civitan International President Elect

My Mission

I strongly believe in a better world through Civitan.

Transformation is key

This past year, I served on a Civitan International committee to ensure Civitan was structured for the future. This project was more involved than any that I had worked on before. The outcome of the committee's diligent work is being voted on at our convention in Jacksonville, Florida in July. If those updates to our organization are approved, we will need someone devoted to the future of our organization to lead us. Embracing our history, while being willing to make needed modifications in order to respect our members' concerns and our valued past, is the key to our future success.

The time is now

I have considered running for the office of president elect for many years, but the time never seemed right. The reasons I waited were many. Mainly, I felt I couldn't devote the time or resources to do the position justice while balancing a full-time career, family and Civitan. However, during 2020, our year of COVID, I sadly lost several family members and friends. One thing this past year taught us is to make the most of today and not procrastinate or the time may never come.

Civitan prepared me to lead

Throughout my Civitan career, I was given the opportunity to develop leadership skills such as strategic planning, problem-solving, team building, effective public speaking, mentorship and effective communication. Civitan has given me the opportunity to travel around the United States and internationally to spend time with great people who have the same passion as I do; serving people.

During my 20-year Civitan journey, I have had the privilege to serve my community through my club, district, and Civitan International. Throughout these experiences, my passion for the organization and its members has grown each year. I know what it's like to lead when things are thriving, and I know that even when times are a bit chaotic, we can always get back to the mission of our great organization, to make the world a better place. Civitan needs a leader to unite us through this time of uncertainty so we can emerge stronger for the future.

I believe I am that leader.

If elected, I will serve Civitan International and YOU with passion, creativity, humility, gratitude and a focus on the results needed to succeed. Please give me the opportunity to show you my commitment by voting for me to serve as your next President Elect at the 2021 Civitan International Convention in Jacksonville, FL this summer.