Baxter Kent, DTM

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a Board Member:

With 23 years of experience at Costco Wholesale in various leadership roles, I have consistently driven success and fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation. In my capacity as IT Project Manager, I have effectively led cross-functional teams, delivering compelling presentations to executive management that align with our strategic objectives. My focus on meticulous planning and execution ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget. By cultivating strong partnerships with service and equipment vendors, I have enhanced our software delivery capabilities and strengthened our operational efficiency.

As IT Development Manager in Costco's IT department, I have been dedicated to developing and mentoring teams. By crafting cohesive strategies that align with our organizational goals, I empower my team to innovate and excel. My ability to manage budgets effectively and negotiate with service vendors has optimized our resources, driving both innovation and efficiency.

In my role as an IT Business Analyst on the IT Finance team, I have conducted comprehensive reviews of existing processes, utilizing analytical skills to identify and implement solutions to complex challenges. My commitment to continuous improvement has led me to champion initiatives that significantly enhance our operational effectiveness.

As a Senior Representative for Primerica Financial Services, I partnered with families to assess their financial needs and develop actionable plans for their future. I prioritized education around budgeting and savings, empowering clients with the knowledge and tools necessary for proactive financial management.

Across all these roles, my dedication to strategic leadership and team development has consistently driven results. I am passionate about creating an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

As an IT Development Manager, I took a proactive role in collaborating with business teams to craft a comprehensive three-year application software strategy. This process involved not only strategic planning but also the careful formulation of budgets for both IT and business initiatives. I prioritized aligning our strategies with organizational goals to ensure that our efforts effectively supported the broader vision of the company.

In leading these initiatives, I fostered open communication and collaboration, empowering team members to contribute their insights and expertise. This collaborative approach not only enhanced the quality of our strategic planning but also strengthened team cohesion and commitment to our shared objectives.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

In my experience as a Financial Services representative, I had the opportunity to work closely with families to help them understand their current and future financial needs. This involved guiding them in creating and managing their budgets and educating them on effective saving strategies. I found it incredibly rewarding to empower them with the knowledge they needed to make informed financial decisions.

In my roles as a Project Manager and Development Team Manager, I also took on significant financial responsibilities. I was not only involved in creating budgets for various projects and our development team but also in actively managing and tracking those budgets. For many projects, I worked with external vendors, overseeing their budgets as well. This included negotiating contracts and ensuring we got the best value for our investments. It

What experience do you have in developing policies?

In my role as a Development Team Manager, I made it a priority to ensure my team understood company policies while also working with them to create our own internal guidelines. I believe that having clear policies helps everyone function smoothly and feel more empowered in their roles.

I also had the pleasure of helping my sister as she started her accounting practice. We worked together to develop and document policies and procedures for any future team members she would hire. It was exciting to contribute to building a strong foundation for her business. Overall, I'm passionate about creating policies that not only clarify expectations but also foster a supportive and efficient work environment.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

From my leadership experiences, I've learned that you don't have to have all the answers. Surrounding yourself with a diverse team brings invaluable perspectives. Once you identify each member's strengths, it's important to create an environment where they can thrive and let them take the lead. For instance, during my year as District Director, when the COVID pandemic hit, Roxy, our Program Quality Director, proposed forming a district task force to train others in online meetings. Within three weeks, we were up and running, supporting not just our district but many others as well. Her prior experiences outside of Toastmasters really shone through in that initiative.

I've also learned the importance of compassion when making tough decisions. As a Development Team Manager, I inherited a team struggling with performance and conflicts with the business unit we supported. By setting up regular meetings with the business team and providing my team with the coaching they needed, we managed to reduce a backlog of over 100 tasks to just 2, while also improving our relationships. Balancing empathy with effective decision-making is key to successful leadership.

What experience and key strengths would you bring to the Board of Directors?

I bring a wealth of experience as a Project Manager and Development Team Manager, where I honed my interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with individuals at all levels of the organization. I excel at communicating complex technical concepts in relatable terms, ensuring everyone is on the same page. For instance, when explaining new financial software to business users, I focus on business terminology rather than technical jargon.

Additionally, my background in software development and project management equips me with strong analytical and logical thinking skills. I can assess situations, identify potential challenges, and pinpoint areas for process improvement. I believe these strengths will allow me to contribute effectively to the Board of Directors.

Why do you want to serve as an International Officer/Director?

I want to serve as an International Director because I believe that true leadership is about service. With over 23 years in various leadership roles at Costco, I've learned the value of collaboration and empowering teams. My experience as a Project Manager and Development Manager has equipped me with strong interpersonal skills, allowing me to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.

In Toastmasters, I've been committed to coaching and mentoring others, and now I'm ready to give back on a larger scale. I'm passionate about sharing my insights and administrative skills to help drive the organization forward. This role will allow me to contribute to the vibrant community that has shaped my journey, and I'm excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

I served as an art docent in my children's elementary school. This required me to assist the teacher with planning and teaching art lessons to students in K-2nd grades. Additionally, I served as the Treasurer for my daughter's high school choir boosters and currently serve as Secretary for the Eastlake Wolves Association (EWA), the overarching organization for the various Eastlake High School's boosters clubs.

Throughout my work career at my last company I volunteered for various events, from packing back-to-school backpacks, staffing a booth at employment fair, etc.

I have also been a volunteer with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and served as a first responder on the corporate campus at my last company.

Have you worked with other Boards of Directors outside of Toastmasters? If so, describe your experience.

I currently serve as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Eastlake Wolves Association (EWA). In this role, I help guide the organization that supports various booster clubs at Eastlake High School. I coordinate quarterly meetings with the EWA board and booster club officers, collaborating with the EWA President to set the agendas. I also take and publish the meeting minutes and manage the association's roster. This experience has strengthened my skills in organization and communication, which I believe will be valuable in a Toastmasters Board role.

In your opinion, what are Toastmasters International’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

In my view, Toastmasters International's major objectives center on enhancing communication and leadership skills for all members. One key area I've identified through my work with long-time members is the challenge of connecting the Pathways program to the legacy program. While I've seen progress in helping members understand this connection, the link to leadership education still needs attention. I believe we should introduce projects that offer leadership feedback during meeting roles, ensuring that members receive valuable evaluations.

Additionally, we must consider our incarcerated members. While they represent a small percentage of our membership, they are fully paid members who greatly benefit from our program. Toastmasters offers them a crucial path to self-improvement and confidence. I'd advocate for a study to explore how we can better support these members in navigating the Pathways program, ensuring they feel valued and equipped to continue their Toastmasters journey even after release.

Additional information about candidate:

In addition to my work experience, I am a trained life coach and a Feldenkrais(R) Practitioner (a form of body work). I've run a few marathons and half-marathons and participated in the "Disney World's Goofy Challenge" that consisted of a 5k, 10k, half-marathon, and full marathon over the course of four days. I also hold a 1st degree black belt in Kajukenbo Kung Fu. In my spare time, I create art using various mediums including alcohol ink, paint, resin, wood, wire, beads, and many others.