Meet Our Club Leadership
The volunteer officers who lead and support Port City Toastmasters
Matt Alfonso
President
Matt combines extensive public speaking experience with a warm, encouraging approach.
Rich Melcher
VP of Education
Rich guides members through their Toastmasters journey with clear structure and practical feedback, helping speakers grow in both confidence and skill.
Shane Elliott
VP of Membership
Shane creates a welcoming experience for guests and members alike, combining strong organization with thoughtful touches that help everyone feel they belong.
Alexandra Hartline
VP of Public Relations
Alexandra connects the club with the broader community and ensures members stay informed, engaged, and proud to be part of Port City Toastmasters.
Real Growth, Real People
Port City Toastmasters is a community where people come to challenge themselves, support one another, and grow into more confident communicators. Whether someone arrives hoping to overcome a fear of public speaking, strengthen their leadership presence, or simply become more comfortable sharing ideas, they find a structured path forward here.
Growth happens through steady practice, shared experience, and a culture that values progress over perfection. Members bring diverse backgrounds and goals, yet they share a common commitment to improvement — both personally and professionally. The result is an environment that feels welcoming from the start while still encouraging each person to stretch beyond their comfort zone.
Practice That Builds Confidence
Confidence develops through experience, and our meetings are designed to provide plenty of it. Members speak regularly, experiment with new responsibilities, and gain familiarity with skills that once felt intimidating. Each opportunity builds on the last, turning small wins into lasting capability.
Because the atmosphere is encouraging and respectful, members are free to focus on growth rather than fear of mistakes. Over time, what once required courage begins to feel natural — whether presenting to a room, leading a discussion, or organizing thoughts under pressure. That transformation often extends far beyond the meeting itself, positively shaping professional and personal interactions alike.
Leadership Through Participation
Leadership at Port City Toastmasters is not theoretical — it is practiced in real time. By participating in meeting roles, facilitating segments, and supporting club operations, members develop skills that translate directly into the workplace and community settings. They learn how to guide a group, manage time effectively, communicate expectations clearly, and adapt when plans change.
These experiences build practical confidence that prepares members to step forward when opportunities arise. Many discover strengths they didn’t realize they had, while others refine abilities that help them lead with greater clarity and purpose. The club becomes a place not just to learn about leadership, but to live it.
Supportive Feedback That Works
Meaningful improvement requires thoughtful feedback, and evaluations are a cornerstone of the Toastmasters experience. Each speaker receives observations that highlight strengths while offering clear, actionable suggestions for continued growth. The focus is always constructive, ensuring that members feel encouraged rather than judged.
This balanced approach helps speakers recognize their progress and identify the next steps in their development. Over time, members often become more receptive to feedback in all areas of life, gaining the perspective needed to grow with confidence. It’s a process that strengthens skills while reinforcing the supportive culture that defines Port City Toastmasters.