GlaxoSmithKline Regulatory Associate, Paula Markert of Parsippany Earns Toastmasters Top Achievement

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - May 29, 2013 - PRLog -- Paula T. Markert, GlaxoSmithKline Regulatory Associate of Parsippany has completed the requirements for the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation--an accomplishment earned by less than one percent of the greater than 260,000 Toastmasters International members worldwide. Markert was presented with the DTM medallion at the District 83 Toastmasters Spring Conference on May 18, 2013.

“The Distinguished Toastmaster designation is given only to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and communication skills and have used these skills to mentor others in their self-development efforts,” said Daniel Rex, Executive Director of Toastmasters International. “Paula has met all of our rigorous requirements to become a Distinguished Toastmaster. I congratulate him/her for achieving this honor.”

To earn the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, a member must demonstrate excellence in public speaking and leadership by completing a series of steps, which include oral presentations, district leadership roles, mentoring new members and advising new and/or troubled clubs. To become a Distinguished Toastmaster, Markert presented 40 speeches at the club and community level and also performed 27 leadership projects.

“I am excited to have completed the challenging and exciting activities that led up to becoming a DTM.  Challenging, in that I had goals that were at times a little daunting; exciting, in that I met many people along the way – people who were willing to help me and keep me moving”, said Paula Markert.  “I look forward to continuing on my pathway – using my skills to not only better myself but also to work as a leader to help others along their path.”

Markert is a member of Open Door Toastmasters and GSK Speakeasy Toastmasters, where she has held the offices of President, Vice President of Education, and Secretary.  She also served as an Area Governor twice and Division Governor and has been a member of Toastmasters for 7 years.

“I am constantly humbled by the quality of leadership that originates from District 83 and new DTM Paula Markert is no exception.  Paula is an amazingly strong member who is not thwarted by obstacles. She clearly envisioned her leadership path and pursued her goals to achieve this”, said Pamela Winter, DTM, and 2012-2013 Toastmasters District 83 Governor.  “Paula has shown herself exceptionally worthy of the highest member award Toastmasters International bestows.  I am proud to welcome her to this level and am honored to call her my friend.”

“As Paula has moved through the levels needed to achieve the DTM, she has remained a valued member of Open Door Toastmasters”, said Arnold Card, President of Open Door Toastmasters.  “Paula is always willing to share her expertise, especially in evaluating.  She is comfortable with all aspects of ‘toastmastering’.  She is definitely a person who will handle any assignment given to her and she will do it well.”

Earning the Distinguished Toastmasters award typically requires five to eight years of service to the organization in order to develop the proficiency needed in such skills as vocal variety, gestures, extemporaneous speaking, management and organization.  

In addition to Toastmasters, Paula Markert works for GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare as a regulatory associate and is married with two grown boys (Billy who is married to Shira, and Phillip).  

About Paula Markert

Paula is an integral member of the GlaxoSmithKline Regulatory team providing support for a portfolio of GI products for both the US market and globally.  She is involved throughout the product lifecycle from developing regulatory strategy through maintenance of product licenses.  Paula, who joined GSK in 2000 after 23 years as a military spouse, previously held positions of increasing importance in the R&D organization.  During this time she moved the company from paper to an electronic system for drug listings.  Paula serves as a co-lead of the GSK Outreach team; is a member of the WLI and the site first aid team.  She has been active in Scouting since 1980, and was awarded the Silver Beaver for her continued support of the program.  Recently, Paula was the recipient of the 2013 Tribute to Women in Industry award.  She lives in Parsippany with her husband, Willie, and her dog and cat, Schnitzel and Gypsy.

About District 83

District 83 of Toastmasters International proudly serves over 4,000 members in 155 clubs throughout the metropolitan area of New Jersey and includes Staten Island and Rockland County, New York.  For information about local Toastmasters in District 83 visit www.toastmasters83.org.

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 280,000 members in 13,500-plus clubs in 116 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education level and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters International on Twitter.