NSA Founded in 1973
Cavett Robert, NSA Founder, was born in Starkville, Mississippi in 1907 on the Mississippi A&M campus where his father was a teacher. He graduated from Ole Miss in 1929 and obtained his law degree from Washington and Lee University.
After practicing law in New York, he moved to Arizona in 1937 and established himself as a successful lawyer and insurance and real estate salesman. He began his career as a platform speaker in his early sixties and in 1972 he won the coveted Golden Gavel Award from Toastmasters International. In 1973 he founded the National Speakers Association. Currently that organization awards the prestigious “Cavett Award” and statue, annually, as their highest Award.
NSA Connecticut Chapter Founded in 2003
The Connecticut Chapter of the National Speaker’s Association (NSA-CT) was chartered in 2003. Abby Marks Beale, Susan Keane Baker and Marcie Shepard were driving forces behind the chartering. Abby, with Susan and Marcie’s help, had been running an informal speaker’s group in Connecticut for several years before the members of the group voted to become an affiliated chapter of NSA. Abby served as the chapter’s first president.
President’s Council
- Purpose: To serve the interests of the NSA-CT Chapter Board and its committees as time invested advocates for the continued growth and stability of the chapter.
- Vision: Promoting a sustainable resource and reference for incoming Presidents and their Board tapping into their knowledge and expertise as former NSA-CT Presidents
Current and Past Presidents NSA-CT
2019/20: Tara Clancy
Breathing Specialist | Speaker | Author Website: https://o2tara.org/
2018/19: Susan O’Malley
Former Emergency Room Doctor | Entrepreneur | Author | Inspiring Leaders and Teams to Greatness Website: http://madisonmedspa.com/dr-susan-speaks/
2017/18: Randye Kaye
Pro Voice Talent | Actor | Author | Keynote Speaker and MC | Helping People Share Positive Energy Website: www.randyekaye.com
2016/17: Jean Stratton
Retired from speaking.
2015/16: Dorothy Martin-Neville
Speaker, Author, Strategic Partner/Coach, Consultant Website: askdrdorothy.com
2014/15: Jon Barb
Helping You and Your Team to DO WHAT WORKS™: Get Unstuck and Move Forward Toward Your Most Important Goals. LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbarb/
2013/14: Dennis Golden
The Prostate Cancer Coach/Two-Time Cancer Survivor Our Mission: We offer guidance to men and their partners who may be at a loss when faced with challenging decisions that surround the prevention, detection and treatment of prostate diseases. Website: TheProstateCancerCoach.com
2012/13: Lisa Lelas
Organizational Leadership/Time Management/Effective Goal Setting/Productivity Website: lisalelas.com
2011/12: Gilda Bonanno
Communication Skills/Motivation/Management & Leadership Skills/Presentation Skills/Humor Website: gildabonanno.com
2010/11: Jeffrey Scott
Jeffrey Scott, MBA, author, coach and Hall-of-Fame Consultant, is the expert in growth and profit maximization in the landscape contracting industry. To learn more visit www.GetTheLeadersEdge.com. Website: jeffreyscott.biz
2009/10: Carol Mon
Corporate Storyteller | LinkedIn Specialist and Trainer | Networking Author | It’s all About the Story LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolmon
2008/09: Wally Hauck
Facilitator/Coach/Speaker/Author Website: wallyhauck.com
2007/08: Jim Snack
Jim Snack is an award winning Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) who specializes in motivation and engagement. Website: jimsnack.com/
2006/07: Kevin Carroll
Keynote Speaker/Corporate Trainer/Executive Coach Website: http://kevincarroll.com/
2005/06: Marcie Shepard
Retired from speaking.
2004/05: Susan Keane Baker
Healthcare speaker specializing in practical ways to enhance patient satisfaction & improve HCAHPS scores Website: susanbaker.com
2003/04- Abby Marks Beale
Speed Reading Expert, Author, Speaker, Classical Homeopath Websites: RevItUpReading.com HomeopathyHealings.com