Nancy Follis

Nancy is currently the Director of Membership, Operations & Communications for a nonprofit organization comprised of over 11,000 members. After receiving her B.S. degree from Ithaca College, Nancy directed and managed two different franchise businesses under absentee ownership. With five years of work experience behind her, she went on to complete her Master's degree from Harvard University, then became Founder and President of Health Management Consultants – a training and consulting firm based in midtown, Manhattan (1986 – 1996), then Norwalk, CT (1996 – 2000).

She successfully grew her company to over 50 major corporate clients from over a dozen major industries including mostly Fortune 500 companies, but also leading professional services firms, the U.S. Government, Trade Associations and Not-for-Profit Organizations.

After taking time to raise her two children, she applied her extensive coaching and business experience to help sole proprietors, small business owners and individuals. She worked with individuals who were starting a business, wanting to build a better business (with "less stress" and "more success)," or in transition. She also became a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer and yoga teacher and still enjoys teaching yoga today.

Speaking Background

Nancy gave her first speech in college. She was so scared, she was literally speechless, and never recited a word of her speech. As a result of her speaking phobia, she joined Toastmaster's – 10 years later. After being a member for 10 years, she was invited to speak at their Palm Desert International Convention on the topic, "Ten Tips for Top Notch Presentations" to an audience of several hundred people.

Within the Toastmasters organization, Nancy also went on to become an Area Governor, and was selected "Top Area Governor" (one of three selected out of 25 candidates) for District 53 (97 clubs in surrounding states).

When not helping to guide and govern the organization, she participated in speech contests. Over a six year period (1998 – 2004) Nancy entered seven speech contests within Toastmaster's, at the Area, Division and District Level, placing either first or second. The contests she entered included the: Humorous Speech Contest (1998, 1999, 2003), Tall Tales (1999, 2004) and International Speech Contest (2003).

Nancy's speaking experience also includes being a workshop presenter for the American Management Association (AMA), guest speaker for WFAS and WCBS radio, and an expert on CBS News.

Her leadership roles include Past President of the Entrepreneurial Women's Network (2005-2006). During her term, membership increased by 67% to almost 200 members. She was also a 3 year volunteer Shift Manager for Helpline - a 24- hour crisis hotline in New York City. For seven years, she chaired a Special Interest Group for The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) in midtown, Manhattan. In recognition of her many contributions and professional accomplishments, Nancy was selected for "Who's Who of American Women."

Before joining WCI, Nancy performed improv comedy for over four years, appearing in several shows and FIRST NIGHT in Rye, New York.