Carol Ritter of Moore Township has been elected the new President of the National Speakers Association Philadelphia. Her term began July 1.

Ritter has been a professional speaker since 1994 and has been a member of the National Speakers Association for the past four years.Becoming president after only four years of membership may sound fast but as Ritter explains, "Well I teach leadership. It's sort of what I do. I live leadership."Ritter had gotten on the board just one year after joining."The first year I was on the board I got an award, New Member of the Year, which was a surprise. The following year I got the Member of the Year, which is a national award. They give one to every state in the country," said Ritter.Ritter has a passion for speaking. Her company, CAROLTALKS, conducts presentations and training services mostly for nonprofits."I teach nonprofits how to get more members, more money and better leaders," said Ritter.One of Ritter's clients is the Bethlehem Area Public Library. She has been working with them for the past three years on their "Room to Grow" program."We have designed a strategy that has created a frenzy around them," she said. The renovations and buzz has had an impact.An average of 100 people come through the library doors every hour. The program is ongoing and several exciting renovations are in the works."I love watching things be born," said Ritter.Although many clients will hire her for a one-time training, Ritter said every client she has utilizes some kind of speaking or training service.Prior to starting her own business, Ritter worked for an investment firm for many years. Her boss was a speaker and an author and she marketed him all over the country.When she watched him at speaking engagements she was inspired to become a professional speaker herself.Ritter is currently in the process of writing a book, "Are You a Success in Spite of Yourself?"She has very specific ideas about leadership and she believes that good leadership is lacking in many organizations."Strong leaders take complete responsibility for when things go wrong and let the team have the glory when things go right. It's my philosophy," she said.In addition to having her own business and being the president of NSA Philadelphia, Ritter is also the president of the LeBeam Chamber of Commerce, which covers Bath Borough and Moore, Lehigh and East Allen townships.Marlyn Kissner, who is executive vice president, regional chambers, councils and BBRP of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, said she admires Ritter greatly."She is actually one of our best presidents," Kissner said.With all of her responsibilities it may seem like Ritter's plate is too full to take on the presidency of the NSA Philadelphia, but she truly loves the work and loves service."The presidency is about service. I am very happy to have the privilege to serve NSA Philadelphia and the national NSA," she said."I think it's a great organization."