Bill Hensley

I was born in Munich, Germany in 1952 to Harold S. Hensley, Jr. and M. Virginia Hensley with 4 1/3 year older brother Steve. Moving every 3 years with the military, I made new friends by playing games well, helping them in school and drawing- a life long passion. 

Thus, My Toastmaster Philosophy: the best way to learn is to help others understand.

I grew up in Dayton OH, Ft. Worth TX, Altus OK, Abilene TX, Vandenberg AFB CA, Washington DC, Dayton again and home to San Antonio TX for college.  Travels: Hawaii, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Scotland, Greece. Caribbean honeymoon. + About half the United States.

I decided to start college in San Antonio, otherwise no place would feel like home. San Antonio College- 2 years in Architecture, Texas A&M- 2 years B. Environmental Design. 2 years M. Arch. in Systems Development. Summer work in offices helped me excel in school. I found inspiration in speaking by teaching Freshman Drawing in Graduate School. Profession- 17 years of private practice and 23 as Architect with City of San Antonio.

As a Bible Study Fellowship Discussion Leader after college I learned all should have their say. I joined B & P Toastmasters in 1985, to speak, compete and encourage others growth. I helped start Downtown Professional Toastmasters in 1997 to attend a downtown lunch club. I like winning speech contests- International, Humorous, Evaluation, Topics, Reading, Lip Synch, and miss the fact that some have fallen away… since each teaches important special skills.  I served each club officer role before becoming president- to better understand how to lead them.

I married Patrice Hensley, pianist and teacher, daughter of Bill Hensley (SA’s crime busting DA). Son Will is a NYC musician and Grammy awarded mixer. Daughter Victoria is a Social Worker. Marriage to Patrice and raising Will and Victoria are the greatest roles of my life.  If there’s a more creative way to better results, try it. It’s great fun and you learn more.

Area F21 Director 2017-2018