IABC Edmonton 2022-23 Board of Directors
IABC’s Edmonton board of directors come from all levels and backgrounds, sharing a love for business communication and community, and a belief that professional development should be exciting, inspiring, and fun.
Our volunteer board is voted on each year at the annual general meeting, which is held at our Capital Awards event. Make sure you come out! It’s a great time, and your vote is important.
The board leadership is a trinity role, with an individual serving one year as executive vice-president, one year as president, and one year as past president.
If you have a general inquiry for the board, contact us.
And be sure to check out our Board Update for the latest board or chapter news.
Executive Board
Past President
Suzanne Pescod is the Marketing and Communications Director with the Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta which includes three (soon to be four) Houses across the province and Canada’s only Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. Her previous experience in marketing and communications has included working for the construction and oil and gas sectors, as well as a couple of years working in the world of professional sports. Suzanne has presented at several conferences around Alberta and B.C. on the topics of communications, storytelling, media, and more.
President
Elizabeth Bunney is a 2Spirited third generation Métis Citizen from the Métis Nation of Alberta residing on Treaty 6 territory. A Communications Manager for an Indigenous led and majority staffed PR agency, pipikwan pêhtâkwan (pee-pee-gwan pee-tah-gwan), she uses her gift for connecting and storytelling along with her passion for inclusive communications in her work with Indigenous clients and non-Indigenous organizations and those looking to improve their relationships with Indigenous audiences. Her previous roles specialized in internal communications, marketing and communications, as well as social media management and event production.
Elizabeth is passionate and powerful, sharing the positive personal experience she has with IABC with everyone she meets, encouraging others to connect with this incredible organization of communicators. She is an exemplary strategic planner, event planner, crisis and issues manager, relationship builder and key-message developer.
When not involved with IABC, you can find her cheering on her two adult sons in their latest achievements while experiencing all that Turtle Island has to offer.
Vice President
VacantThis could be you! Contact Suzanne Pescod if you are interested in being part of the next generation of IABC leadership.
Senior Director, Administration
Delainey NeddowA career in communications wasn’t on Delainey’s radar when she completed her bachelor’s degree, but there was little surprise when she ended up in the communications department of a large non-profit after graduating. She had already spent most of her life using language and stories to drive genuine connection. When she found out you could make a career out of that, she jumped in heart first and never looked back.
Delainey has had the opportunity to leverage her strategic mind in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Currently, she’s using her skillset to shape the employee experience at Servus Credit Union as a Communications Specialist. When she’s not writing, you can find Delainey elbow-deep in a new baking project or slowly chipping away at her to-be-read pile.
This will be Delainey’s first year on IABC Edmonton’s Board of Directors, and she’s excited to serve alongside such a passionate group of communicators.
Senior Director, Finance
Ilona CardinalIlona is excited to be a part of the IABC board as the Senior Director, Finance and looks forward to collaborating with other communicators. Her career in communications spans over 16 years with a focus on healthcare, however she has worked with Indigenous and non-profit organizations in Edmonton. Working within external & internal communications on website development & management, writing for websites, online newsletter & magazine creation, social media management, stakeholder relations, graphic design and event coordination.
Currently Ilona is a Digital Communications Advisor with a healthcare college in Alberta. Ilona is also a graduate of the U of A’s Master of Arts in Communication and Technology (MACT) program and holds a BA in Anthropology and BFA in Fine Art.
Senior Director, Programming
Amanda MorrisAmanda obtained her bachelor of commerce with a major in marketing in 2015 and diploma in public relations in 2016 from MacEwan University. She joined IABC as a student to meet like-minded industry professionals, and decided to join the board because of the warm and supportive culture.
She is currently the Communications and Development Specialist for Cornerstone Counselling, a non-profit agency that provides professional and affordable mental health services to all those who need support. In her role, Amanda has the privilege of connecting with clients, supporters, and donors; managing branding and partnerships; and planning exciting fundraising and awareness events—a perfect blend of her marketing and PR experience.
In her free time, you can find Amanda exploring Edmonton with her husband Josh or spending time with family and friends.
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
VacantThis could be you! Contact Suzanne Pescod if you are interested in being part of the next generation of IABC leadership.
Senior Director, Membership
Adriana AmelioAdriana is so excited to be making her return to the IABC Edmonton Board this year. She previously served as Capital Awards Co-Chair and Special Events Director from 2015 – 2018. IABC Edmonton played a key role early in her career and she is thrilled to be jumping into the Membership role to share with other amazing communications professionals in Edmonton.
Currently a Senior Communications Advisor with AHS, Adriana has proudly worked in the public sector her entire career. She graduated from the University of Alberta in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and decided to take her love of writing and research and explore the world of Communications. Since completing the MacEwan Public Relations Diploma in 2013, she has worked in continuing education with EPSB, media relations, infrastructure and ETS with the City of Edmonton, and now public health promotion, rural community hospitals and addictions and mental health with AHS.
Crushing briefing notes and proactive media by day, by night she enjoys the local foodie scene with her husband, the latest Netflix/Prime/Crave series and managing her pups Fred and Mercury’s rising social media stardom.
Senior Director, Volunteers
Mark ParéMark is a Communications Specialist at Strathcona County in the Family and Community Services department. Working with community support workers and providing communications to make social services more accessible is an area Mark is passionate about. Breaking into the communications industry in 2021 during the height of the pandemic, Mark is now able to flex his writing and storytelling skills in new ways.
Mark volunteered his time for IABC’s Volunteer Connect Program for two years and has now taken on the role of Senior Director, Volunteers, hoping to provide members with the same excellent volunteer experience and opportunities that he had.
Outside of work you can find Mark in the mountains, playing video/board games with friends, watching movies and cruising the restaurant scene in Edmonton!
Senior Director, Special Projects
Darlene WilsonIn her first year on the IABC Edmonton board, Darlene is thrilled to connect with this range of fellow comms enthusiasts. In her current role she manages corporate brand and communications at Agriculture Financial Service Corporation (AFSC) while sipping on a good cup of coffee from her home and office locations in Lacombe, Alberta.
In retrospect, Darlene’s career journey has been focused on saying yes when perhaps she should have said no – particularly to opportunities that offered connection, learning and growth.
Over the past 25 years she has spent valuable time in both private and public sectors, including experiences in community engagement and development, strategic planning, education and training, and all kinds of communications. Darlene credits her facilitative leadership style to her learning experiences: a Master of Arts Degree in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane; certifications as a facilitator (ICA Professional Facilitator Program), a change management practitioner (PROSCI), and recently, as an IABC Communications Management Professional (CMP).
Aside from the grind, Darlene is a huge basketball fan (go Raptors and Zags), has always cheered for the Oilers, and loves singing, bike riding and spending time outdoors. She’s tried to spread that love to her three girls and husband, with some success
Leadership Committee
Director, Sponsorship
Lori CotéCurrently serving as the Marketing and Communications Advisor with Merit Contractors Association and Merit National, Lori works closely with her colleagues to share opportunities, experiences and product offerings to Merit’s membership. Prior to joining Merit, Lori worked for more than 15 years in tourism where she promoted Alberta’s tourism products and services to international trade and consumer media as well as working with her team on strategic communications plans, crisis communications and internal communications.
When not working on various initiatives at the office you will find Lori and her family (son Henri, husband Rob and rescue pup Raven) exploring the trails in the Rockies, skiing/racing down the slopes in Banff and Jasper or cooking up a feast for friends.
This is Lori’s second year as Director, Sponsorships and looks forward to working/connecting with as many IABC Edmonton Chapter members as possible.
Director, Jobline and Email Marketing
Olga IvanovaOlga’s purpose is to build community and spark change. She lives her purpose by amplifying diverse voices and telling stories that celebrate, elevate, and inspire. A communications generalist with a knack for strategic planning and creative writing, Olga has worked with scientists, academics, students, engineers, thought and business leaders to bring their ideas to the fore in a way that resonates with target audiences and sparks action.
Olga joined the IABC Edmonton Board to learn from the best, help advance the profession she is passionate about, and give back to the community that gave her the job of her dreams.
Director, Website
Jingjing ZhengJingjing Zheng is the Founder and Chief Strategist of Hexie Digital, Alberta’s first Chinese-English bilingual agency that focuses on multicultural marketing and the Asian Canadian communities.
She has extensive experience in branding, marketing, PR and strategic communications, including most recently as an Account Director at one of Alberta’s largest ad agencies, and as a project manager at the Government of Alberta.
She is an avid community volunteer who has served on the Boards of ACCT, Chinatown Transformation Collaborative Society of Edmonton, Infill Development Edmonton, and UAlberta’s Community Learning Centre.
Director, Content
Maneesha JaswalManeesha is a creative communications professional, with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and minoring in International Business. Having worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors, Maneesha brings a range of experience and skills to the IABC team, including writing, digital content creation and project management.
Valuing equity and inclusion, Maneesha volunteers as the Social Media Coordinator for Didihood, a Canadian non-profit and collective of South Asian women in creative industries including media, film and music. Maneesha is also passionate about all things pop-culture and artistic; in her free time, you can find her baking, working on various crafty projects, listening to music in different languages, and watching the latest movies and shows.
Maneesha is excited to be part of the IABC team as the Director of Content, where she can connect with and learn from others in her field!
Director, Member Relations
Vanessa GomezVanessa is thrilled to be joining the IABC Edmonton Board of Directors this year. As a former IABC student member and volunteer, she has found value in being part of the Edmonton chapter and connecting with like-minded communicators.
Graduating from the University of Alberta in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English, storytelling was a natural path forward for her career. She embarked on furthering her education and refining her skill-set by completing the Public Relations Diploma program at MacEwan University in 2018 – setting her up for a successful start with the Communications and Community Engagement team at Alberta Health Services.
In her current role with AHS, Vanessa works with proactive media, storytelling and social media in the dynamic and fast-paced portfolio of Public Health.
As a first-time Board Member, Vanessa looks forward to giving back to the IABC community and helping others take advantage of the opportunities their membership can provide.
When she’s not monitoring social media or setting up the next great proactive, you can find her exploring our great city, reading her favourite book, hitting up a spin class or planning her next great solo adventure.
Director, Student Development
Nicin VargheseNicin worked in the media and communications industry in India for almost four years before moving to Canada in 2017. She found a career in banking and worked there, dreaming about shifting to communications eventually. During her maternity leave, she decided to go back to school and pursued a Diploma in Public Relations from Grant MacEwan University. In the middle of a freaking pandemic and rafting between school, home, and a seven-months old, she found life.
Currently, she works in the Marketing Communications department of Swagelok Edmonton, a home away from home. She identifies her strong suits for writing, digital marketing, strategic communications planning, social media, and internal communications.
As a first-time board member, Nicin is excited to work with her peers at IABC and help new students to take advantage of the opportunities IABC provides. Away from work, you will see her performing Indian Classical and Folk dance for public events in Edmonton or chilling with her husband and toddler boy.
Director, Member Research
Summer ScottSummer Scott is the Vice-president of marketing and communications for a global real estate company, spearheading Canadian operations. She is a seasoned professional in the marketing and communications space with a focus on brand strategy, strategic planning, and data & psychology-lead marketing. She has worked in several industries including technology, automotive, agency/advertising, banking, brand consulting, franchise development, e-learning and real estate.
Summer is very committed to her career, the constant evolution of her skillset, as well as getting involved with the community. She volunteers with local charities and serves on multiple boards to share her expertise in not-for-profit. We hear she likes to be challenged and we aren’t sure she ever sleeps!
A now seasoned member of our board, she brings her expertise in data and helps inform our programming by understanding our member base.
Director, Mentorship
Rory O’NeillRory is a story-teller by nature and has applied this approach to his work for over 10 years. With a master’s degree in professional communication, Rory has lived in the worlds of communications, public relations, stakeholder engagement and event planning in the public, not-for-profit and private sectors. Currently, Rory is the communications manager at FKA, an Edmonton-based marketing and communications agency.
Previously, Rory worked with the Government of Alberta as a communications advisor in the ministries of Children’s Services and Human Services. He also worked at MacEwan University as a communications and events specialist for the School of Business. Rory is thrilled to be a part of the IABC Edmonton board and looks forward to creating connections with and for established stalwart professionals and talented future leaders as the director of mentorship.
Director, Certification
Robyn O’NeillRobyn O’Neill is a strategic and consciousness communications professional. With a master’s degree in professional communications from Royal Roads, her GCCC communication management professional certification, and a commitment to building relationships, she is looking forward to another year with the IABC Edmonton board.
She currently works for Athabasca University on their communications team. When she isn’t doing communications work, she’s a wife, mom to twin girls, and a tiny dog named Freddy.
Director, Professional Development
Alison RichardsAlison Richards is the Member Experience Manager at the Chiropractic Association of Alberta where she is passionate about member communications. She has a background of five years in association membership support and public relations. Alison is focused on providing engaging events for IABC Edmonton members to attend.
In her spare time, Alison can be found frequenting local Edmonton patios and cafes, baking, or enjoying an indoor rowing class.
Director, Events
Alicia SlusarchukCommunity builder. Storyteller. Change-maker. Alicia Slusarchuk is a dynamic communications and marketing professional dedicated to connecting with the community. Her diverse experience includes strategic communications, business development, crisis and issues management, and policy work for both non-profit and for profit sectors.
This is Alicia’s second year as Director of Events with IABC Edmonton. In her role, she is a passionate community connector who is skilled at helping people build a network that will elevate their game.
Alicia has a great love for her community and is a Top 30 Under 30 recipient for her dedication to arts and culture. As a volunteer, she utilizes her strategic communication skills to advance the Stollery Women’s Network as the Marketing and Communications Committee Lead and member of the advisory team as well as the Canadian Ski Patrol as Director of Recruitment and Retention and First Aid Patroller. In her free time, Alicia enjoys skiing, golf, and other activities where she is outdoors, as well as cultured arts and travel.
Director, Capital Awards
Mahum ChaudharyMahum is a Project Manager at the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the University of Alberta Hospital. She comes to the IABC Board with a diverse background in program development, project management, event planning and app development in healthcare and the arts. Mahum thrives on working with people and is an enthusiastic and energetic advocate for education, innovation and inclusion.
Mahum’s a compulsive hobbyist and enjoys spending her time cooking, crafting and drinking lots of strong coffee.