Board & Volunteers

The Victoria Chapter is managed by a dedicated team of volunteers, who are communication professionals from a cross section of disciplines, backgrounds and talents. The board manages the day to day operations and administration and financials of the Chapter, representing the IABC at a local level.

The board consists of nine elected members voted by the members of the chapter annually. The board works very closely with the association across Australia, the Asia Pacific Region and at an international level, ensuring that our members get the most out of their membership.

There are also a number of volunteers who work with the board offering their time and energy on the many projects within the chapter, delivering greater benefits with belonging to an international association on a local level. Contact a board member

Meet your team of volunteers below
 

Introducing:

 Kate O'Donnell

Kate O'Donnell

President

Kate currently works as an Account Manager for Celsius, a Melbourne based design and brand agency.  As well as affording her with a keen eye for detail, Kate’s years of working in the design industry have seen her manage the brands of a wide range of well-known organisations. A keen social media enthusiast, Kate enjoys the interactions of online communications and relishes in observing the evolution of the digital space.

In 2005, Kate completed a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Marketing, Management, E-Commerce Management) at Deakin University and hopes to one day return to university to complete an MBA.  Kate served the IABC Victoria board as Brand and PR chair for 14 months, before stepping into the Vice President role in November 2010. As President, Kate is looking forward to further strengthening and developing the chapter and the IABC brand.

 

 

Monika Lancucki

Vice President

Monika is the Head of Corporate Communications at Becton Property Group. She has 16 years experience in communications, investor relations and the law. Prior to Becton, Monika worked in external communications at two large financial institutions, after several years at a stakeholder and investor relations consultancy. Prior to moving into the fields of communications and investor relations, Monika was a senior associate at a top tier law firm. She has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, as well as a Diploma of Investor Relations (AIRA).
 

Jennifer Frahm (PhD)

Immediate Past President

Jennifer has over 20 years experience in change management, communications and marketing in both the public and private sectors. She is the director of her own boutique consultancy (Jennifer Frahm Collaborations) that provides change management and communication services, as well as coaching and executive development programs. She is widely published as an author on change management and has earned the designation of “IABC Recommended Speaker”. As President of the IABC Victoria Chapter Jennifer is focused on transparency of approach; engaging an active community of members and sustainability of the association.

 

James Howe

Secretary/Treasurer

James is the Public Affairs Manager for Ambulance Victoria.  He has worked for AV since 2001 in various communication roles starting as operational media liaison reporting on the daily car crashes and stabbings of Melbourne, through to his current role managing a communications team responsible for media, issues management, annual reporting, website maintenance and publications.

He graduated from Deakin University with Bachelor of Arts (Public Relations) in 2002, receiving the PRIA Award for top graduating student, the 2007 PRIA National Golden Target Award for Health Campaigns and an IABC Bronze Quill in 2011. He is currently in the final stages of an MBA at Swinburne University.

 

 

 

Jamie Garantziotis

Member Communications Chair

Jamie Garantziotis is currently PR Manager – Regional for Southern Cross Austereo, working across internal and external communications for the organisation's radio, television and online assets. In 2009, he completed a Master of Communication (Public Relations) at Bond University, having earlier completed a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communication) at The University of Melbourne in 2007. He hopes to one day return to university to complete an MBA.

Jamie is particularly interested in the intersection of new and traditional media and business. He is the Australian correspondent for
Engage TV, and blogs on the topics of communications and public relations as part of the team at Waxing UnLyrical.

You can connect with Jamie on Twitter (@JGarant).

 

 

Belinda Lawrie

Education Chair

Belinda leads executive communications for Alcatel-Lucent in Asia Pacific. She has over 13 years experience working in marketing, brand management, media and internal communications.

A passionate communicator and mentor, Belinda is committed to continuous development and supporting communicators in reaching their potential. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) and is currently undertaking the IABC accreditation program.

 

 

Kim Lovely

Professional Development Chair

Kim Lovely has over 20 years experience as a communications professional having worked as a senior journalist, editor, in corporate and investor relations, and in strategic internal and external communications management with international scope in Australia and Asia.

She has worked at senior executive level across a broad range of industries including Financial Services, Travel Media, Telecommunications, Gaming and Technology. Companies include Lonely Planet/BBC Worldwide, NAB, Vivendi Universal, Hutchison Telecommunications, TAB Ltd, Aristocrat and Altium.
 

Richard Roach

Branding & PR Chair

Richard is the Internal Communication Manager for the Australasia and Asia operations of Golder Associates, a global company providing consulting, design and construction services.  He has 18 years experience and has previously worked with KPMG, Mercer and Corporate Words.  Richard has a Bachelor of Arts (Public Relations) from RMIT University and is a member of the AIM.

 
 Damian Mannix

Damian Mannix

Sponsorship Chair

With 15 years experience Damian knows what connects media, government and stakeholders. Now a Director at The Agenda Group, he specialises in communications planning, stakeholder and community engagement, business strategy development and reputation management.

An experienced facilitator, Damian was engaged by the Department of Justice to lead challenging and emotional community consultations examining the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission recommendations. His experience includes gambling regulation, local government, telecommunications, design and infrastructure.

Damian has completed International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) training, and is able to provide strategy support from project commencement to conclusion. He has lectured in applied communications at RMIT University and continues to provide regular guest lectures.

Damian is Chairman of the Program Advisory Committee at the RMIT School of Applied Communications, and is a Vice President of the International Association of Business Communicators (Victoria).
 

Rebecca Cattran

Membership Chair

Rebecca has 15 years experience in internal and external communications in a range of government and community organisations.

She is currently Manager, Internal Communication at VicRoads, where she has established a strategic internal communications function focused on innovation and collaboration. Rebecca is motivated by engaging employees through leading organisational communication practice. As part of the IABC Board, Rebecca enjoys the opportunity to support and promote the many benefits of IABC as a global network of communication professionals.

 

Sam Regester

Student Chair

Sam is completing the final year of his Communication (Public Relations) degree at RMIT University. While still very much a pup in the world of communications, Sam has a passion for new media and internal communication. He currently works under IABC International Chair Adrian Cropley in his boutique consultancy, Cropley Communications. The self-appointed Junior Vice President manages Cropley Communications’ PR as well as working with clients.  has worked in marketing and PR roles for HRL Technology, Undertow Media and Disability Sport and Recreation.

 

Sam is an avid Tweeter and can be contacted via his Twitter handle. 

 

 

 

Jessica Ciccotelli

Student Chair

Jessica Ciccotelli is currently completing her third year of a Bachelor of Media and Communication with majors in Public Relations and Journalism at Deakin University.  Throughout her degree Jessica has completed internships at the Victorian Government, Fairfax Media and in the not-for-profit sector.  She has keen interests in corporate communications and publicity and currently balances university with work at a public relations consultancy in the arts and entertainment sector.

 

 

 

Non-Board Volunteers

 

Jo Curkpatrick (ABC)

Public Officer

Jo has been active in IABC since the establishment of the first Australian Chapter in the mid 1990s. She is a former Chapter President, international Gold Quill Blue Ribbon Panel Chair and Excel Awards Chair, and has coordinated Asia Pacific Gold Quill Judging on a number of occasions. Jo is principal of Span Communication (Australia) Pty Ltd a business communication consultancy based in regional Victoria with a particular interest in rural and regional affairs, agriculture, environment and natural resource management. She is passionate about the value of communication to businesses large and small, and credits IABC and fellow IABC'ers for the professional development opportunities, knowledge and experience she is able to offer her clients.

 

  
 

Chris Dvoracek (ABC)

Accreditation Coordinator

Chris is the Director of Transform Consulting. She has 20 years’ experience as a communications consultant, specialising in internal communications and superannuation and employee benefits communications. Her expertise spans marketing, communication, HR consulting and change management – an unusual but effective combination. Chris is passionate about using a research-based approach and delivering measurable results. She is a four-time Gold Quill winner, 2007 Gold Quill blue ribbon panel judge and Accredited Business Communicator (ABC).  Chris joined the Board because she shares IABC’s commitment to professional development and because it’s a great opportunity to work with and for like-minded professionals.

Denise Mooney

Copywriting

Denise Mooney is a web and SEO copywriter, specialising in online marketing for business to business services companies. She helps companies develop and write their website content and marketing materials. She previously worked as a journalist for Fairfax, and has written for a number of national magazines as a freelance writer. Denise has a Bachelor of Professional Communication from RMIT University, and is looking forward to helping the Victorian chapter of the IABC with their new website.

IABC Victoria – International Representatives
 

Adrian Cropley (ABC)

Chair IABC Executive Board (International)

Adrian is a Director on the International Executive Board of the IABC and on the editorial board of a number of industry publications.  He was the 2007 Victoria Chapter President and is the Principal Consultant for Cropley Communications Pty Ltd. He has been very active in the Communications profession for the last 10 years. Adrian is a specialist in Internal Communication and Change Communication, and consults globally to number of major companies as well as being a sought after speaker facilitator & Author. He has served on a number of IABC committees globally and was named IABC Volunteer Chapter Leader of the Year in 2008.
 

Jacqui Rudd

Global Development Team – Pacific

Jacqui is Communications Director and partner in Idaho Design & Communication – a boutique creative design and communications agency that has been established in Victoria for 10 years – consulting in corporate and employee communications, internet strategy, PR, corporate social responsibility and, more recently, social media and website communications strategy. Jacqui has more than 20 years experience across the broad spectrum of corporate communication in both Australia and Asia and a strong command of the Japanese language. She has a Bachelor of Asian Studies from ANU, is a qualified fitness trainer, a passionate supporter of the Collingwood Football Club and a keen racehorse owner. She is also a member of AIM and AICD.
 

Melissa Dark

Asia Pacific Gold Quill Awards Coordinator, 2010 International Gold Quill Awards Vice Chair, 2010 World Conference Advisory Committee

Melissa is the Asia Pacific Coordinator for the Gold Quill Awards and this year is the Vice Chair of the awards at the international level. A past IABC Victoria Chapter President, she has 17 years experience in communication in organisations in the public and private sector. Melissa is the CEO of Melissa Dark and Associates, a consultancy specialising in internal communication and has presented at many conferences and other events in Australia and overseas. She is passionate about the development of young communication practitioners and has lectured at RMIT at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.