2023-2024 Chapter Board

President

Continuing board member

Scott Parker

he/him

Communications Lead, Best Buy Canada

Scott Parker is a communications professional with more than 12 years of experience in both the private and public sectors.

Scott is an internal communications lead at Best Buy Canada and manages the company’s corporate internal communication channels and company intranet, as well as provides his communications expertise to departments, senior leaders and executives across the organization.

A member of IABC since 2010, Scott has proudly volunteered in various roles for both IABC Edmonton and IABC British Columbia, and is looking forward to serving as president for the 2023 to 2024 BC chapter board year.

LinkedIn: Scott Parker


Vice-President

Continuing board member

Maycko Macapugas

he/they

Manager, Events and Community at the Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship at SFU

Experienced project manager. Mental health advocate. And budding plant parent. Maycko is a jack of many (not all) and is always at looking at what’s next for him, and how to expand his skills. Outside of that, once you really get to know Maycko he’s a bit of a clown and can’t ever truly say no to a happy hour meet up. Cocktails and mocktails anyone?

LinkedIn: Maycko Macapugas


Past President

Continuing board member

Carmen Wright

she/her

Manager, Brand and Digital Experience, Langara College

Carmen is a versatile, strategic and practical creative who isn’t afraid to tackle something new. Over the last 25 years, she’s grown through several communication, design and leadership roles, including consulting with clients in the not-for-profit association space. Currently, she gets to work with an amazing creative team at Langara. As well, she carves out time to spend writing stories in a variety of mediums, and coaches other writers on book design, production and indie publishing.

As immediate Past President, Carmen is looking forward to working with an incredible team of professional communicators and tackling some behind-the-scenes projects for the chapter. Carmen has been a member of IABC since 2006.

LinkedIn: Carmen Wright

 


Director, Finance

Continuing board member

Hilary Chiu

she/her

Marketing Manager, Pacific Property Group

Hilary Chiu is a digital marketing and communications specialist experienced in Asia Pacific and Greater China markets. She has a blend of experience in offline media and online marketing, including global / regional product launches and management responsibilities.

In prior roles, Hilary led digital transformation initiatives, integrated communications strategies and data-driven marketing campaigns for global investment banks, professional services firms, IT / technology start-ups, FMCG and travel brands.

Hilary earned her Graduate Diploma in Management from University of London (program developed by London School of Economics and Political Sciences), and Bachelor of Arts in Media and Literary Cultural Studies from Lingnan University.

LinkedIn: Hilary Chiu

 


Executive Administrator

Continuing board member

Sabrina Mohammed

she/her

Communications Coordinator and Digital Specialist, UBC

Sabrina is a detail-oriented, energetic and curious communications professional who enjoys new challenges. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University with a Communications Major and a Print & Digital Publishing Minor. After nearly 5 years of working in the communications field, she has gained a wide range of experience but is just getting started and is excited for what the future holds.

She is currently a Communications Coordinator and Digital Specialist at The University of British Columbia where she supports the global engagement strategy through managing the global website, creating digital content and coordinating various other projects.

Sabrina is a new volunteer with IABC and is excited to give back to her profession, learn from her peers and make new connections.

LinkedIn: Sabrina Mohammed

 


Director, Award Programs

Continuing board member

Jane Campbell

she/her

Communications Officer, BC Emergency Health Services

Jane Campbell has worked in a variety of communications roles at the Provincial Health Services Authority over the past seven years and is currently a Communications Officer at BC Emergency Health Services focused on media relations and issues management. In 2018, she received an IABC Making Waves award recognizing her work at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute.

Jane has a Master in Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and her writing has appeared in a number of literary magazines and anthologies including Best Canadian Essays.

LinkedIn: Jane Campbell

 


Director, Career Development

Continuing board member

Gillian Redmond

she/her

Associate Director, Strategic Communications, Thompson Rivers University

For most of her career, Gillian worked in diverse corporate communications roles at global, publicly listed companies in Vancouver. In 2020, she and her family traded their big city life to start a new adventure in beautiful Kamloops where she holds the role of associate director of strategic communications at Thompson Rivers University. As the director, career development, she looks forward to supporting more members achieve professional certification and connecting mentorship pairs.

LinkedIn: Gillian Redmond

 


Director, Creative Services and Email Marketing

Continuing board member

Anjee Gill

she/her

Communications Manager, Best Buy Canada

Anjee is a Vancouver based communications professional with more than 10 years of experience in the public and private sectors. A former TV news producer and PR consultant connecting people to brands. Anjee is currently a Communications Manager with Best Buy Canada where she works with the digital retail and IT teams to manage projects and deliver complex messaging through creative tactics.

Anjee holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Simon Fraser University and a Diploma of Technology in Broadcast and Media Communications from BCIT. She is also a freelance writer and a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur.

LinkedIn: Anjee Gill

 


Director, Digital Experience

Incoming board member

Kris Olsen

Communications Officer, Provincial Health Services Authority

Kris Olsen is a communications professional with over 15 years of progressive experience in the private and public sectors.

As a communications officer with the Provincial Health Services Authority, Kris provides leadership and strategic advice to partners and executive leaders. Over the years, Kris has volunteered her communication skills at a number of not-for-profits. As a proud member of IABC, she is thrilled to be volunteering with the IABC BC Chapter Board.

LinkedIn: Kris Olsen

 


Director, Membership

Incoming board member

Magdalena Pawlowski

Communications Leader, CST – Vancouver Coastal Health

Magdalena has more than nine years of professional communications experience working in non-profit and public sectors. She has supported the public relations department for a provincial engineering regulator, and led the communications department for a research-based health promotion organization called APPLE Schools. Magdalena’s experience at APPLE Schools shaped her profoundly as a communicator, as she built and implemented the organization’s first communications strategy which included branding, social strategy, building audiences, creating thought leadership pieces, and more.

Recently, she started a new position as a communications leader at Vancouver Coastal Health for the Clinical & Systems Transformation project, where she will be involved the rollout of a new medical information system that will improve the safety, quality, and consistency of patient care across the province.

LinkedIn: Magdalena Pawlowski

 


Director, Professional Development Events

Incoming board member

Mandy Chow

Email Marketing Specialist, Ritchie Bros.

Mandy Chow is a marketing and communications professional with a background in commerce, banking, digital marketing, and event management.

In her current role, Mandy leads email marketing and content strategies through ABM and the understanding of customer lifecycle journeys. Within the IABC/BC community, Mandy has been a part of the events team as manager of events since 2020. In the professional development portfolio, she will focus on collaborating with professionals to develop their careers from all journeys, as well as maintaining and cultivating strong networks.

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” — Anthony J. D’Angelo

LinkedIn: Mandy Chow

 


Director, Social Events

Continuing board member

Laura Nastasa

Principal, LN Strategies

Laura is a communications-oriented management professional focusing on integrated communications, marketing, research and business operations strategy.

She has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Communication and Culture from the University of Calgary and an EMBA from Simon Fraser University.

Laura has worked in various markets across Canada and has a diverse background with over 25 years of multifaceted public and private sector experience that includes: corporate communications, marketing, consumer experience, real estate/facilities, strategic planning, business development, business operations/transformation, financial/project management, contract negotiation, writing, and research.

She has a strong interest in experiential marketing and physical-virtual space convergence in communications and stakeholder engagement and looks forward to connecting with the IABC/BC community as Co-Director, Events and Professional Development.

LinkedIn: Laura Nastasa


Director, Social Media

Incoming board member

Judy Swens

Communications Assistant, Indigenomics Institute

Constantly curious, Judy is pursuing a Master of Arts in Professional Communication at Royal Roads University. Her research interests include environmental communication, digital media, and Indigenous relations. Currently, she supports communications at the Indigenomics Institute and the Howe Sound Women’s Centre.

In her spare time, photography and acrylic painting are her creative hobbies, amongst other musings. Based in Squamish, BC, naturally Judy is an outdoor adventurer who enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing.

LinkedIn: Judy Swens

 


Director, Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Continuing board member

Susan Seto

she/her

Communications Officer, BC Cancer

Susan Seto is a communications professional with experience working for large complex organizations in health care, government and law. In her current role as a redevelopment communications officer for BC Cancer, she leads the communications for capital projects that will expand cancer care across our province.

She holds a Master of Global Business degree from the University of Victoria and Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Simon Fraser University. As the Director, Special Interest Groups (SIGs), she looks forward to fostering opportunities for IABC members to connect, learn and exchange knowledge about timely topics in the communications industry.

LinkedIn: Susan Seto

 


Director, Sponsorships & Partnerships

Incoming board member

Krysta Pallone Helm

Events and Engagement Coordinator, Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship at SFU

Krysta Pallone Helm is the events and engagement coordinator at the Chang Institute and a seasoned communications professional. With a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Communication and a minor in Print and Digital Publishing from Simon Fraser University, Krysta’s passion for storytelling shines through in her work. She excels in simplifying complex ideas and crafting messages that deeply resonate, fostering meaningful connections within the community. Krysta’s expertise extends to event planning and public relations, garnered from her roles at nonprofit organizations, golf courses, and biotech firms.

In her free time, she’s a podcast host, captivating audiences with engaging narratives. Krysta hopes to help create dynamic communities by fostering relationships and sharing their unforgettable stories. When a client has an experience with a company they remember how they feel and then they’ll tell a story – Krysta makes sure that story is written together.

LinkedIn: Krysta Pallone Helm

 


Director, Students and New Communicators

Incoming board member

Marzia Sager

Project Coordinator, PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs

Marzia Sager is a communications specialist and co-founder of the non-profit organization, Glow Within Foundation.

She has always been passionate about creative pursuits, advocacy, and social impact. As a result, she uses her various skills and experiences to empower the next generation through education, community building and mentorship. Marzia graduated from Simon Fraser University’s School of Communication with a Minor in Print and Digital Publishing and Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

LinkedIn: Marzia Sager

 


Director, Volunteer Services

Incoming board member

Yvonne Anderson

Marketing Communications Manager, COBS Bread

Yvonne is a pasta, bread, and dog lover… not necessarily in that order, though sometimes all at once.

Yvonne has worked at COBS Bread for the past 10 years in marketing and communications where she oversees the internal and external comms strategies in addition to the brand’s franchise recruitment marketing. She has volunteered with IABC for the past two years on the membership portfolio and received a Wave Award in 2023. She loves IABC/BC and is honoured to become a director on the board.

LinkedIn: Yvonne Anderson