President
Continuing board member
Maycko Macapugas
he/they
Communications and Engagement Manager, Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship
Powered by curiosity, and motivated by the desire to help those around him, Maycko stumbled into the world of communications and never looked back. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Accounting and Management Information Systems) Maycko has spent the earlier part of his career supporting entrepreneurs through events and building network connections. After watching and learning, Maycko eventually took those lessons and built a community of his own – a following which explored the intersection of tropical houseplants and his own Filipino heritage.
In his spare time, Maycko sings in the shower, partakes in book clubs, and visits the gardens.
With a learning and growing (pun intended) mindset Maycko hopes to supercharge his time on the IABC/BC board of directors by doubling down on community, collaboration, and curiosity.
LinkedIn: Maycko Macapugas
Vice-President
Continuing board member
Marzia Sager
she/her
Communications and Advancement Lead, PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs
Marzia Sager is the Communications and Advancement Lead at PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs, co-founder of Alon Studio, and the non-profit organization, Glow Within Foundation. She is passionate about creative pursuits, advocacy, and social impact. She applies her skills and experiences to empower the next generation through education, community and mentorship.
Marzia graduated from SFU with a Bachelor of Communication, Minor in Print and Digital Publishing and Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Marzia is the winner of the 2022 IABC/BC Making Waves Award. She is also part of BC Business’ 30 under 30 list for 2023.
LinkedIn: Marzia Sager
Past 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
Executive Administrator
Incoming board member
Carson Keller
he/him
Event Operations Manager, Star Talent Dance Competitions Inc.
Carson Keller is a communications professional with a background in marketing, events, brand management, and digital media. He is currently the Event Operations Manager at Star Talent Dance Competitions and is also a Coach at Spin Society in Vancouver. Carson graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, concentrating in Human Resource Management and an Extended Minor in Contemporary Dance. He is also the recipient of the 2024 IABC/BC New Navigator Award.
As a lifelong dancer, Carson researches the combination of dance, music, and visual media in an effort to innovate practical approaches to art. Carson is inspired by a constantly evolving society, its counterparts, and wishes to leave others with a glimpse into the edges of our era. He is also a music producer and loves a good happy hour on the patio!
LinkedIn: Carson Keller
Director, Award Programs
Incoming board member
Sarah Pratt
she/her
Marketing & Communications Specialist for the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA)
Sarah Pratt is a seasoned marketing and communications specialist with ten years of experience helping organizations achieve their communication and marketing goals. She has worked in the sectors of fintech, recycling stewardship, higher education and not-for-profit. She currently works as a Marketing & Communications Specialist for the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA). Sarah holds a Master’s in Professional Communication from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Simon Fraser University. She is currently completing a Certificate in Public Relations from TMU. Sarah has been a member of IABC since 2019.
LinkedIn: Sarah Pratt
Director, Career Development
Incoming board member
Grace Sullivan
she/her
Brand Manager, SFU VentureLabs
Grace Sullivan is a brand manager at SFU VentureLabs, where she has been supporting growth-stage startups in clean tech, deep tech, and life sciences sectors. She has over 10 years of professional writing experience, spanning journalism, web copywriting, and marketing communications.
As a brand manager, she helps startups make themselves marketable by finding their authentic voice, crafting their stories, and creating engaging content. She is skilled in marketing strategy, digital marketing, and copywriting. She is passionate about connecting with people and making a positive impact through her work.
LinkedIn: Grace Sullivan
Director, Creative Services and Email Marketing
Incoming board member
Louise Linh Dalangin
she/her
Customer Success Specialist, Cuboh
Passion, strength, and communications define Louise. With over ten years of professional experience in marketing, she has brought creativity and organization to tech start-ups, government, and education sectors. Beyond the 9 to 5, she volunteers, lifts weights, enjoys motherhood, and unwinds with books at cafes. Committed to professional growth, Louise recently graduated from the University of Victoria with a business diploma and earned micro-certifications in Marketing Communications and Business Communication.
LinkedIn: Louise Linh Dalangin
Director, Digital Experience
Continuing board member
Kris Olsen
she/her
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
Nuria Sefchovich
she/her
Communications Manager, S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
I believe in the importance of infusing a human element into business practices. This has driven me to find my purpose as a bridge that connects people to create extraordinary legacies. Over the past two decades, I’ve been honoured to lead communication strategies and CSR initiatives for major government, non-profit, and private organizations in Canada and Mexico. I learned from my mentees while volunteering at YWCA Metro Vancouver and Scotiabank’s forum project. I’m also a co-author of the upcoming book, ‘Stories From Newcomers to Canada’, published by UBC Press. Currently, I’m serving as a Communications Manager at S.U.C.C.E.S.S., the largest settlement service agency in Canada. Let’s co-create together!
LinkedIn: Nuria Sefchovich
Director, Professional Development Events
Continuing board member
Mandy Chow
she/her
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
Incoming board member
Oge Agu
she/her
Manager, Content Partnerships at PressReader Inc.
With over 11 years of marketing and strategic communications expertise across Africa and North America and an MBA background, Oge thrives as a seasoned Business Development Manager. Her journey encompasses diverse industry experiences and honing skills vital for leading impact and partnership marketing.
Oge brings this rich background to her role at PressReader, where she manages content partnerships and focuses on business development in the North American region, building relationships with publishers and connecting them with a worldwide network of business partners and their customers.
Having moved to Canada from Nigeria, when she’s not working, Oge loves traveling and connecting with family and friends around the world.
“Volunteering at IABC/BC this past year has provided an environment where individuals like me can continually learn, thrive, and make meaningful connections, and now, I’m honored to be a part of the board driving this.”
LinkedIn: Oge Agu
Director, Social Media
Continuing
Judy Swens
she/her
Communications Manager, Sunshine Coast Parks – Swens Contracting Ltd.
Working for Sunshine Coast Parks run by Swens Contracting Ltd., I use my knowledge of corporate communications to help foster long-term success working with BC Parks and the Sunshine Coast Regional District. This role is a blend of public relations, stakeholder engagement and government relations to ensure high standards of park facility maintenance and goals for environmental conservation are met alongside memorable park visitor experiences.
As the Social Media Director at IABC/BC, my focus has been on launching a new social media portfolio, to help increase audience engagement through compelling digital content. Collaborating with a dedicated volunteer team and board of directors, we’ve crafted creative campaigns that present the value of IABC to our members and communications community.
LinkedIn: Judy Swens
Director, Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Incoming board member
Courtney Chu
she/her
Leader, Marketing, Technical Safety BC
Courtney is a storyteller who is dedicated to improving the health and safety system of British Columbia. With a background in health communications, and an educational focus on communication, advertising, and gamification, she has over 10 years of experience in behaviour change and promotion. Currently, Courtney is leading marketing and creating meaningful, inclusive brand experiences at Technical Safety BC.
LinkedIn: Courtney Chu
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
Keith Quon
he/him
Marketing Operations Manager, University of British Columbia
Keith Quon (he/him/his) is a marketing and communications professional who has specialized in engaging online audiences since 2005. After over a decade working in the entertainment industry managing an artist roster and consulting for clients such as Capitol Records, MTV, and Vitamin Water, he returned to Vancouver full-time, shifting career focus to healthcare and higher education. Keith currently manages marketing operations for Student Communications Services at UBC’s Vancouver campus. Prior to this, he led digital and web initiatives for Vancouver Coastal Health and BC Cancer.
LinkedIn: Keith Quon
Director, Volunteer Services
Continuing 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
