2024-2025 Chapter Board

President

Continuing board member

Maycko Macapugas

he/they

Communications Officer
BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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, CMP

she/her

Communications Officer, Provincial Health Services Authority

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kris is a communications professional with over 15 years of progressive experience and accountability. She has provided leadership, counsel and strategic advice to communications partners and executive leaders in a number of public, private and not-for-profit organizations.

As a goal-oriented individual, Kris has a deep appreciation for how the role of communications and a carefully crafted strategic plan can help an organization reach its goals. Tech-savvy with a proclivity for creativity, Kris is thrilled to be volunteering with the IABC BC Chapter Board.

LinkedIn: Kris Olsen

Director, Finance

Incoming board member

Amaka Umeugo, CMP

Communications and Engagement Consultant, Fraser Health Authority

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amaka is a seasoned strategic communications professional with 14 years experience. Her career spans diverse roles within public sector organizations across Canada and internationally.

She has successfully led communication efforts for various technology projects and regulatory initiatives within the BC government. She integrates her expertise in communications with change management strategies and user experience research and design.

Currently serving as a communications and engagement consultant at Fraser Health Authority, she plays a pivotal role in facilitating the organization’s transition from traditional paper-based systems to electronic health records.

Her previous roles include serving as a public affairs officer focusing on COVID communications and as a communications specialist at BC Financial Services Authority. 

Amaka is a British Chevening scholar and holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communications, complemented by the prestigious CMP certification.

Amaka lives in the beautiful city of Victoria.

LinkedIn: Amaka Umeugo

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