Board Executive
President
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.
Kris is passionate about the power of clear, purposeful communication to move organizations toward their goals—and believes a strong strategy is at the heart of every success. Curious with a proclivity for creativity, Kris is excited to bring her energy and expertise to the IABC BC Chapter Board as a volunteer leader.
LinkedIn: Kris Olsen
Past 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
Vice-President
Continuing board member
Nuria Sefchovich, SCMP
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
Executive Administrator
Continuing board member
Daniel Cherkezov
he/him
Image Specialist at Zara
Daniel Cherkezov is an Image Specialist at Zara, where he brings together a sharp sense of style with experience in marketing, partnerships, and event management. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Simon Fraser University. In 2025, Daniel was nominated for the IABC/BC New Navigator Award and took on the role of lead for on-site hospitality at the IABC World Conference in Vancouver, helping create a memorable experience for delegates from around the world.
Daniel is inspired by the intersection of design and communication, and finds creativity in fashion, architecture, and travel. He values opportunities to connect people and ideas, and is excited to continue building his career where fashion and communications meet.
LinkedIn: Daniel Cherkezov
Board directors
Director, Award Programs
Incoming board member
Christina Grave
she/her
Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, Smythe LLP
Christina brings over a decade of experience leading strategic marketing and communications, including branding, digital marketing, content and event management. Known as a collaborative and compassionate people leader, her background includes developing external and internal communication initiatives for both the private and public sectors, with roles in professional services and health care.
Christina holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing) from Simon Fraser University, an Associate Certificate in Graphic Design from BCIT, and she recently completed IAP2’s Certificate in Public Participation.
Christina also brings valuable board experience. She currently serves as a board member for a non-profit organization based in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where she contributes to governance and organizational oversight.
LinkedIn: Christina Grave
Director, Career Development
Incoming board member
Jessica Purver
she/her
Communications Lead, Research at Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
Jessica brings more than eight years of communications experience in the health sector, along with freelance content writing and copywriting experience across multiple industries. Her work in the public and non-profit sector, combined with previous board experience, has equipped her to lead volunteers and support organizational goals.
Jessica is passionate about career development and enjoys working with people who value lifelong learning and growth. She believes people at every career stage should have opportunities to explore their interests and build new skills. Her commitment to continuous improvement and adapting to change would help her lead this portfolio effectively.
LinkedIn: Jessica Purver
Director, Creative and Email Marketing
Incoming board member
Christina Skinner
she/her
Communications and Engagement Strategist, Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program at UBC Okanagan
Christina is a writer and communications specialist with more than 15 years’ experience building lasting communities across business, education, and industry. She specializes in launching projects from the ground up, developing everything from media engagement strategies to complex websites and digital platforms, internal communications tools, and behind-the-scenes systems that keep projects moving seamlessly, long after she’s gone.
Christina sees mindful and strategic communications as essential to long-term community resilience, particularly in work that depends on trust, transparency, and alignment across partners and regions. She works currently as the Communications and Engagement Strategist for the Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program at UBC Okanagan.
LinkedIn: Christina Skinner
Director, Digital Experience
Incoming board member
Cem Bilen
he/him
Marketing professional
Cem Bilen is a Vancouver-based senior digital marketing professional with more than 10 years of experience in British Columbia, following earlier international experience across Europe and the Nordic markets. His background spans digital strategy, performance marketing, content, web, analytics, video, and audience growth across education, travel, nonprofit, and public-sector organizations.
Before building his career in British Columbia, Cem worked across Slovenia, Italy, Germany, and the Nordic markets, contributing to European Union initiatives and international digital communications, media, and marketing projects.
His experience combines strategic planning with hands-on execution across audience acquisition, performance marketing, and demand generation, with a strong focus on measurable growth and effective communication across diverse markets.
LinkedIn: Cem Bilen
Director, Finance
Continuing board member
Maycko Macapugas, CMP
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
Director, Membership
Collins Maina
Incoming board member
Communications Manager, University of British Columbia
Collins brings strong experience in strategic communications, people management and employee relations through his role at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Arts. He currently oversees a portfolio of 10 staff members and has experience managing teams ranging from two to seven employees.
His role includes mentoring staff, supporting their professional growth and ensuring their needs are heard and addressed. He also has experience with human resources processes, including recruitment and hiring, and supports operational needs such as system access, mailing tools and list management. These skills align well with the director of membership role, particularly its focus on maintaining a strong, engaged membership base.
LinkedIn:
Director, Professional Development
Continuing board member
Heather Merry
she/her
Senior Manager, Communications
Heather brings more than two decades of experience leading strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. As Senior Manager, Communications for Central 1 Credit Union, she leads the team responsible for engaging both external and internal stakeholders to deliver business outcomes. Known for building trust-based relationships, she demonstrates a proven ability to align stakeholder interests and guide thoughtful, transparent communication. Heather has advised executive leadership through change, growth, and crisis, always with a focus on integrity and impact. When not connecting with people, Heather can be found in the mountains of North Vancouver with her family and her dog, Bentley.
LinkedIn: Heather Merry
Director, Social Events
Incoming board member
Irene Ugboajah
She/her
Irene Ugboajah is a communications and marketing graduate, communications professional, and content creator passionate about storytelling, digital engagement, and building meaningful connections. She specializes in strategic communications, social media marketing, content creation, and community engagement, using creative storytelling to connect organizations with their audiences.
Irene is the inaugural recipient of the 2026 IABC/BC Pamana Award, recognizing her emerging leadership and contributions to the communications profession. Whether she’s developing communication strategies, creating digital content, or supporting community initiatives, she is driven by a passion for fostering authentic connections and creating meaningful impact through communication.
LinkedIn: Irene Ugboajah
Director, Social Media
Continuing board member
Adetona Aboaba
he/him
Adetona is a strategic communications professional with over a decade of experience spanning broadcasting, healthcare, emergency services, and global sports. His career began in broadcasting, where he honed his storytelling and audience engagement skills as an on-air host and presenter before moving into corporate communications. He has since built expertise in social media strategy, issues management, internal communications, and stakeholder engagement, consistently helping organizations align communications with business goals.
Known for his collaborative style and thoughtful approach, Aboaba is passionate about technology, AI, and mental health advocacy. He is also committed to mentoring the next generation of communicators and leveraging the power of storytelling to drive innovation, inspire change, and spark lasting impact.
LinkedIn: Adetona Aboaba
Director, Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Incoming board member
Eileen Huster
Director, Strategic Communications, Bemoved Media
Eileen is a strategic communicator with over 15 years of experience leading brand strategy, digital marketing, and stakeholder engagement across complex organizations. At Bemoved Media, she oversees brand strategy and communications programs, translating technical concepts into clear, effective messaging for B2B and technology clients.
Eileen holds a Master’s in Intercultural and International Communication from Royal Roads University, along with a Certificate in Public Relations and a BBA from Simon Fraser University. Her background includes managing large global technical events, national membership marketing, and executive communications. As Director of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), she brings strong technical fluency and event experience to support the IABC/BC community.
LinkedIn: Eileen Huster
Director, Sponsorships and Partnerships
Incoming board member
Rebecca Wabwoba
Communication and Fundraising Specialist
Rebecca is a seasoned communications for fundraising professional with demonstrable experience leading communications and content projects for corporate, pledge, major donor, faith based and legacy fundraising initiatives. In 2025, she led multiple UNICEF high-value partnerships communication projects that contributed to raising over USD $4 million for global programmes. Rebecca led creative production, developed multimedia content, and provided guidance to offices and partners on effective content use for fundraising.
Rebecca holds a Masters Degree in Digital Media and recent post degree professional qualifications in Project Management and Professional Communication from Douglas College BC.
LinkedIn: Rebecca Wabwoba
Director, Volunteer Services
Continuing board member
Karmina Alejandro
she/her
Acciona, Communications and Engagement Advisor
Karmina has over 10 years of experience in corporate communications and public relations, specializing in crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and program management. She is passionate about sustainability and ethical practices, and is dedicated to leveraging communication strategies to foster resilience and positive change within diverse communities.
LinkedIn: Karmina Alejandro
