IABC/BC’s President’s Awards
Congratulations to the winners of the President's Award and Student Communicator of the Year (SCOY), who were recognized at the IABC/BC 30th Anniversary Gala on May 5! Maureen Healey, ABC, won Volunteer of the Year, while Stephanie Gardner was selected as Outstanding New Volunteer. Kristin Ramsey was awarded Student Communicator of the Year.
Learn more about the other nominees for the 2009/2010 President's Award.
Learn more about the Student Communicator of the Year.
IABC/BC’s success depends on the continued passion and dedication of our volunteers. It’s important our volunteers know how much we value their contribution.
The President’s Awards is how we thank our star volunteers for going above and beyond in their work and recognize their contribution.
People who win the President’s Awards have made major contributions to both the chapter and our membership this year. Winners are hand-selected by the IABC/BC President.
Who is eligible for a President’s Award?
All IABC/BC chapter members in good standing who volunteered during the 2009/2010 year are eligible for this award. This includes general committee members, board members, and members of the executive committee. Nominations can be made by any IABC/BC Chapter member.
The President’s Award has two categories:
President’s Award: Outstanding New Volunteer
Honours the contributions of an individual new to volunteering with IABC/BC. An Outstanding New Volunteer typically is in their first or second year of volunteering.
President’s Award: Volunteer of the Year
Presented to a volunteer who has made a significant impact on the IABC/BC chapter through their volunteer work. This award is open to all volunteers.
Nominations are now closed!
See below for a list of our 2009/2010 President's Award Nominees. Winners will be announced May 5th at the 30th Anniversary Celebration Event.
See below for a list of our current President's Award Nominees.
Questions?
Volunteer Services
2009/2010 President’s Award Nominees
Amanda Brkich
Arthur Yee
Chelsea Watt
Christina Sobrepena
Debra Jang
Gary Carr
Jason Sew
Jen Chan
Kelly Gill
Kelsey Newsham
Leslie Dickson
Maureen Healey, ABC
Paul Hendren
Sofia Fortin
Stephanie Gardner
Stephanie Hun
Stephanie Vicic
Whitney Exton
Meet this year’s President’s Awards nominees! These are star volunteers who have gone the extra mile in their volunteer work with IABC/BC.
Next time you see a Presidents Awards nominee, make sure you thank them for their contribution!
Nominations are now closed! Winners will be announced at our 30th Anniversary Gala event on May 5th, 2010.
Nominated for: Outstanding New Volunteer and Volunteer of the Year
Paul first joined IABC in 2007 at a new member event and has been busy volunteering ever since. His past volunteer roles include being a member retention coordinator with the Membership Services portfolio and door prize coordinator volunteer for last year’s bronze quill gala. Paul also acts as the Sponsorship Portfolio Co-Director, securing and negotiating sponsorship agreements and door prizes.
Paul recently finished working as Writer and Editor for the City of Vancouver on the Vancouver 2010 Olympics projects.
Favorite/funniest moment as an IABC/BC volunteer:
My favorite moment was walking into a member social event, realizing I knew the entire room and that I have many great friends from volunteering with IABC.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a President’s Award in one word, what would that word be?
Excited! This has been such an invaluable experience and very rewarding on both a professional and personal level.
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Christina Sobrepena
Nominated for: Outstanding New Volunteer
Christina has been a volunteer with the Professional Development Committee since January 2009. She works as an Advertising Coordinator for Vancouver Magazine and was motivated to join IABC/BC after recommendations from several coworkers.
Favorite/funniest moment as an IABC/BC volunteer:
“We did an event for Olympics networking at the BC Sports Hall of Fame. The podium set up was obviously meant for about three people [bronze, silver and gold] but we all tried to cram onto it and we were so squished; it looked so funny.”
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a President’s Award in one word, what would that word be?
Surprised. The people I work with put in such quality work and effort. Also, honored. I feel very honored to be nominated.
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Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year
Stephanie Vicic has held a wide variety of roles in her four years with IABC/BC. She began as a volunteer with the Events Committee and moved on to manage the 2008 Bronze Quill Awards before acting as Director of Student Services. She is currently the Director of Professional Development and Events, one of the busiest portfolios of our chapter.
Stephanie recently joined Vancity Credit Union as their Media Relations Consultant after working with Grey Public Relations as Account Manager.
Favorite/funniest moment as an IABC/BC volunteer
Last year I attended the Dare to Lead Conference (a leadership conference for IABC board members). It was so much fun getting to know everyone outside of work. One night we went out for a pub-crawl wearing silly tee-shirts - it was definitely one of my most memorable experiences.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a President’s Award in one word, what would that word be?
Honoured. I am incredibly humbled by this nomination and it means great deal that John Almond took the time to nominate me.
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Amanda Brkich
Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year
Amanda joined IABC/BC four years ago after being encouraged to get involved by a co-op coordinator at Simon Fraser University. She began as a volunteer for Events, Sponsorship and Student services and is currently Associate Director of Professional Development and Events.
Amanda works as Communications Advisor for Ecomm 911 and was 2009’s recipient of the President’s Award for Outstanding New Volunteer.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
The funniest moment happened at a President’s dinner I recently attended. Former presidents were sharing stories about their colleagues at past IABC conferences, trying to upstage each other as to who had the most risqué stories. It was good and friendly fun.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a Presidents Award in one word, what would that word be?
Honoured. It’s really nice to be recognized amongst a group of talented and dedicated volunteers.
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Stephanie Gardner
Nominated for: Outstanding New Volunteer
Stephanie has been volunteering with IABC/BC in various roles for two years, most recently on the Professional Development Committee. She joined IABC at the encouragement of her mentors to network and gain experience in unfamiliar areas, and hopes to support and mentor other new IABC/BC volunteers.
Stephanie is currently seeking a new role in marketing communications after working in media for Vancouver magazine.
What is one of your favorite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
One of my most memorable moments was at a Presidents dinner I recently attended. It was such an honor hearing their special moments because they reinforced the importance of being involved with the IABC community.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a President's Award in one word, what would that word be?
Humbled! It is an honor to be nominated for the work I have accomplished with IABC and I thank the members who supported me.
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Kelly Gill
Nominated for: Outstanding New Volunteer
Kelly began volunteering with IABC/BC in the fall of 2009, and is the President’s Award Manager with the Volunteer Services Committee and Events Manager with the Professional Development and Events Committee. She joined as a volunteer after hearing great things about the community throughout her university and professional career.
Kelly recently finished working as Events and Promotions Manager during the 2010 Winter Games.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
My favourite moment was at a Volunteer Social at the Commodore bowling alley. I was pleased to meet IABC President Angela Wilson and other talented volunteers, many of whom are fellow Simon Fraser University Alumni.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a Presidents Award in one word, what would that word be?
Surprised! A wonderful surprise! I would like to thank Arthur Yee, Director of IABC Volunteer Services, for his support and leadership.
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Jen Chan
Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding New Volunteer
Jen joined IABC/BC two years ago and has volunteered with the Marketing Communications Committee. Motivated to network by meeting fellow communicators, Jen works as a webmaster, sending weekly e-blast newsletters and managing IABC/BC’s Facebook profile. She is also a part of the PR sub-committee and is currently working on the 30th anniversary gala press release. Jennifer is Internal Employee Communications Specialist with Best Buy.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
Pretty much all of the work that I do for IABC/BC directly touches IABC/BC members – through the e-blasts, the chapter website, etc. It’s a great learning experience, writing for an entire fleet of communicators! I’ve been thankful for all the positive feedback and support.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a President’s Award in one word, what would that word be?
Humbled. As the webmaster of iabc.bc.ca, I’ve already posted the bios of a number of President’s Award nominees, and I’m thrilled to be recognized alongside them. I’m also a little excited about posting my own name and picture on the website. Is that dorky?
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Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year
Arthur Yee has been actively involved with IABC/BC for over three years. He began volunteering with the student services portfolio while still studying communications at Simon Fraser University. He then moved on to carry out a variety of volunteer tasks, including writing executive reports and creating marketing materials. He is currently the Director of the Volunteer Services committee.
Arthur currently works at Vancouver Coastal Health as a Communication Specialist. He has worked previously in the higher education, finance and community-based non profit sectors.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
I have a tie: the Dare to Lead Conference (a leadership conference for IABC board members) for the opportunity to hang out and get to know IABC folks on a personal level; the volunteer bowling social we had last year, because bowling is always crazy fun times!!
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a President’s Award in one word, what would that word be?
Honored. As a chapter director, I get to see first-hand all the time, dedication and creativity that our amazing IABC/BC volunteers put into their roles. I’m so honored to be a part of such an inspiring, motivated bunch and would like to thank each and every one of you for being involved this year!
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Nominated for: Outstanding New Volunteer
Sofia began volunteering with IABC six months ago on the Volunteer Recognition Committee, coordinating the volunteer feedback survey. She first heard about IABC while studying at SFU and read IABC publications while working for government. Sofia was drawn to IABC for the opportunities to meet other communicators and build on her skills. She currently works as an Account Manager at Outcrop Yukon, and has interests in strategic communication planning and social marketing.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
One of my favorite moments was meeting the IABC committee for the first time and getting to know them over a conference call.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a President’s Award in one word, what would that word be?
Fortunate and blessed to be nominated. It's been such an interesting volunteer experience. Being in the Yukon, I'm far away from Vancouver yet through emails and conference calls, I'm still able to fully engage and contribute to the IABC team.
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Nominated for: Outstanding New Volunteer
Leslie has volunteered for IABC for the past year. She joined IABC for the amazing networking opportunities, the ability to give back to her field and help move IABC forward as an organization. She is a sole communicator at St. Pauls Hospital Foundation and focuses on marketing, internal, and external communications, social media, and strategic communications.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
I have really enjoyed working on the new IABC e-newsletter. It has been a pleasure working with Ashley and Karin on launching this new product and making it a useful resource for all our BC chapter members.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a Presidents Award in one word, what would that word be?
Shocked. I am very surprised! I am also honored to be nominated for this award.
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Chelsea Watt
Nominated for: Outstanding New Volunteer
Chelsea Watt began volunteering for IABC/BC in the fall of 2009 at the encouragement and advice from her friends and colleagues. She joined the Student Services Portfolio as Manager of Student Communicator of the Year and has worked collaboratively with the Events, Sponsorship, Marketing and Communications and Professional Development sub-committees. Chelsea currently works in Public Affairs with corporate and employee communications for B.C. Transmission.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
My favourite moment was the first time I walked into an event after I started [with IABC/BC] and realized how many people I knew from volunteering.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a President’s Award in one word, what would that word be?
Honoured. It’s unexpected; I’ve been having a great time volunteering and I’m very happy.
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Whitney Exton
Nominated for: Outstanding New Volunteer
Whitney joined IABC/BC in the fall of 2009 to establish a network and get involved in the community before moving to Vancouver – she currently resides in Ottawa and volunteers remotely. She supports the Career Development and Awards Committees as a writer, drafting success stories and President’s Award nominee bios.
Whitney is currently freelancing as she prepares for her move this year, and writes and edits various materials including speeches, articles and web copy.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
My favourite moment so far was finishing the success story for our Career Development Committee. It was exciting and rewarding to know the work I’d put in would help build on Jobline’s success.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a Presidents Award in one word, what would that word be?
Surprised! Pleasantly, surprised to receive this nomination, it is an amazing feeling to be recognized amongst such a talented group of communicators.
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Jason Sew
Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year
Jason began volunteering with IABC/BC over five years ago at the encouragement of Brandy Delves to develop career-related skills. He started as an event organizer, has worked on developing Jobline’s success and was recently asked to utilize his skills in supporting the Marketing Communications Committee as Webmaster.
Jason specializes in internet marketing and web copywriting and is starting up a side business as a copywriter for small businesses.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
I’ve had a lot of fun meeting people, so rather than picking any single moment I prefer to think about the people I’ve met as my favourite part about being involved with IABC/BC.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a Presidents Award in one word, what would that word be?
I was pleasantly surprised by this nomination and definitely honoured to be nominated amongst an all-star cast of communicators. I also owe Brandy some gratitude for encouraging me to join—thanks!
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Stephanie Hun
Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year
Stephanie has been volunteering with IABC/BC for two years after deciding she wanted to get a firmer grasp on techniques and best practices in communications. She acts as PR/Media Relations Manager and Social Media Specialist, roles that include delegating upcoming initiatives and managing IABC/BC’s Twitter account.
Stephanie works at Hemmera as the Marketing Communications Coordinator, managing events and publications for the environmental sector
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
My favourite moment was having fun conducting video interviews with members at the Winter Social event in February and hearing the many great reasons why they’re a part of IABC/BC.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a Presidents Award in one word, what would that word be?
Thankful. I’m thankful for the opportunity to make a contribution to IABC/BC, for the connections and the projects I worked on, and I’m thankful for being recognised for that.
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Debra Jang
Nominated for: Outstanding New Volunteer
Debra has volunteered with IABC/BC for two years with the Marketing Communications Committee. She saw volunteering with IABC as an excellent way to connect with fellow communicators and learn more about how IABC is run. Debra also saw it as a great way to build upon her communication skillset.
She is a Senior Client Relations Manager at Marketwire, working with communication and investor relations professionals to provide them consulting around Marketwire's suite of communication services.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
At several past IABC/BC events, I was pleased to re-connect with many former clients from way back, several of whom I haven’t met before. It was great to reminisce, catch up, and share some laughs.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a Presidents Award in one word, what would that word be?
Honoured and surprised! It has been a wonderful experience.
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Kelsey Newsham
Nominated for: Outstanding New Volunteer
Kelsey began volunteering for IABC in September 2009 on the Student Services Committee. As a recent graduate, she was motivated to volunteer to help other students in their transition to becoming communication professionals. Kelsey was also encouraged to join the Student Services Committee by her friends who were already active volunteers. She specializes in internal communication and website writing and editing, currently on a contract basis.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC/BC volunteer?
After we finished our last workshop on communication planning, many of the students became members of IABC. We ended up exceeding our capacity for the event! It was rewarding to see the students walk away with tangible skills and knowledge, and to know that these were the types of services students wanted.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a Presidents Award in one word, what would that word be?
Thrilled! It's my first year of volunteering and being a member, and it's been a great experience. I look forward to continuing to volunteer for IABC.
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Maureen Healey, ABC
Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year
Maureen began volunteering in the early ‘90s with IABC in Toronto before moving to Calgary and eventually settling in Vancouver. She credits her joining the Student Committee due to her college instructor’s encouragement, Gary Schlee, ABC. Maureen has served many roles at IABC/BC including President, Director of Canada Western Region, and currently Director of Professional Standards.
Maureen is the Director of Communication and Marketing for the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, known as the “Jill-of-all-Trades.”
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC volunteer?
My favourite moments happened when I was moving chapters. Belonging to and volunteering with IABC helped me settle in when I did not know anyone. The chapters welcomed me with open arms, helped me meet people, and got me engaged faster than I would have otherwise.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a Presidents Award in one word, what would that word be?
Humbled. Many hard-working volunteers make this a robust chapter and they really do a lot of great stuff for IABC/BC.
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Gary Carr
Nominated for: Volunteer of the Year
Gary joined IABC/BC because he felt that he could learn a lot from the volunteers on the various committees, and has now been volunteering for nearly 19 years. He has mentored students, judged awards entries, and served as President of IABC/BC and Chair of the Professional Development Committee and Student Services Committee.
Gary’s career highlights include communications, corporate planning, management, and consulting, and spent the last five years implementing intranet and internet websites.
What is one of your favourite/funniest moments as an IABC volunteer?
You mean the ones that aren’t banned from publication because of the Road Code? A couple of the Dare to Lead conferences have been among my volunteering highlights. I can’t get into specifics but we learned from each other about how to make our chapter committees successful and made sure we had fun doing it.
If you could sum up your feelings about being nominated for a Presidents Award in one word, what would that word be?
Thank-you-very-much.
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