IABC NL Announces 2018-2019 Board of Directors

Gillian Costello, GradDip. PR, MA, - President 

​As a senior public relations professional Gillian has expertise in strategic planning, media relations and stakeholder engagement. For the past 12 years she has worked in progressive roles in the field leading communications initiatives across a wide spectrum, such as: supporting clients with an Atlantic Canadian marketing agency; sitting as an executive on a Board of Directors; and working as a member of a team supporting ehealth with a Crown Corporation. She holds a master’s degree in political science from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a post-graduate diploma (honours) in public relations. Gillian is currently leading communications in the regulatory sector with the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARNNL).

Diana Quinton, ABC, BComm – Past President/Certification Coordinator 

​Diana Quinton, ABC, is a long-time volunteer of the chapter and a communications practitioner with over 20 years of experience. She is currently a communications director within the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Before joining government, Diana was an independent consultant and undertook research, planning, implementation, and the evaluation of communications programs; managed multiple projects and events; and delivered training. Diana has a bachelor of commerce from Memorial University and was awarded the accredited business communicator (ABC) designation in December 2004. She has undertaken graduate courses through the master of arts (public relations) program at Mount St. Vincent University. Diana is also a member of the IABC Canada East Region Board.

Jackie O'Brien, GradDip. PR, BA, Vice-President, Finance                                        

​Jackie O’Brien has been working in the healthcare industry since graduating from Humber College’s post-graduate public relations program (honours) in 2010. Jackie currently works with the Health Care Foundation as senior manager of communications and stewardship, where she has built strong relationships with donors, community groups, organizations, patients and their families. Jackie is also a Memorial University alumna, where she completed her bachelor of arts in 2009 with a double major in political science and social- cultural anthropology.

Julia Howard , Executive Assistant                                                     

​Julia Howard is a public health graduate and nutritionist who is a relative newcomer to the communications field. She has worked in academic and non-profit settings and has recently returned to school to pursue coursework in marketing, communications, and business administration. 

Tanya Alexander, BACS, Director, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator                                                                                       

​Tanya Alexander has built an expansive career over 25 years as a journalist, public relations specialist, editor, photographer and freelance writer. Tanya has worked with College of the North Atlantic (CNA) since 2002 in corporate communications, public relations, marketing and project management, and for several years, as editor of the CNA’s publication Currents. She has been working with CNA’s Qatar Project Office since 2009, and had the incredible opportunity to work at the Middle East campus for the 2012-2013 academic year during the project’s 10-year anniversary. Tanya has been an IABC member for 15 years and has served in various roles on the IABC NL Board.

Laura Barron, MA, SCMP, Director, Communications                       

Laura Barron is an award-winning strategic communicator with more than 10 years of marketing and communications experience in public sector, private sector and non-profit environments.  Laura is an account director at Ray Agency, and previously worked with Memorial University of Newfoundland, Luminato, Soulpepper and Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Laura was one of the first two people in Atlantic Canada to obtain a strategic communications management professional certification. She also holds a certificate in strategic public relations from University of Toronto, a BA and MA from Memorial, and is working on a PhD in English literature at Memorial. ​

AnnMarie Boudreau, BPR, Director, Professional Development and Networking                                           

For over 12 years, AnnMarie has been exceeding client expectations at NATIONAL Public Relations by challenging conventional thinking, stretching ideas and nurturing the passion of her clients and colleagues. AnnMarie has extensive knowledge and experience in building integrated marketing campaigns that build brands and connect with those who matter most to an organization. She works with a wide range of clients on diverse projects - from media and stakeholder relations, to issues and crisis management - her attention to detail and results-driven approach are what sets her apart. She is an accomplished strategic communicator who exceeds client expectations with her energy and focus on excellence.

Karyn Whelan, BA, BPR, Digital Media Coordinator 

Karyn Whelan is an award-winning communicator with more than 10 years of experience. Karyn works for the Registered Nurses’ Union where she enjoys putting her strategic thinking and creative mind into action. Karyn has a bachelor of arts from Memorial University and a bacholor of public relations from Mount Saint Vincent University. She is excited to join the board and work alongside the strong communicators on the IABC NL team.

Kathy Dicks-Peyton, ABC – Judging Coordinator

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Kathy Dicks-Peyton is a past two-time president of IABC NL. She is a senior communications professional with over 30 years of experience in journalism, public relations and event planning. Throughout her career, Kathy has held management positions with a variety of newspaper and magazine publications, provincial government departments and agencies. She is also a marriage commissioner, chief event strategist with her own event planning company – Functional Event Management, and co-directs the Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program.

Nancy Hollett, Sponsorship Liaison 

Nancy began her career as a broadcast journalist with VOCM News, before becoming morning anchor on KIXX and Q93. Nancy also worked as a producer and contributor with Rogers Television. From there, she moved into communications and fundraising in the charitable sector. Currently, Nancy is media relations manager with the Department of Natural Resources.