IABC NL Announces 2022-23 Board of Directors
The International Association of Business Communicators Newfoundland and Labrador (IABC NL) announced yesterday its 2022-23 board of directors – Glenda Power is IABC NL’s president for 2022-23.
“I am looking forward to an exciting year for IABC NL and the community of communicators and marketers in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Power. “Last year, despite the lingering impacts of the pandemic, we had a strong year with increased membership and fiscal growth. I look forward to working with the talented and capable team of board members who have so generously dedicated their time and expertise to serving the IABC NL membership this year. We are intent on offering tremendous value to our members with a diverse agenda of professional development, networking events, mentoring opportunities, our annual Pinnacle Awards program and more.”
The 2022-23 board of directors for IABC NL:
- Glenda Power, BA, BEd, SCMP® – President
- Karyn Whelan, BPR,SCMP® – Past President
- Carolyn O’Keefe, CAIP® – Vice President Finance/Incoming President
- Laura Barnes – Director, Communications
- Marlayne Hardy, SCMP® – Director, Membership Development and Marketing
- Jeremy Reynolds – Director, Professional Development and Networking
- Kathy Dicks-Peyton, ABC – Director, Pinnacle Awards and Judging
- Samantha Harding, BPR – Director, Sponsorship
- Tanya Alexander, BACS, CMP® – Certification Coordinator
- Jordan Snow, BBA – Digital Communications Coordinator
- Maria Driscoll, CMP® – Special Events Support Coordinator
The award-winning chapter of IABC Newfoundland and Labrador works to advance the communications profession, create connections, and develop strategic communicators and marketers in the province. Chapter members represent a broad range of interests and experiences in communications from the private, public and non-profit sectors.
For more information about IABC NL, please visit www.iabcnl.com.
BACKGROUNDER – IABC NL Board of Directors 2022-23
Glenda Power, BA, BEd, SCMP® – President
Glenda Power is an accomplished award-winning professional with experience in senior strategic communications roles in both the public and private sectors. She thrives when the chips are down and the stakes are high, with specific areas of expertise including crisis communications, issues management, strategic planning, public relations, brand reputation and more. She has worked with three Premiers, advised four Commanding Officers, and has served as communications lead for high-profile investigations, provincial budgets, and royal visits. She is currently the Director of Strategic Communications for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador, where her fingerprints are on every news release, news conference, critical incident, communications strategy, and all things social media. She has been recognized for excellence in her work with multiple awards from the International Association of Business Communicators and, in 2018, received the Pinnacle Award of Excellence as Communications Professional of the Year in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Power has served on multiple boards in the non-profit sector and is an avid volunteer.
Karyn Whelan, BPR, SCMP® – Past President
Karyn Whelan is an award-winning strategic communication professional. Karyn works for the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador where she enjoys putting her strategic thinking and creative mind into action. Karyn is responsible for everything from communication planning, government relations, media relations, issues management and member relations. Karyn has a bachelor of public relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and a BA from Memorial University. She has received a Gold Quill and several Pinnacle Awards of Excellence for her work from the International Association of Business Communicators. Karyn is a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP®).
Carolyn O’Keefe, B. Comm (Hons), CAIP® – Vice President Finance/Incoming President
Carolyn is a senior marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in marketing research and strategy. Carolyn led the growth of one of Atlantic Canada’s leading research companies for more than 20 years, moving over to partner with Thinkwell Research + Strategy in 2020.Carolyn has worked with hundreds of clients throughout Atlantic Canada on the execution and management of quantitative and qualitative research. She is an expertly trained focus group moderator and a Certified Analytics and Insights Professional (CAIP). In addition to research, Carolyn also leads Thinkwell’s market and business strategy team, providing clients with focused leadership and guidance in business development and growth. Carolyn has a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree from Memorial University, with a concentration in Marketing. She has a passion for mentoring companies in the start-up space and is a Mentor with the Creative Destruction Lab in Halifax. Carolyn is also a valued member of several advisory boards in Atlantic Canada.
Laura Barnes – Director, Communications
Laura is an award-winning communications professional, with over 5 years experience in integrated brand development – having worked with brands across the world, such as IMG, Jadore Evening, and Marc Jacobs to name a few. Laura has weaved a diverse portfolio amplifying brands voice with her skills in web design, strategic communications planning, art direction, and more. With thoughtful curation and bright enthusiasm, Laura received two Pinnacle Awards in 2022 for her work in Publications and Campaign Development in the non-profit sector, showcasing the strong belief that wrap-around supports give wrap-around results. She is an avid supporter of her community, holding multiple communications roles for national boards that aim to support people where they are. Outside of communications, Laura is a dancer of over 28 years, performing any chance she gets.
Marlayne Hardy, SCMP® – Director, Membership and Marketing
Marlayne Hardy is a strategic leader with diverse experience in marketing, communications, and project management for private industry, government and not-for-profit organizations. As Director, Innovation Programs at techNL, she is a collaborative and creative leader working in the province’s exciting technology and innovation sector. Marlayne embraces new challenges, loves the ocean and is grateful to live in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Jeremy Reynolds – Director, Professional Development and Networking
Jeremy Reynolds is a communications and creative professional. Since 2017 he’s worked with the Provincial Government in various roles, including serving as Media Relations Manager for the Office of the Premier during the COVID-19 pandemic. Never far away from a camera or edit suite, in 2022 Jeremy was awarded a IABC Pinnacle Award for a video he produced and directed. In his spare time Jeremy enjoys providing photography, videography and communications services to clients through his consultancy. He values giving back to his community and currently serves as the Vice-Chair of Lakecrest Independent School Board of Directors. His sporting interests have led him to serve as Director of Communications for Liminality Endurance Races and he is the former play-by-play voice of the Memorial University Sea~Hawks. Jeremy lives in St. John’s with his wife Megan.
Kathy Dicks-Peyton, ABC – Director, Pinnacle Awards and Judging
Kathy Dicks-Peyton is a 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, Commissioner for Oaths, chief event strategist with her own communications and event planning company, FUNctional Communications & Events, and co-director for the Miss Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Leadership Program.
Samantha Harding, BPR – Director, Sponsorship
Having worked with clients across the globe, Samantha is an accomplished public relations practitioner with a specialization in integrated marketing communications, strategic planning and execution, and business and relationship management. As a natural goal-seeker and relationship builder, Samantha brings a sense of care and curiosity to every conversation. Driven by a passion for understanding, she believes that effective communication is a key to success in any industry. Through working alongside government, corporate, and non-profit organizations, Samantha combines strong communications, problem solving and leadership skills to tackle complex projects and achieve measurable results. As a strategic thinker—widely known for her enthusiasm, personality, and attention to detail— Samantha is passionate about connecting the world through communication, and proudly ensures clients, customers and their experiences are put first.
Tanya Alexander, BACS, CMP® – Certificate Coordinator
Tanya Alexander has built a fulfilling career over 25 years as an award-winning journalist, communicator, editor and freelance writer. Tanya has worked with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) since 2002 in corporate communications, public relations and marketing, and for several years, as editor of the CNA’s publication, Currents. She is currently the Communications Specialist with CNA’s Academics Division. Tanya is excited about the growing Inclusion movement and has recently completed the Leadership and Inclusion program at Centennial College, is active with Pride at Work Canada’s Ambassador Group in St. John’s, and sits on the Steering Committee for CNA’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy. Tanya has been an IABC member for over 18 years, has served in various roles on the IABC NL Board, and is honoured to now serve as Past President and Certification Coordinator for a bright new year!
Jordan Snow – Digital Communications Coordinator
Jordan is a marketing and communications professional with a passion for all things digital, especially social media strategy and data analytics. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Memorial University and has nearly 10 years of experience working in various roles in the post-secondary education industry. She currently works at Academy Canada and is grateful that for a dynamic role that gives her the opportunity to communicate with students, alumni, other industry members and the general public on a regular basis. She is thrilled to be joining the IABC NL board alongside a team of talented and accomplished communications professionals.
Maria Driscoll, CMP® – Special Events Support Coordinator
Maria Driscoll was the first person in NL to be certified as a Communication Management Professional (CMP®) by the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC®). Ms Driscoll has 15+ years experience in marketing, communications and behaviour change in various industries including post secondary, healthcare, and tech start-ups. Maria is currently working with private clients in the areas of communication, marketing and business Development. As a happily married mother of two young boys, Maria takes great pride in modelling work-life balance, focusing on one’s values, and finding work that truly brings enjoyment, fulfilment and energy to one’s life.