Joe Ricciardi
Co-Vice President - Professional Development
(Communication Dialogues, Seminars & Accreditation)

What is your current position/company?
I am the director of employee communications for APS.

What is your favorite aspect of your job?
At Apollo, we have constant challenges, regular change and a very fast paced environment. It is a communicator’s dream environment and I love it. I also have a great team of professionals that I enjoy working with every day.

How long have you been a member of IABC?
I joined IABC when I moved to Arizona in1998 and have been a proud member for the past 13 years.

What do you hope to gain from your membership/involvement with IABC?
I hope to continue to make new friends, learn from others, stay on top of emerging trends and help the chapter adapt, change and grow.

What words of advice do you have for young professionals?
Never stop learning or taking risks. Don’t get comfortable. You can grow and develop faster by pursuing new opportunities, whether internally or externally. Build a network, stay connected, and learn from others.

Who was/were your biggest professional influence(s)?
My first PR gig was with General Motors and I had a leader named Nannette Wiatr who was a tremendous influence on me and my career. She immediately entrusted me with important projects, continually pushed me outside my comfort zone and allowed me to do things few entry-level PR folks get to do. It built my confidence and provided me with great experiences that I still draw upon today.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time with my family, read crime/mystery thrillers, follow sports, coach my son’s teams and work out.

What destination do you want to travel to the most?
Any tropical beach will suffice. I’d also like to get to my homeland of Italy in the near future.