If you would like to volunteer to work on an IABC Phoenix project or event, contact Peter Hass at filam2@rocketmail.com.

Anne Christenson, April 2013 Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations, Anne Christenson, for earning IABC Phoenix’s April Volunteer of the Month Award.

Anne has been instrumental in organizing and coordinating reciprocal judging for this year’s Copper Quill entries. Thanks to Anne’s efforts working with Arkansas, Texas Brazos and Nashville chapters, award winners will be announced in the coming weeks. Additionally, Anne successfully coordinated the first reciprocal judging session of the year for the Texas Brazos Bravo Awards.

Thank you, Anne, for all you have done and continue to do for the chapter!

Meghan Umphres, January 2013 Volunteer of the Month
The IABC Phoenix board has named Meghan Umphres the volunteer of the month for January. Meghan, who joined us from the San Diego chapter, works as an employee communications specialist at Honeywell Aerospace and brings a lot of energy and passion for communications to IABC Phoenix.

“I highly recommend volunteering with the chapter,” Meghan says. “As a new Phoenix resident, getting involved immediately helped me establish my network, make friends, secure new employment and stay active within my profession. Thanks to the chapter, my transition to Phoenix has been great!”

Since she assumed the role of the director of social media in December, IABC Phoenix members have been able to more easily connect with the chapter via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

“Meghan has demonstrated a commitment to IABC and to our chapter, providing both strategic as well as much-needed tactical assistance,” adds Stephanie Conner, VP/Internal Communications. “She has truly established herself as a reliable, standout volunteer.”

Meghan’s work has been an exceptional boost to our marketing efforts, and we’re grateful for all she’s done.

“I’m flattered to be recognized. I love doing social media for the chapter,” Meghan says. “It’s such a great way to connect with members, local businesses, other chapters and our professional development guests. To be recognized for something I love doing is truly an honor.”

Diana Decker, December 2012 Volunteer of the Month
Diana Decker serves on the Community Involvement Committee. She helped coordinate the IABC Phoenix Network Night book drive and has already completed some preliminary research for the chapter’s upcoming nonprofit seminar.

When Diana contacted the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix, the organization responded immediately with interest.  Diana then continued to work with the Boys & Girls Club to discuss the book drive’s details, including the organization’s Top 100 Book Wish List and presence at Network Night. With Diana’s help, the book drive exceeded its donation goal of 100, collecting 127 books and more than $50 in cash donations.

In addition to Network Night, Diana has coordinated some preliminary research for the upcoming nonprofit seminar, reaching out to last year’s attendees to learn what topics they’d like to hear about at this year’s event.

Thank you, Diana, for all your help so far this board term!

Danielle LeBlanc, August 2012 Volunteer of the Month
Danielle LeBlanc, ABC, APR, has been the chapter’s Director of Accreditation the past three years, during which she has hosted and proctored numerous accreditation exams, and coached accreditation candidates. Danielle also has assisted with accreditation portfolio evaluation and with IABC Gold Quill regional judging.

She’s manager of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations at Dignity Health, and has been a faculty associate for Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication.

Danielle joined IABC Phoenix in 2006 and achieved accreditation in early 2009.

“Completing the accreditation process enables you to really evaluate how you do your work,” she explained. “In my case, I began to view my role differently and began to approach my work in a more thoughtful, strategic way.”

Danielle also puts a premium on IABC membership.

“Whether you’re looking to volunteer, change jobs or share ideas, everyone in our chapter helps one another,” she said.  “It’s truly an amazing network of people, and I’m proud to be an IABC member.”

Diana Whittle, July 2012 Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations to Diana Whittle for being named the IABC Phoenix Volunteer of the Month for July. If you’ve recently submitted a job to the IABC Phoenix Job Bank and had it posted quickly – or if you’ve used the Job Board as part of your search – you have Diana Whittle to thank. In an important important volunteer role, she is responsible for uploading all the Job Bank information to the IABC Phoenix website.

In addition to maintaining the Job Bank, Whittle has also written articles for the website and for Edit Express, our email newsletter. And volunteering is an experience she recommends to other members.

“Whatever age or stage you are in your career, maintaining a network of contacts is important, but not always so easy to do,” Whittle says. “Volunteering helps you to meet new contacts, share your strengths and gain new skills.”

She also offers this tip for getting started: “As a member of IABC, be sure to introduce yourself to the board members – they are great at finding opportunities to match the amount of available time that you have to volunteer.”

Julie Davis, June 2012 Volunteer of the Month
Congratulations, Julie Davis, for earning IABC Phoenix’s June Volunteer of the Month Award.

Julie volunteered as the 2012 Copper Quill Awards Judging Director. From coordinating with other IABC chapters around the nation on efforts to judge chapter award entries, to managing the judging efforts for the IABC Phoenix Copper Quill awards program, Julie was a critical member on the Copper Quill committee.

Thank you, Julie, for all you do for the chapter!

Nicolette Kyte, May 2012 Volunteer of Month
Congratulations, Nicolette Kyte, for earning IABC Phoenix’s May Volunteer of the Month Award.

Nicolette volunteered as the 2012 Copper Quill event director and provided diligent support for this year’s event.  From coordinating the event contracts and selecting vendors, to developing the evening’s presentation.  Her creative, detailed and strategic event planning skills were critical to the event’s success.

Thank you, Nicolette, for all you do for the chapter!

Lilian Clemente, April 2012 Volunteer of Month
Congratulations, Lilian Clemente, for earning IABC Phoenix’s April Volunteer of the Month Award.

Lilian was instrumental in planning the Adrian Cropley event and assisting with promotion, logistics and support on the day of the event. She has always been eager to volunteer and assist the chapter in any way and she continues to seek opportunities to volunteer in other areas.

Thank you, Lilian, for all you do for the chapter!

Alyssa Aalmo, March 2012 Volunteer of Month
Alyssa Aalmo was named IABC Phoenix volunteer of the month for March because she truly embodies the IABC volunteer spirit. As a new member, she immediately contributed to our chapter through her resourcefulness and willingness to assist with several projects.

One of her first volunteer roles was with the 2012 Copper Quill committee. In the role of communications director, Alyssa has been a key contributor to program and event communications development. Her positive attitude, creativity and quick turn-around have ensured effective communications.

In addition to her role on the Copper Quill committee, Alyssa provided invaluable support assisting and promoting the recent Adrian Cropley seminar. Not only did she help promote the event by engaging her local media contacts, she was integral in managing logistics, coordinating set-up and assisting with many other tasks to guarantee a successful event.

Beginning with the Cropley event, Alyssa also began contributing to IABC Phoenix’s marketing efforts by updating our social media channels. She continues to lend support and is quickly becoming an important part of our chapter’s success. Thank you, Alyssa!

Sally Schroeder, February 2012 Volunteer of Month
As a recently joined IABC member, Sally Schroeder immediately showed interest in becoming involved with our chapter. Specifically, she managed and organized our January 2012 Professional Development Luncheon. She jumped right in and took on duties, including coordinating and organizing the four luncheon speakers and their presentations. She also prepared the judges’ tip sheet as a resource for the luncheon and beyond. She was more than happy to pitch in wherever help was needed.

Sally’s responsiveness and accountability ensured our January luncheon’s success. Thank you for your time and commitment. Volunteers like you are what makes our chapter the best!

Jonathan Mazinter, January 2012 Volunteer of Month
Jonathan Mazinter is one of IABC Phoenix’s most dependable volunteers, especially when it comes to Network Night. Jonathan has been a member of the event planning team for a number of years and is always willing to help do whatever is needed. In addition to soliciting silent auction items, Jonathan prepared the auction item bid sheets and willingly worked well into the evening to ensure they were completed. Even after spending several hours helping the team complete preparations for Network Night, Jonathan returned to his office at Freestyle Marketing to finish his own day’s work. 

Jonathan’s positive attitude, affable demeanor and dedication helped ensure the success of Network Night 2011. He is one of our most valued volunteers, and we appreciate all he does for the chapter.

Traci Baker Thompson, December 2011 Volunteer of the Month
Traci Baker Thompson is an invaluable resource and the go-to person for IABC Phoenix’s annual Network Night event. Traci has been the primary planner for this event for the last few years, and although she was unable to lead the planning for Network Night again this year due to her work commitments, Traci was an essential member of the team. She promptly responded to questions, gladly completed event-related tasks, helped solicit silent auction items and organized and prepared donated items for the auction. Traci was always ready to lend a hand, and on event day, she cheerfully helped with whatever was needed. Thanks to Traci’s help, Network Night 2011 was fun for our members and also a tremendous success for IABC Phoenix, turning a profit for the chapter.

Jessica Hansen, November 2011 Volunteer of the Month
Jessica Hansen was named IABC Phoenix Volunteer of the Month for November 2011.

Jessica, who served on the IABC Phoenix board for a number of years, including as IABC Phoenix president for the 2009-10 board year, has continued to contribute her skills and talents to the chapter.

Despite her incredibly busy travel schedule as a member of Intel’s media relations team, Jessica stepped up to help with IABC Phoenix’s annual Network Night event. While soliciting items for the silent auction, she received a donation of dozens of adorable teddy bears.

Network Night attendees had the opportunity to purchase the teddy bears, and proceeds were donated to St. Vincent de Paul. Any unsold teddy bears also were donated to St. Vincent de Paul.

According to Susan de Queljoe, director of community relations and business strategies for St. Vincent de Paul and a member of IABC Phoenix, the bears delighted its clinic’s young patients when they received them as Christmas gifts.

Thanks to Jessica’s help, Network Night 2011 was a tremendous success for IABC Phoenix and also helped brighten the lives of many less fortunate members of our community.

Cathy Planchard, ABC, APR, September 2011 Volunteer of the Month
Cathy Planchard, ABC, APR, has been selected as IABC Phoenix’s Volunteer of the Month for September. Planchard, who is passionate about helping nonprofit organizations achieve their communications goals, held her first IABC Phoenix Power Lunch in August with the 100 Club of Arizona.

Planchard has committed to donating two hours of pro bono communications assistance each month to a deserving organization. Planchard is the general manager at Allison & Partners in Phoenix and is an accredited member of IABC and the Public Relations Society of America. She founded the program with the help of Bridget Daly of Ideas Collide.

Nonprofit organizations are selected to participate in the monthly lunches based on an application process, which asks organizations to share details of their current communications efforts, their marketing challenges and what they would want to learn in a one-on-one, communications consulting session. During the lunchtime session, Planchard answers questions, gives tips and helps communicators find innovative solutions to their challenges.

Thank you to Cathy for leading this effort as a part of IABC Phoenix!

Click here to learn more about the Power Lunch Program.

Rachel St. Mortiz, August 2011 Volunteer of the Month
The IABC Phoenix board has named Rachel St. Moritz, community relations and events manager at the 100 Club of Arizona, the chapter’s Volunteer of the Month for August.

Rachel, an Arizona State University graduate with a degree in public relations and media strategy, joined IABC Phoenix in 2009. Since then, she has been actively involved and has volunteered with the chapter’s social media committee, the Network Night planning committee and currently serves as director of luncheons.

Rachel has a great attitude and exemplifies the ideal IABC Phoenix volunteer. Whatever is needed, Rachel is always eager and willing to help. In addition to helping identify topics and speakers for the chapter’s monthly professional development luncheons, she creates the luncheon one-sheet that gives attendees a snapshot view of upcoming events and is the smiling face that cheerfully greets and registers guests at the luncheons.

Rachel Pearson, ABC, July 2011 Volunteer of the Month
The IABC Phoenix board has named Rachel Pearson, director of corporate communications at the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, the chapter’s Volunteer of the Month for July.

Rachel served on the IABC Phoenix board for a number of years, including as president from 2008-2009, and continues to remain involved in the chapter.

Recently, Rachel contributed her expert facilitation skills to the IABC Phoenix board retreat in July. Here’s what current board President Cory Craft had to say about Rachel:

“When I began planning the IABC Phoenix board retreat several months ago, I asked Rachel Pearson to facilitate the meeting. Rachel enthusiastically accepted my invitation. As a past president of the chapter, she provided valuable insight as we worked together to develop the agenda and structure for the all-day meeting. Rachel did an exceptional job facilitating the meeting, helping us to adhere to the schedule and keeping everyone engaged. Thanks to Rachel, we set the tone for a productive board year and achieved all the goals I had set for the meeting.”