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Pages tagged "IABC"


Secrets of Success: An Interview with IABC Past-President Michael Smith

Screen_Shot_2022-01-13_at_3.15.17_PM.pngMichael Smith, past president of IABC Philadelphia and head of corporate communications for Acts Retirement-Life Communities, shares industry challenges and how he uses messaging to create more uplifting narratives.

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Effectively Measuring Your Communication Programs: A Profile of Angela Sinickas

by Michael Piperno --

Angela Sinickas has been measuring the effectiveness of communication since 1981. A lot has changed since then, but her passion for helping businesses make decisions based on the right data has not.

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Unleashing the Power of Storytelling: A Profile of Rob Biesenbach

by Bill Seiberlich    

Rob Biesenbach works with leaders who want to be more persuasive and authoritative in everything they do. That means helping them break free from “Death by PowerPoint,” tell their story…and communicate like human beings!

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Board of Directors

President
Rick Alcantara

Rick Alcantara is the principal of Rick Alcantara Communications. Previously, he founded Tara Communications LLC, a digital marketing agency, led social media marketing for USI Affinity and taught public relations courses at Rowan University. Rick is a member of PRSA’s Counselor’s Academy, past president of the Philadelphia Chapter of PRSA, a two-time PRSA national committee co-chair, and a member of the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia. He coached youth soccer for 24 years in Southern New Jersey. He holds a master's degree in public relations from Rowan University and a bachelor's degree in communications from Susquehanna University.

Rick Alcantara LinkedIn Profile

Email Rick Alcantara

 

Treasurer and Immediate Past President
Alexandra Spooner

Alex leads the Communications team at AmeriGas, where she is responsible for the design, execution and continuous improvement of the overall communication strategy in support of the Company’s business objectives. Her role includes overseeing the planning, development and distribution of all internal communications, identifying process efficiencies within the department and establishing Communications business-partner relationships with other corporate functions.

Alex has more than 18 years of experience in corporate communications, in areas including employee communication and Public Relations. She spent most of her career at Pep Boys, one of the nation’s leading automotive aftermarket chains, in communications roles of progressive responsibility. Most recently, she served as the Director of Communications. She was responsible all facets of internal communication for more than 20,000 employees in stores, support centers, field organizations and distribution centers across the country and in Puerto Rico. In addition, she led Media Relations and Public Relations activities for the Company.

Alex holds a B.A. in Public Relations and a B.A. in French language and culture from Penn State. She likes to exercise and spend time with her family.

Alex Spooner LinkedIn Profile

Email Alex Spooner

 

 
Director-at-Large
Michael Smith

Michael Smith is the Corporate Director of Communications for Acts Retirement-Life Communities, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit providers of senior housing and services, where he leads internal and external communications strategies including brand communications, executive and employee communications, public and media relations, digital/social media, and crisis communications. Michael has more than 20 years of corporate communications and public relations leadership experience in both the private and nonprofit fields. He is a graduate of Temple University and a member of the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America.

Michael Smith LinkedIn Profile

Secretary
Amy Ashmen

Amy_Ashmen_headshot_July_2017.jpg

Amy Ashmen is the national director of communications at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, where she oversees internal and external communications, including public relations and social media, for the nonprofit, which serves many of our country’s most vulnerable populations in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, education and child welfare. She holds more than 25 years of corporate communications experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Previously, she was a communications manager at Farmers Insurance, communications director for Harleysville Insurance and communications specialist for the California State Automobile Association. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a specialization in journalism from Loyola University in Baltimore, Md. She is a graduate of the Institutes of Organization Management, a professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and is a certified Zurich Lean Yellow Belt.

Amy Ashmen LinkedIn bio

Director-at-Large
Bill Seiberlich

Bill Seiberlich, is president of Wedgewood Communications Services, a writing, editing, and communications services company.

Bill was part of the corporate communications department of Saint-Gobain Corporation, the world’s largest building materials company, for more than 30 years, where he was involved in employee communications, public relations and corporate philanthropy. He has been a member of IABC since 1983, serving first on the Board of Directors of IABC Lehigh Valley and then on the IABC Philadelphia board since 1988.

Bill Seiberlich LinkedIn Profile

 

Director-at-Large
Donna Cusano

Donna has more than 30 years of award-winning communications experience, both internal and external, in the financial services and pharmaceutical arenas.  She currently heads U.S. Primary Care Sales Communications at Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, where she leads the development and implementation of strategic communications for the diabetes and cardiovascular field force, as well as executive communications for sales leadership. Donna holds an M.S. in Communications Management from Syracuse University and a B.A. in Communications from Seton Hall University. She also holds a graduate certificate in Organizational Leadership from Rosemont College. She is also a volunteer with the Association of Change Management Professionals.

Donna Cusano LinkedIn Profile

 

Director-at-Large
Matthew Taddei

Matt is a communications consultant with The Vanguard Group in Malvern, PA, where he has worked in various internal and external communications roles (including copywriting, copyediting, video production, and internal consulting) since 1997. In his current posting with Vanguard’s Institutional Investor Group, he serves colleagues who help people save for retirement. Matt is a graduate of La Salle University and Purdue University. He lives in Malvern, PA, with his wife, Laura, and their children.

Matthew Taddei LinkedIn Profile

 

Director-at-Large
Elena Perri
Elena is manager of communications and public relations for Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, one of the largest Presbyterian churches in the United States. Her responsibilities include overseeing internal and external communications for the church. Elena previously worked for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as a copy editor and managing editor for The Catholic Standard and Times (now CatholicPhilly.com) as well as serving as a communications director at two Catholic independent schools in the Philadelphia area.
A Temple University alumna, Elena also is a graduate of the Defense Information School where she completed training in photojournalism and public affairs. She served as a photojournalist in an Army Reserve public affairs office for 12 years. Elena has held various roles on the  IABC Philadelphia board, including serving as chapter president.
Elena lives in Havertown with her husband Paul, two sons, and Bruno, a rather large but super friendly pit bull terrier/boxer who is not a fan of social distancing.

Elena Perri LinkedIn Profile

 

President
Rick Alcantara

 

Rick Alcantara portrait

Rick Alcantara is the principal of Rick Alcantara Communications. Previously, he founded Tara Communications LLC, a digital marketing agency, led social media marketing for USI Affinity and taught public relations courses at Rowan University. Rick is a member of PRSA’s Counselor’s Academy, past president of the Philadelphia Chapter of PRSA, a two-time PRSA national committee co-chair, and a member of the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia. He coached youth soccer for 24 years in Southern New Jersey. He holds a master's degree in public relations from Rowan University and a bachelor's degree in communications from Susquehanna University.

Rick Alcantara LinkedIn Profile

Email Rick Alcantara

   
Treasurer and Immediate Past President
Alexandra Spooner
 
Alex Spooner portrait Alex leads the Communications team at AmeriGas, where she is responsible for the design, execution and continuous improvement of the overall communication strategy in support of the Company’s business objectives. Her role includes overseeing the planning, development and distribution of all internal communications, identifying process efficiencies within the department and establishing Communications business-partner relationships with other corporate functions.

Alex has more than 18 years of experience in corporate communications, in areas including employee communication and Public Relations. She spent most of her career at Pep Boys, one of the nation’s leading automotive aftermarket chains, in communications roles of progressive responsibility. Most recently, she served as the Director of Communications. She was responsible all facets of internal communication for more than 20,000 employees in stores, support centers, field organizations and distribution centers across the country and in Puerto Rico. In addition, she led Media Relations and Public Relations activities for the Company.

Alex holds a B.A. in Public Relations and a B.A. in French language and culture from Penn State. She likes to exercise and spend time with her family.

Alexandra Spooner LinkedIn bio

Email Alex Spooner

   
Director-at-Large
Michael Smith
 
Michael Smith portrait Michael Smith is the Corporate Director of Communications for Acts Retirement-Life Communities, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit providers of senior housing and services, where he leads internal and external communications strategies including brand communications, executive and employee communications, public and media relations, digital/social media, and crisis communications. Michael has more than 20 years of corporate communications and public relations leadership experience in both the private and nonprofit fields. He is a graduate of Temple University and a member of the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America.

Michael Smith LinkedIn bio

 

   
Secretary
Amy Ashmen
 
Amy_Ashmen_200px.jpeg Amy Ashmen is the national director of communications at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, where she oversees internal and external communications, including public relations and social media, for the nonprofit, which serves many of our country’s most vulnerable populations in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, education and child welfare. She holds more than 25 years of corporate communications experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Previously, she was a communications manager at Farmers Insurance, communications director for Harleysville Insurance and communications specialist for the California State Automobile Association. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a specialization in journalism from Loyola University in Baltimore, Md. She is a graduate of the Institutes of Organization Management, a professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and is a certified Zurich Lean Yellow Belt.

Amy Ashmen LinkedIn bio

   
Director-at-Large
Bill Seiberlich
 
Bill Seiberlich portrait Bill Seiberlich, is president of Wedgewood Communications Services, a writing, editing, and communications services company.

Bill was part of the corporate communications department of Saint-Gobain Corporation, the world’s largest building materials company, for more than 30 years, where he was involved in employee communications, public relations and corporate philanthropy. He has been a member of IABC since 1983, serving first on the Board of Directors of IABC Lehigh Valley and then on the IABC Philadelphia board since 1988.

Bill Seiberlich LinkedIn bio
   
Director-at-Large
Donna Cusano
 
Donna Cusano portrait Donna has more than 30 years of award-winning communications experience, both internal and external, in the financial services and pharmaceutical arenas.  She currently heads U.S. Primary Care Sales Communications at Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, where she leads the development and implementation of strategic communications for the diabetes and cardiovascular field force, as well as executive communications for sales leadership. Donna holds an M.S. in Communications Management from Syracuse University and a B.A. in Communications from Seton Hall University. She also holds a graduate certificate in Organizational Leadership from Rosemont College. She is also a volunteer with the Association of Change Management Professionals.

Donna Cusano LinkedIn profile
   
Director-at-Large
Matthew Taddei
 
Matthew Tassei portrait Matt is a communications consultant with The Vanguard Group in Malvern, PA, where he has worked in various internal and external communications roles (including copywriting, copyediting, video production, and internal consulting) since 1997. In his current posting with Vanguard’s Institutional Investor Group, he serves colleagues who help people save for retirement. Matt is a graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia and Purdue University. He lives in Malvern, PA, with his wife, Laura, and their children.

Matt Taddei LinkedIn Profile

 

 

Director-at-Large
Elena Perri

 

Elena_Perri_cropped_photo_copy.jpg
Elena is manager of communications and public relations for Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, one of the largest Presbyterian churches in the United States. Her responsibilities include overseeing internal and external communications for the church. Elena previously worked for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as a copy editor and managing editor for The Catholic Standard and Times (now CatholicPhilly.com) as well as serving as a communications director at two Catholic independent schools in the Philadelphia area.
A Temple University alumna, Elena also is a graduate of the Defense Information School where she completed training in photojournalism and public affairs. She served as a photojournalist in an Army Reserve public affairs office for 12 years. Elena has held various roles on the  IABC Philadelphia board, including serving as chapter president.
Elena lives in Havertown with her husband Paul, two sons, and Bruno, a rather large but super friendly pit bull terrier/boxer who is not a fan of social distancing.

Elena Perri LinkedIn Profile

 


Welcome to IABC Philadelphia

Kathryn Kneller webinar

Welcome to IABC Philadelphia - We unite business communicators in the greater Philadelphia area.

Our networking events, workshops and webinars bring together local professionals and influencers in corporate communications, public relations and marketing.

One of 100 chapters of the International Association of Business Communicators, IABC Philadelphia serves Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware.

Join fellow IABC Philly chapter members at the Marcomm Super Meetup on January 25 in Philadelphia. The networking event is open to members of seven Philadelphia-area PR, marketing and advertising associations.

Attend our February 22 webcast,  Power and Presence: How to Step up Up As a Leader and Influence Your Organization.

The International Association of Business Communicators was founded in 1970 and now has 8,000 members across 100 chapters. It organizes an annual, three-day World Conference, where attendees network and learn the latest tactics in everything from crisis management to employee engagement. 

Join us today to expand your network, expertise, and circle of friends.

Check out all our upcoming programs.


Become a volunteer

IABC Philadelphia offers many opportunities for you to get involved, expand your professional network and improve your communication skills. If you would like to volunteer to support the chapter, please fill out the following form.

Become a volunteer

About IABC Philadelphia

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philadelphia Chapter is a membership-based trade association for business communicators, who live or work in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware.  IABC Philadelphia represents one of the 100 chapters of IABC worldwide.

IABC_Job_responsibilities.jpgMission

IABC Philadelphia empowers its members to be successful professional communicators by providing learning and development, networking and career enhancement opportunities.

We provide opportunities to further professional development, network with industry peers, and connect communications professionals with local companies and organizations.  

The IABC Philadelphia Chapter provides educational programming, networking, job search assistance, job postings, and volunteer opportunities for its members and non-members. We represent a diverse array of expertise and experiences, including:

  • Public relations/Media relations
  • Corporate communications
  • Public affairs
  • Investor relations
  • Government relations
  • Marketing communication
  • Community relations
  • Employee/internal communications
  • Writing/Editing
  • Training
  • Advertising
  • Photography, audio and video production
  • Graphic design
  • Human resources
  • Teaching

IABC Philadelphia Chapter members also represent varied organizations, such as:

  • Corporations
  • Consulting (PR/Communications)
  • Consulting (Management)
  • Not-for-profit (NGO)
  • Government/military
  • Educational institutions

Committed to helping its members advance their professional careers, IABC Philadelphia offers valuable opportunities to students, entry-level, mid-career and executive communicators.

If you would like to expand your knowledge, learn new skills or meet new friends, we invite you to join IABC Philadelphia.


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Joan Borowsky Als Rick Alcantara Steve Lubetkin APR, Fellow, PRSA Michael Wood IABC/Iowa IABC South Carolina Miss Marketer April B Iabc Minnesota Imani Cullen

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