IABC DC Board Of Directors
President: Shonali Burke ABC
Principal, Shonali Burke Consulting
president@iabcdcmetro.org
Shonali Burke, ABC, is principal of Shonali Burke Consulting, an "agency of one" based in the Washington, D.C., area. Her 13+ years of experience include small and large agencies, in-house, for- and non-profit work; notably recreating the ASPCA's communication function which won her accolades from the Institute for Public Relations and a spot on PRWeek’s first top “40 Under 40” list of US-based public relations professionals in 2007. She is Adjunct Faculty at Johns Hopkins University's M.A. in Communications program and is editor of Network Solutions' blog community, Women Grow Business. Shonali also serves on IABC’s International Accreditation Council as Director of Marketing. She blogs at Waxing UnLyrical and tweets as @shonali.
Immediate Past President: Tomeka Rawlings
pastpresident@iabcdcmetro.org
Tomeka S. Rawlings is a senior communications professional with more than 13 years experience in the communications field, specializing in strategic planning and media relations She has held various management positions in several sectors including government, agency, non-profit corporate and private. Since 2001, she has held leadership positions on IABC/DC Metro’s Board of Directors, including serving as chapter president for the 2008-2009 board year.
President-Elect: Angelo Ioffreda
president-elect@iabcdcmetro.org
A creative communications strategist and leader with more than 20 years of strategic communications experience at The World Bank Group; Sodexho; AOL Robinson, Lerer, and Montgomery and the U.S. Department of State, Angelo Ioffreda is adept at the design, development, and implementation of effective, innovative communication and marketing strategies to engage people and drive business results. His areas of expertise include digital media, internal communications, metrics and measurement, visual communication, and storytelling.
Secretary: Angela Peluso
Director, Corporate Employee Communications, Verizon
secretary@iabcdcmetro.org
Angela Peluso, a ten-year veteran of Verizon and the former GTE, entered the company’s employee communications organization as Director of Strategic Planning and Programs. During her tenure, she developed strategic communications plans, commissioned a communications research effort, and developed a series of communications programs that branded Verizon’s external initiatives internally with employees. Prior to this role, Angela was responsible for the development of a next-generation voice product for Verizon state-of-the-art fiber platform (FiOS).
Co-Vice Presidents, Awards:
Michael Clendenin
Lead Marketing Communication Specialist, Freddie Mac
silverinkwell@iabcdcmetro.org
Michael Clendenin is a senior communicator with Freddie Mac providing marketing communications for their Multifamily Division. His prior experience includes heading a small international non-profit public awareness organization, creating a corporate communications department for Summerville Assisted Living, and serving as deputy director of corporate communications for Sunrise Senior Living. Michael has extensive experience in public relations, crisis communications, newsletter publication, Web site management and online communications, and print and broadcast advertising.
Lauren Lawson
Media Relations Manager, Goodwill Industries International
silverinkwell@iabcdcmetro.org
The spokesperson for Goodwill Industries International, Lauren Lawson is a communications strategist with more than 10 years of experience in message development, media advocacy, crisis communications, and promotional campaigns. She was recently awarded the Nonprofit Entrepreneurship Award from the Greater Washington Women’s Network, and is the 2010 Emerging Leaders Award chair of Washington Women in Public Relations.
Vice President, Communications: Mark Sofman
Program Specialist, Montgomery County Commuter Services
comms@iabcdcmetro.org
Mark Sofman manages grant-funded components of Montgomery County’s employer outreach program promoting commuting alternatives to driving alone, easing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution. His prior experience includes communications program management, public affairs and issues management for two plastics industry trade associations, and a diversified chemical manufacturer.
Vice President, Finance: Jim Chase
Printing Officer, U.S. Office of Management and Budget
finance@iabcdcmetro.org
Jim Chase first joined IABC in Minnesota, and is currently serving his sixth term as vice president for Finance with IABC/DC Metro. A former journalist, Jim was equipment editor for Backpacker Magazine, Managing Editor at Skiing, and editor/ publisher of Cross Country Skier. His experience also includes corporate copywriting, Web development, and print technology. Jim formerly ran the creative “shop” at the U.S. Department of the Interior, and now publishes the federal Budget, for which he is developing a wide array of XML-based automated publishing.
Vice President, Membership: Roxane Papagiannopoulos
President, RMP Media Analysis
membership@iabcdcmetro.org
Roxane Papagiannopoulos is president of RMP Media Analysis, a Maryland-based business research company focused on corporate communications and public relations outcomes through media analysis. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, PR agencies, and non-profits.
Vice President, Sponsorship: Jayanti Menches
Director/Marketing, Triple Canopy
sponsorship@iabcdcmetro.org
With more than 25 years of marketing and communications experience, Jayanti Menches has a broad background in advertising, print and online communications and media relations. She has served on the boards of IABC’s Washington, D.C., and Hong Kong chapters. Jayanti is currently the director of marketing at Triple Canopy, a global security and risk management company. She previously worked for Teleglobe and TRW, Inc. This is Jayanti’s second term on the IABC/DC Metro board; she previously served during the 2008-2009 board year as VP, Communication.
Co-Vice Presidents, Professional Development:
Jakub Konysz
Public Relations Manager,
ASAE & Center for Association Leadership
prodev@iabcdcmetro.org
Jakub Konysz (pronounced Connish) manages public relations activities at ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership in Washington, DC. He works to promote ASAE & The Center programs and services to the media and other key audiences, and authors external communication pieces. Previously, Jakub worked at a Chamber of Commerce/CVB in a large entertainment-focused community, maintaining its positive image as a world-class destination.
Robin Lane
Client Services Director, zpr
prodev@iabcdcmetro.org
Robin Lane has more than 10 years of experience in the communication industry, developing and implementing traditional and social media strategies. Previously, she was responsible for the global public relations strategy for Vocus Inc and PRWeb, and secured high-level coverage and developed strategies for technology and healthcare clients at several leading technology PR agencies. She has served on the program development committee for the NCC PRSA chapter as well as chairing the technology section’s 2009 T3PR event. Robin previously served as the chapter’s Co-VP of Awards.
Portfolio Director, Accreditation: Jason King, ABC
American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators
abc@iabcdcmetro.org
Jason D. King, ABC, is not only an accredited business communicator and Competent Toastmaster (CTM) but he is also a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). A corporate communicator for over 13 years, Jason was responsible for launching GrandDriver®, the nation’s first older driver public awareness campaign. These days his energy is focused on developing strategies that up the employee engagement needle and marketing the outdoors as a viable bathroom alternative to his family’s recently adopted six-year old West Highland Terrier.
Portfolio Director, Creative Services : Ann Bevans
Ann Bevans Collective
creative@iabcdcmetro.org
Writer, graphic designer and web developer Ann Bevans is principal of Ann Bevans Collective. She helps clients articulate messages that matter, and create print and online marketing programs that communicate those messages with impact.
Portfolio Director, Greater Maryland Special Interest Group (SIG): Tracy Imm, ABC, APR
Director/Marketing & Communications, VMT
maryland@iabcdcmetro.org
Tracy Imm, APR, is currently the Marketing & Communications director for Vision Multimedia Technologies, a software development firm located in Baltimore, Md. She has more than 22 years experience as a business communications professional in a variety of sectors including aerospace and defense, energy and financial services. She enjoys travel, reading, golf and playing tennis, and is currently serving her second term as portfolio director for the Greater Maryland Special Interest Group.
Portfolio Director, Government Communicators SIG: Jeff Brooke ABC
Director, Employee Communications, U.S. Government Printing Office
govcomm@iabcdcmetro.org
Jeffrey Brooke, ABC, has spent almost 20 years managing internal communication programs and change-related initiatives. He is currently Director of Employee Communications for the U.S. Government Printing Office, an agency of Congress. Jeff co-founded and is the current chair of the Federal Communicators Network, which shares communication best practices and administration themes across Federal communication offices. He has served on the board of IABC/DC Metro for many years, most recently managing the Government Communicators Council. He is a part-time faculty member at Northeastern University in Boston, where he teaches organizational culture and communication in the corporate communications graduate program.
Portfolio Director, Independents SIG: Alison Beckwith
independents@iabcdcmetro.org
Alison Beckwith is principal of Alison Beckwith Consulting, LLC and brings nearly nine years experience working extensively on marketing strategy and public relations outreach for nonprofit organizations and privately held companies across the international development, health care, consumer product, legal, and biotechnology sectors. She is an appointed member of the City of Hyattsville, Md., Marketing Task Force, and holds a Master's degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University .
Portfolio Director, Media Relations: Katy Kain
Marketing Communications Specialist, Triple Canopy
media@iabcdcmetro.org
Katy Kain is a well-rounded communications professional with a broad background in employee communications, public relations and marketing. She currently works for Triple Canopy, a global security and mission support services company, as a marketing communications specialist. Previously, Katy held positions in public relations and corporate communications for Deltek and Nielsen Business Media, respectively. This is Katy’s second term as portfolio director for media relations with IABC/DC Metro.
Portfolio Director, Networking Happy Hours: Nina Dry
Internal Revenue Service
happyhours@iabcdcmetro.org
Nina Dry is a professional communicator with more than 10 years of print media, editing and corporate communications experience. Currently, Nina works within the Internal Communications Branch of the IRS. Prior to this new role, she served as the chief communications officer and director of internal communications at Washington Hospital Center, where she managed the development and dissemination of all employee and executive messaging to more than 6,000 employee .
Portfolio Director, New Communicators: Jessica Read
newcomms@iabcdcmetro.org
Jessica Read graduated May 2009 from Sonoma State University in northern California with a B.A. in Communications Studies. She recently relocated to the D.C. area to better position herself for opportunities in professional communications. With strong interests and capabilities revolving around social media in communications, Jessica looks forward to rejuvenating the New Communicators Council for IABC/DC Metro, of which she is a new member.
Portfolio Director, Outreach: Vacant
Portfolio Director, Senior Communicators Council: Sherie Winston
scc@iabcdcmetro.org
Sherie Winston founded Social Medians, a digital strategy consulting practice, and is a new member of IABC/DC Metro. She began her PR career after working more than 15 years as an award-winning business reporter. Previously she served as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the International Ironworkers Union. She blogs on corporate social responsibility for Georgetown’s Center for Social Impact Communication.
Portfolio Director, Website: Jim Parsons
Freelance Writer
webmaster@iabcdcmetro.org
The “grand sensei” of iabcdcmetro.org, Jim Parsons has guided the chapter’s Web site for nearly 10 years. Since joining IABC/DC Metro in 1993, Jim has also served as Secretary and Vice President of Education and Community Affairs. Professionally, Jim is in his 15th year as a freelance writer, covering a wide range of engineering, technology, and business topics for magazines, associations, corporations, and non-profit organizations. He is a 500 Club member, and a three-time Silver Inkwell winner for feature stories and editorials. Visit him at www.parsonage.net.
Director of Administration: Sherri Core
Core Association Services, Inc.
admin@iabcdcmetro.org
Sherri Core is the founder and president of Core Association Services, Inc., a Fairfax, Va-based association management firm specializing in services for non-profit associations. For the past decade, she has served as Director of Administration for the IABC/DC Metro chapter. She also provides administrative support for the annual IABC Heritage Region conference and its Silver Quill Awards program Other clients include the Washington, DC area chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club (the largest bicycle club on the east coast). Her firm also works with RMK Productions in managing the day-to-day activities of Women in Technology.
Assistant Director of Administration: Jennifer McLellan
Core Association Services Inc.
admin@iabcdcmetro.org
General Counsel : Martin Welles
United States Postal Service
legal@iabcdcmetro.org
Martin Welles is a management-side labor and employment attorney with the United States Postal Service. He has litigated more than 75 employment discrimination complaints, and negotiated wage, hour, and work rule collective bargaining agreements with the Postal Service’s nine unions that represent 650,000 bargaining unit employees. In addition to serving as pro bono general counsel for the chapter, Marty is a past VP of Finance and member of IABC's 500 Club.
