Meet your IABC/Calgary Board of Directors
We’re a friendly bunch and always happy to hear from members and volunteers on how we can improve your experience. Come say hello at an upcoming event!
President — Natasha Cousin
Natasha is an engaging leader and experienced communications and marketing professional. A long-time IABC Calgary volunteer, she brings thoughtful collaboration, clear communication, and a steady leadership style. She is committed to supporting a strong, connected community for communicators across Calgary.
Vice President — Jody Alexander, SCMP
Jody is an award-winning communications professional specializing in employee engagement, crisis communication and digital storytelling. Throughout his 30-year career, his focus has always been the same: connecting people to purpose. Whether guiding strategy, reimagining internal channels or coaching leaders through change, he finds creative ways to shape culture and elevate organizational storytelling.
Past President — Colleen Houston, SCMP
Colleen is a well-rounded communications professional known for strategically navigating complex challenges and delivering practical, innovative solutions. With over a decade of experience in the energy sector, she brings expertise in corporate brand management, digital marketing and storytelling. Her work has earned industry recognition, including IABC Gold Quill Awards of Merit in both 2023 and 2019.
Director of Administration — Kathleen Bell, ABC, SCMP
Third time’s the charm! Longstanding IABC Volunteer of the Year award winner Kathleen Bell is jumping back onto the IABC/Calgary board to bring strategy, structure, and spark. She thrives on mentoring volunteers, solving challenges, and keeping the chapter future‑focused. She says, “IABC made me a better leader—now I’m here to help shape what’s next.”
Director of Content and Professional Development — Jeremy Broadfield, CMP
Jeremy was born and raised in Calgary and brings more than 20 years of strategic communications experience. His career has spanned journalism, nonprofit organizations, corporate communications, government and agency work.
Jeremy holds his CMP designation and is committed to growing and supporting the communications profession in Calgary.
Director of Events and Professional Development — Damilola Onime
Damilola is a Senior Communications Manager at Pursuit with more than 10 years of experience in strategic communications, crisis communications and executive communications.
She has led communications for major enterprise initiatives at Canadian Tire and Pursuit and brings a passion for professional development and building communities that support the next generation of communicators.
Director of Finance — Jamie Ann Vaughn
Jamie is the Founder and Principal of Westwood Strategies, a PR and communications agency. With more than 10 years of experience in business, communications, PR and marketing, she is well suited to help organizations share their stories.
In addition, Jamie coaches and mentors women to help them shift gears in their careers, change the trajectory of their business or safeguard their personal and financial future. Jamie is a sessional instructor at Mount Royal University and holds a BAH from Queen’s University and an MBA from Dalhousie University.
Director of Marketing & Creative — Justin Waldrop, CMP
Justin is a Communications Management Professional with more than 16 years of experience leading communications and building systems. He is known for combining strategic thinking with creativity to inspire action and create change.
Métis and community-focused, he leads with a collaborative, purpose-driven approach that values connection, resilience and meaningful contribution. He has extensive experience with graphic design and branding.
Director of Marketing & Web — Taryn Albizzati, CMP
Taryn has spent more than 25 years in communications and currently serves as Communications Manager at Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network.
Throughout her career, she has worked across industries including oil and gas, aviation and environmental education. She has received IABC Silver Leaf and Gold Quill awards, including a Best of the Best recognition in 2025 for the redevelopment of the PCN’s public website.
Director of Member Communication — Ghalib Sumar
Ghalib, born and raised in Toronto, is an ambitious, detail-oriented and accomplished professional with more than 15 years of experience in Marketing and Communications. He is a dedicated volunteer champion whose extensive experience has created meaningful results across the community.
Ghalib has been active with IABC since 2022, previously serving as the IABC/Calgary Newsletter Manager and the 2023 IABC Canada West Conference Marketing Coordinator. He holds degrees from McMaster University and York University, along with a Digital Marketing & Social Media with UI/UX Design Certificate from SAIT.
Director of Membership — Akunna Onyedum, SCMP
Akunna brings more than a decade of experience across private and public sector organizations in Canada and West Africa, where she managed communications for major business transformations, client engagement, crisis situations and culture-building initiatives for organizations including Novartis Pharmaceuticals, CGI Group Inc. and the Government of Canada.
She currently serves as Director of Membership on the IABC/Calgary Board, helping to grow the communications community and foster meaningful professional connections. Akunna holds the SCMP designation, a master’s degree in English and an MBA from the University of East London.
Director of Mentorship — Ashley Bennett
Ashley Bennett is a Calgary-based communications and engagement leader at Imperial with more than 20 years of experience in stakeholder relations, regulatory communications and community leadership.
A long-standing United Way volunteer, she brings a strategic, people-centred approach to mentorship, volunteer engagement and strengthening inclusive communications and professional communities.
Director of Student Development and Volunteer Services — Amy Egeland, CMP
Amy is a Communications Specialist with nearly a decade of experience developing and executing strategic communications and engagement initiatives across nonprofit and corporate sectors.
She currently works with Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, supporting high-profile city-building projects through integrated communications, media relations and stakeholder engagement. Amy holds a Bachelor of Communication in Journalism from Mount Royal University, a Certification in Public Participation (IAP2), and a CMP designation through IABC.
