The 2020 IABC Fellows
The IABC Fellow designation is the highest honor bestowed upon an IABC member. Becoming a Fellow denotes a body of achievement by a communicator who has had a significant impact not only on their organization and IABC, but also on the communication profession at large.
These five highly-distinguished professionals join 93 of the world’s top leaders who have earned this superlative designation. It is considered by IABC to be a career achievement award for the industry.
Adrian Cropley, OAM, FRSA, SCMP, ABC
Adrian Cropley has a boundless passion for the communication profession accomplishing continuously noteworthy contributions for three decades. Throughout his career, he has been one of the most visible supporters and proponents of development and advocacy for the communication profession, serving as an extraordinary role model and a seasoned mentor to those exploring their own career path. Adrian’s public list of contributions as an author and speaker is notable /remarkable. In addition, Adrian has participated in leadership at every level of IABC and consistently used his strong home base to contribute to national and regional/international development of IABC. Adrian is a global champion for IABC and our profession.
Diane Gayeski, Ph.D.
A global influencer and thought leader in communications profession, Diane Gayeski’s work as an educator and consultant has represented the global profession and the application of communication excellence on an international level. A driving force behind the conversation about leading trends and about challenging the status quo of our profession, Diane has been active in publishing and presenting at conferences that span academia and industry – bringing insights and research from academia to the profession and vice-versa. Her contributions to IABC are equally prolific – having held multiple IABC roles at the local, regional and international levels. Through her teaching, scholarship and leadership activities, Diane is working to build greater understanding of the applications and opportunities for professional communication and a pathway for future professionals.
Barbara Gibson, Ph.D., ABC
Barbara Gibson’s career has spanned the full spectrum of business communication, including public relations, corporate communication, public affairs, marketing, employee communication, and community relations. Her contributions to the field of communications extend beyond traditional roles in organizations to academic and political pursuits, as well. Her global contributions as an author, lecturer and presenter have spanned many topics, including intercultural communications, public relations campaign strategy and management, public speaking, management communication, and leadership/teambuilding.
Barbara has not only served as an IABC leader throughout her career but has also been a mentor to dozens of individual members and chapter boards, as well as a highly sought-after speaker.
Rajeev Kumar, ABC
In a career spanning four peaks – in the Army as a Colonel in the Infantry; in academics as Ph.D. in Organizational Communication (Fulbright Fellow) and being a professor in a business school; in the communication profession being accredited by IABC and now as a communication consultant, teacher and trainer Rajeev Kumar is an author and recognized speaker with a significant profile regionally, across many cultures and languages. Rajeev has a strong commitment to the profession and IABC demonstrated through local and regional and international leadership roles. Rajeev’s work and references reinforce his commitment to the IABC values and he is a brand ambassador for the association in all aspects of his professional life.
Nerissa (Ritzi) Villarico Ronquillo, APR
In a career spanning almost four decades, Ritzi has become not just an influencer but a catalyst for advancing the profession and elevating the standard of professionalism in practice within her native Philippines. Ritzi moves the profession forward as a coach, trainer, strategic advisor, awards judge, and leader. Ritzi’s continued advocacy for excellence in business communication and public relations is noted especially for authenticity and good governance as being necessary to having communication excellence. Ritzi has an impressive list of articles and presentations and is a respected international voice for the communications profession. Her path of involvement in IABC is inspiring – with mentorship leading to volunteer growth with advancement to leadership roles locally, regionally and internationally.
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PRESS RELEASE