Meet our 2024 board

The NSW Chapter is led by a talented team of communication professionals with breadth and depth of skills and experience. The board manages the day to day operations, administration, and financials of the Chapter, representing the IABC at a local level.

Nominating board members are sponsored by existing IABC members and then subjected to the scrutiny of an evaluation committee. The NSW board works very closely with the other IABC Chapters across Australia, the Asia Pacific Region, and at an international level to ensure that our members extract exceptional value from their membership.

IABC members in good standing are encouraged to nominate themselves to join the IABC NSW board. The nomination process generally starts in September/October of each year with appointments endorsed at the IABC NSW Annual General Meeting.

If you are interested in serving on the Board next year, please reach out to the current President or Vice-President for more information.

Megan Thomas, SCMP®

Director, Buzz Communications | IABC NSW President

Megan is a strategic communication and change management leader, with over 20 years’ experience advising C-suite and heading up teams across various industries. Now with her own consultancy, her blend of creativity, data literacy, and behavioural science means she achieves impactful business outcomes for her clients. Megan has been particularly active in the AI space - a go-to for communicators and change agents.  She is a globally certified Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP®) and PROSCI-accredited change manager.

Luke Morgan

Head of Internal Communications, Woolworths Group | IABC NSW Treasurer

Luke is a passionate communicator who thrives on making the complex simple, fostering understanding, and connecting with diverse audiences. Whether it's crafting compelling narratives, delivering engaging presentations, or facilitating effective conversations, Luke makes a lasting impact wherever he goes. Luke has progressed his career as an internal communications specialist, working with both individual brands and at the corporate level, within the Woolworths Group – Australia’s largest company by revenue and number of team members.

Jane Hamilton, SCMP®

Internal Communications Manager, Carnival Australia

Jane is an experienced communications executive skilled in developing communications frameworks, pioneering innovative delivery approaches, optimising investments in communication tools, and measuring effectiveness. She is a globally certified Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP®) and a PROSCI-accredited change manager who has worked across a variety of industries in the private and public sectors in Australia and in France. Currently board secretary, she has been an IABC director since 2020 and has facilitated IABC NSW’s award-winning Mastermind Circles program and GCCC certification support groups.

Lana Boardman

Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Optus

Lana is a senior executive leader in internal communications, marketing, and events with over 17 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry. Lana has a proven track record leading high-performing, engaged, and best-in-class teams. Her passion is supporting teams to deliver purposeful strategic communications, events, and marketing campaigns focused on internal audiences right through to the customer. Lana was awarded the IABC Gold Quill Award for Optus’ weekly all company live broadcast called TGIF and won Best Corporate Event at the Australian Business Symposium Awards for Orbital 2023.

Lucy Hose

Senior Communications Manager, HealthShare NSW

Lucy is a strategic marketing and communications professional with a track record of award-winning advertising and brand campaigns. Lucy joined the National Health Service (England’s publicly funded healthcare system) in 2013 and found her happy place in health communications. She then moved to Sydney and has worked for NSW Health since 2018, specialising in internal, crisis and change communications. Chartered Institute of Marketing qualified, she enjoys developing thriving teams and is passionate about health, innovation, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Aleks Gorgievski

Head of Internal Communications - Platforms, Communications, and Engagement, Woolworths Group

Aleks boasts over a decade of expertise in internal communication, event management, process improvement, and strategy. He is creative, results driven, and fosters collaboration and empowerment. Being a digital native, Aleks excels in driving impactful outcomes through innovation. As a board member, he brings invaluable insights and a passion for advancing the profession.

Alicia Baertsoen

Associate Client Director, Edelman

Alicia is a seasoned communicator and people-first leader with global experience spanning Australia and Canada. Working across consulting, tech and post-secondary sectors, her success stems from a foundation of strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, with trust at the centre. Alicia’s proven track record is underpinned by measurable, strategic plans, which fuse consistent messaging, creative tactics and powerful storytelling. In her current role with Edelman, she manages a diverse client portfolio, mentors and manages junior staff and is passionate about creating a culture of inclusivity as the Global Women's Equality Network (GWEN) lead for Australia.

Patrick Armstrong, SCMP®

Program Communication Lead, Westpac

Patrick is a strategic communication management professional with over 20 years’ experience. His career has taken him around the globe spanning financial services, consultancy, government, higher education, IT, utilities and journalism. He specialises in corporate communication strategy, crisis management, employee engagement, and communication training. Patrick is is a globally certified Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP®) and an academic at UNSW Business School where he educates in communications, marketing and brand management.

Sue Woodward

Director - Brand, Marketing and Communications, Minter Ellison

Sue is a brand, marketing and communications expert who combines strategy with the ability to execute. She hass worked for international and national corporates across industries, leading the marketing function and teams. Working with people, bringing brands to life, delivering results, and having fun is what makes her tick. Sue is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, former board director and Chair of SHINE For Kids, Tennis NSW, Central Innovation and the Trish MS Research Foundation.

Paula Batho

Communications Manager,
BIG W

Paula Batho is an accomplished communications professional with over eight years of experience spanning England and Australia, working for the Greater London Authority (Mayor of London) and one of Australia's largest companies, the Woolworths Group. Having studied performing arts, Paula started her career as a professional singer with Carnival Cruise Line and later went on to study business, strategic communications and graphic design, which is demonstrated in her creative approach to corporate communications and passion for creating connections and engagement.

Jeremy Hyman

Head of Communications,
Baker McKenzie, Australia

Jeremy is a strategic communicator with over 20 years of experience working for peak industry bodies and leading global law firms. He has served on a number of boards including the American Chamber of Commerce’s trade advisory board, the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation, Giving One Per Cent, and Mr Perfect. Having obtained a masters in communications management, Jeremy’s areas of specialty include media relations, issues management, stakeholder relations, and government relations.  

Calvin Lu

Strategic Communications Consultant, FTI Consulting | Associate Member

Calvin is a strategic communications professional who has supported organisations in areas such as media relations, change communications, government advisory, and issues management. Prior to joining FTI Consulting, he worked in internal communications at Woolworths Group and was a member of the University of Technology Sydney communications team where he established the UTS TikTok account. Calvin is passionate about staying across the latest trends in communications, media, and government to provide quality advice and support to fellow communication professionals.

James Robson

Consumer Services Specialist - Coca-Cola Europacific Partners | Associate Member

James is an emerging communications professional and student at Macquarie University. His interest in the profession was cemented during his two years at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia (CCEPA) where he has excelled in customer insights, risk mitigation, and stakeholder relations. At CCEPA, James has found mentors in the public affairs, communications and sustainability team. James is further honing his knowledge, skills, and networks as an IABC NSW board associate.