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About IABC DC Metro

IABC/DC Metro members include communicators from corporations, nonprofits, associations government agencies, communications and public relation firms as well as independent consultants and writers.

Our origins trace back to 1944, when communicators in the Maryland area were looking for an outlet to discuss challenges facing the industry – something we still do today, but often via virtually.

But then, meetings were in person and like today getting around all parts of the DC Metro area were a challenge. As such the original founders broke off into individual organizations, and in the 1960s the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) was born.

The IABC/DC Metro chapter came about on March 1, 2010, when IABC Baltimore (founded 1971) and IABC/Washington (founded 1977) were merged.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Regardless of your race, culture, faith, sexual orientation, disability, skin color, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, age or experience, you are an equal, and valued part of our global community.

IABC’s shared values state: We are a diverse community. We welcome diverse communication professionals of all levels and practices. We embrace diverse viewpoints, encourage conversation, and celebrate cultural differences. We believe these differences benefit our community and that we are more enlightened, well informed, and successful when we honor our unique experiences and perspectives.

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Our Team

Giuseppe Laviano
Giuseppe Laviano

President

Giuseppe Laviano has been a member of the IABC since 2020. He has 25+ years of progressive marketing experience in various B2B sectors focusing on the B2B Marketing experience. He has managed teams that: focus on competitive analysis, new product launch, product and corporate branding, and collaborates across corporate levels. He has worked in manufacturing, distribution, dabbled in consulting, worked with a few startups, and is currently in the Food and Beverage sector working at SSP America as a Director of Branding and Communications.

His degrees are from DePaul University (MBA), and two engineering degrees from Syracuse University (MS/BS).

Open

Immediate Past President

Open Position

Vice President, Membership

Denise Hobik
Denise Hobik

Vice President, Finance

Denise Hobik is an adaptive, innovative communicator, focused on reaching targeted audiences in new and engaging ways. With nearly 20 years at MedStar Health, she has held roles in philanthropy, community relations, marketing, communications, and events management.

Open Position

Vice President, Communications and Social Media

Amy Richardson
Amy Richardson

Secretary

Amy is a Communications Manager with over 10 years of experience focused in operational messaging, communications project management, and Intranet content management. Originally from Carlisle, Pa., Amy received her bachelor’s in Business Communications from Stevenson University and a master’s in Business Communications from Jones International University. Amy is a member of Network of Executive Women and was named a 2021 Woman of Influence by The Griffin Report of the Northeast in April 2021.

Sue O'Hora
Sue O'Hora

Director - Events

Sue O’Hora is a writer, producer and director with over 20 years of experience. She founded Rising Night Productions to streamline the video production process for busy communications professionals. She brings her extensive network of video experts and her skills in production, project management and digital marketing to each project. Her mission is to make video projects easier for organizations of all sizes. Sue is a proud graduate of the University of Richmond and The George Washington University’s Institute for Documentary Filmmaking.

Open Position

Vice President, DEI

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Jeff Cohen
Jeff Cohen

Volunteer - Membership

Jeff Cohen is an accomplished executive with expertise in crafting and executing viable business and communication strategies that build sustainable competitive advantage, enhance organizational performance, and bolster leadership presence and impact.

Jeff currently serves the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for INFORMS, the largest association for data and decision science professionals. He has previously held various marketing and communications consulting and in-house roles, and served as Congressional Chief of Staff and Senate Press Secretary.

Jeff earned his MBA from Johns Hopkins University, an MA from The George Washington University, and his BA from Ithaca College. In addition, Jeff is a 2nd year Ph.D. student at Eastern University with a research focus on the systemic nexus between leadership and lateral communications, organizational behavior, and strategy execution in high-reliability and matrix organizations.

Open Position

Volunteer - Social Media

Eli Natinsky
Eli Natinsky

Volunteer - Events/Membership

Eli Natinsky is a writer, content creator, and project coordinator who enjoys helping organizations achieve their communications goals and objectives. He’s written and overseen the design and distribution of print, online, and broadcast materials. Eli has worked in various settings, including for nonprofits, media outlets, and global brands. Originally from Metro Detroit, he holds a master’s degree in telecomm, info studies, and media from Michigan State University. Eli also earned his bachelor’s degree from MSU, having studied journalism.

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About IABC International

IABC serves professionals in the field of business communication, bringing together the profession’s collective disciplines. We deliver on the Global Standard in communication through our educational offerings, certification, awards program, resource library, online magazine, and annual World Conference. We support our community of business communication professionals with innovative thinking, shared best practices, in-depth learning, and career guidance.

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