IABC Tulsa features one of its members in the “Meet a Member” section of the newsletter. This month, we learn more about Natasha Mitchell, senior analyst, internal communications and HR services at ConocoPhillips.

Why do you love your job? I enjoy collaborating with clients on a global platform and the opportunity to showcase what a communicator actually does to those who aren’t familiar with the profession.

How long have you been a member of IABC? Since Sept. 2012.

What is the best IABC meeting/seminar/conference that you have ever attended? Why? “Crisis Communications: When “IT” hits the Fan” with Gerald Braud (Sept. 2012). A lot of the information he was referring to in regards to the media is accurate. Timing is key before and during a crisis. It is especially important, particularly with the addition of social media and public watchdog groups. It’s interesting to view how a company or an individual’s reputation can quickly go sour in a matter of one tweet.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? I have networked with other communicators locally; however, I would like expand to meeting others on a national and an international scale.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work? Travel with my husband, reading, and writing.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Jamaica, Mexico – any place with a beach.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Brian Culbertson.

What’s your favorite movie? James Bond franchise.

What’s your favorite restaurant? Hard to pinpoint one – love seafood/Louisiana cuisine (New Orleans style).

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is ever evolving. As with all innovation, the direction we innovate is a combination of what is technically possible and what is socially desirable. Technological developments determine the possibilities, but our needs determine which technology will actually break through and remain a facet of our life.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Take advantage of every opportunity possible. Take some time away from the office and attend a conference or participate in a fellowship with other professionals. When collaborating with others, you learn that you aren’t the only one encountering the same problems. What you learn is how to come to a reasonable solution, and in the process, you add another cheerleader to your personal circle of friends.

IABC Tulsa would like to recognize our new members and those who are celebrating anniversaries. Reach out and welcome them or congratulate them on their anniversary!

New Members:
Alison Anthony, Williams

Anniversaries:
Joe Williams, Joe Williams Communications, 38 years
Steve Higgins, Williams, 20 years
Chris Kraft, Walmart, 4 years
Lee Anne Mills, Walmart, 4 years
Brad Borror, ONEOK, 4 years
Justin Rushing, Walmart, 3 years
Lizaimee Mata, Williams, 2 years

If you are interested in becoming a member of IABC Tulsa, contact Summer Austin or Stephanie Cole.

Change Communication that Creates Value

Communicating change in organizations is a constant challenge. As the C-suite has gotten more sophisticated, so too are its expectations of communication in a change effort. Senior leaders/executives want real value and measurable results. Understanding the dynamics of change, types of changes and how communication can push the change process forward makes us more valuable to those leaders. In this interactive session you’ll learn:

1. The seven planning steps that ensure consistent response to change 
2. How to focus on behaviors that deliver business value 
3. How to respond to changes that occur within your larger change effort 

Plus, you’ll participate in exercises you can take back to help others in your organization be more responsive to change when it comes to your door. As a bonus, you’ll get a valuable tool for use in your next change initiative.

All about Stacy
 
Stacy Wilson, ABC, founded Eloquor Consulting, Inc., in 2001, to help large companies communicate more effectively with employees. Eloquor specializes in intranet/portal governance, usability and content, and change communication. Stacy has 25+ years of communication experience. Clients include XL Group, ConocoPhillips, Pitney Bowes and Newmont Mining. Stacy is a past IABC International board member and past chair of the IABC Southern Region Conference. Stacy has a bachelor’s in public relations from SMU, is a frequent speaker and published author.

Register Today!

The annual World Conference is scheduled for June 23-26 in New York City, and IABC Tulsa wants to help send one lucky member to this big event. It’s easy to enter, simply follow these guidelines:

IABC Tulsa members may nominate themselves or other members for this contest.

Send an email to iabctulsa@gmail.com and answer these three questions (150 words or less for each question):

1. How have you (or the person you are nominating) participated in IABC?
2. How will the opportunity to attend World Conference 2013 benefit your career?
3. How will you use this experience to give back to your work team and other members of IABC Tulsa?

Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. CT Thursday, April 18. Late entries will be disqualified.

Nominees must have a currently active membership with IABC Tulsa from the time of entry submission through the World Conference in June. Active membership will be confirmed through the current chapter roster maintained by IABC Headquarters in San Francisco.

Entries will be reviewed by a small group of judges with representatives from IABC Tulsa’s Board, and possibly leaders from other chapters. The winner will be notified by April 30.

In addition to receiving a World Conference registration (valued at more than $1,000), the winner will be granted a $400 voucher from IABC Tulsa to help cover other travel costs.

The winner must be willing to share stories from his/her World Conference experience with other IABC Tulsa members via one or more of the following options:

• Writing daily posts on the chapter’s Facebook page
• Sharing photos via Twitter or Facebook
• Writing an article for the July edition of the chapter newsletter
• Possibly giving a download at a monthly meeting
• Or another option to be agreed upon with the winner and the chapter’s board

The chapter also will promote a profile of the winner through its various communications channels. The winner must be willing to provide a bio and photo for these promotions.

Good luck to all of the entrants, and please email iabctulsa@gmail.com if you have any questions.