Board of Directors

Michelle is Vice President of Tap Communications, a marketing, communications and advertising firm. She has provided strategic marketing planning for a wide variety of Tap clients, and has led award-winning advertising campaigns and media plans, including campaigns that won IABC Silver Leaf Awards of Excellence and of Merit. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the University of Saskatchewan. Michelle highly endorses the benefits of IABC membership, and of being on the Saskatoon Chapter Board of Directors; among other opportunities. Michelle has attended The IABC Leadership Institute in San Diego, California, and Dare to Lead in Edmonton in 2007.

Owner of Reach Communications, Leanne has over 12 years of experience in the communication field. Her specialty areas include strategic communication planning, media relations, public relations and marketing. Prior to starting her own consulting business, Leanne worked in health care communications and for a number of federal government departments in Ottawa. Leanne has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Diploma in Public Relations. She also holds international accreditation through IABC. Leanne has been a member of IABC for many years and finds the local chapter and the international resources to be a tremendous asset to her day-to-day work.

Jodie joined IABC Saskatoon as a returning member in 2007. Eager to encourage marketing and communications professionals to work closely together and gain a better understanding of each profession’s role in business, she accepted the position of Professional Development Co-Chair for the 2007-2009 seasons. Coupling her passion for strategic planning with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, Jodie has had the opportunity to enjoy positions targeting local and international markets, accepting challenges in both product and professional services marketing. With a desire to build business in Saskatchewan, her career has focused on local industries with international opportunities, including her current position as Marketing Coordinator with Golder Associates Ltd.

Jodie looks forward to reconnecting with the communications community in Saskatoon and polishing her own communication skills through the support and resources provided by the IABC.

Erin Taman Athmer is an award-winning communicator. She has received awards for online communications as well as major event planning. Erin is a seasoned writer, strategic planner and photographer who enjoys a challenge. Not even a nasty Saskatchewan blizzard can stop her! She is currently employed at SK Research Council as a Communications Advisor but also has experience in the agriculture, non-profit and education sectors. Erin is an expert when it comes to pitching to media and she has an eye for detail when it comes to editing.

She enjoys the networking opportunities that IABC Saskatoon provides and always comes away with a new idea or two.

Iv-Lee has worked in the field of communication for over 16 years with experience in advertising, public relations, marketing and communication planning. In addition to working in the private sector, her background includes five years in health care public relations, and seven years in municipal administration. An IABC member for a number of years, Iv-Lee is enjoying her second term as treasurer for IABC Saskatoon. She has found IABC to be an excellent avenue for connecting with other communication professionals and a wonderful resource for continued learning. Iv-Lee is the owner of Kane Communication, a communication consulting firm in rural Saskatchewan.

Kerilyn has been an IABC member for her entire communications career, first in Edmonton and now in Saskatoon. In an industry as ever-changing as business communications, IABC offers welcome and useful continuity! Kerilyn works part-time for the Saskatchewan Medical Association as the communications administrator, handling event planning, member communications, and whatever else comes her way. She has previously worked with Saskatoon Health Region, the Alberta government and the federal government, gaining experience in media relations, strategic planning, crisis communications, writing, and event planning. Kerilyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Diploma in Public Relations.

Tim has diverse skills and experience in many areas of communications. That experience includes media relations, publication design, video production, multimedia design and web development. Tim earned his Multimedia Diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and his bachelor of physical education from the University of Alberta.

Colleen is pleased to be volunteering again for the Saskatoon Chapter. Previously, she volunteered in the Professional Development and Volunteer Portfolios. Colleen’s initiation occurred in 2002 as a volunteer with the amazing team who planned and coordinated Dare to Lead in Saskatoon. She is a past board member of the Saskatoon Friendship Inn and is presently also volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon.

Colleen is happy to be sharing duties with co-chair Rachael Kenny and looks forward to working with the executive team in providing valuable learning opportunities for members as we continue to facilitate the best ethical and performance standards for our profession. Colleen is president of Gnyp Communications.

Rachael is the Marketing and Communications Specialist for Hitachi Canadian Industries Ltd. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Rachael graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing major) from the University of Saskatchewan. Rachael enjoys strengthening her marketing and communications skills through volunteer work in the Saskatoon community. She joined IABC in 2005 to take advantage of further personal development opportunities and is currently the membership co-chair.

Chelsea Fleischhacker is pleased to begin her second year as the Professional Development Co-Chair and her third year on the IABC Saskatoon board.

As the Marketing Coordinator at zu.com communications, Chelsea contributes her attention to detail, conference and event-planning skills to the talented group of board members. A Commerce graduate from the University of Saskatchewan, she enjoys her role at IABC helping professional communicators develop their careers through effective and meaningful speakers and opportunities.

Chelsea is thankful for the extensive networking opportunities IABC provides as she continues to meet new people in the Saskatchewan business community. In her spare time she volunteers with the Canadian Cancer Society and tries to keep up with her puppy Dakota.

Anne-Marie has more than 18 years of experience in communications and has developed and implemented programs for both the private and public sectors. From print design to media relations, she has amassed an extensive portfolio and worn many hats throughout her interesting and varied career. A strong believer in volunteerism and lifelong learning, Anne-Marie has been involved with both CPRS and IABC Edmonton chapters and has volunteered for many organizations including Big Sisters, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Red Cross. She is happy to be serving on the IABC Board.

Amanda joined IABC in 2007 and is looking forward to volunteering with the IABC Board. She is currently employed as the Communications Manager with the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers where she takes on a number of different communication roles including event planning, media relations, strategic planning, member communications, internal communications, and promotions. Amanda joined IABC because she sees a great benefit in the networking opportunities and would like to take advantage of the professional development opportunities that IABC offers.

Amanda is currently taking on the role of Volunteer Management and looks forward to meeting all IABC Saskatoon members interested in volunteering this year!