IABC WA appoints future-focused Board for the next era of comms
2026 IABC WA Board
Back Row (L-R): Jackie Oates, Nick Rynne, Liza White, Rhianon Damas, Natalie Butler. Front Row (L-R): Rebecca Keating, Rachael Cochrane, Scott Ward, Judith Buchan, Cassey Santos
The International Association of Business Communicators Western Australia (IABC WA) has announced its 2026 Board, positioning the chapter to support Western Australian communicators through one of the most disruptive periods the profession has ever faced.
Over the next few years, communication teams globally are being asked to do more than inform – they are being asked to shape decisions, build trust in an age of misinformation, harness AI and data, and lead organisations through constant change.
IABC WA’s new Board has been deliberately formed with this future in mind.
Established in 2018, IABC WA is the local chapter of the global IABC network, representing more than 10,000 members in over 70 countries. Based in Perth, the chapter exists to advance the profession, create connections and develop strategic communicators across corporate, government, agency and not-for-profit sectors.
New member research has highlighted that WA practitioners want practical upskilling, cross-sector collaboration and support to build their strategic leadership capability, particularly in areas such as AI, data-driven communication, crisis and issues management, and government relations.
In response, IABC WA will deliver five major events in 2026, including a flagship thought-leadership keynote and a series of masterclasses focused on future trends, strategic communication, crisis communication and government engagement, and leadership in communications.
Incoming President Scott Ward said the new Board is designed to help the WA communications community prepare for what’s coming next.
“Globally, our profession is shifting at speed - AI, automation, political polarisation and fragmented media are changing how we work.”
“Here in WA, communicators are already juggling digital transformation, ESG, community expectations and tight resources,” Ward said.
“Our new Board has been built very intentionally for that reality. We want to give WA communicators the skills, confidence and community they need to not just keep up, but to have a genuine seat at the decision-making table.
“We’re not trying to be the best or the biggest, we’re a humble, volunteer-led community that listens closely to our members.
“They told us they want practical learning, honest conversations and stronger networks.
“Our job now is to deliver the events and experiences that help them advance their careers and lift capability across the state.”
Event Image: Harnessing AI to supercharge your communications
A board built for the next era of strategic communication
The 2026 Board brings together leaders with experience spanning corporate affairs, journalism, stakeholder engagement, workforce transformation, community impact and digital strategy, reflecting the cross-sector, cross-disciplinary nature of modern communication work.
The 2026 additions to the IABC WA Board include:
Kellie Bombardieri – Senior corporate affairs and stakeholder engagement leader with experience guiding organisations through complex issues and high-stakes change.
Judith Buchan – Governance and strategy specialist focused on aligning communication with organisational leadership, risk and long-term planning.
Natalie Butler – Marketing and digital strategist with deep capability in brand storytelling, audience insight and data-informed campaigns.
Cassey Santos – Community and education communication leader passionate about social impact, inclusion and building public value.
Rachael Cochrane – Workforce and change communication specialist helping organisations navigate transformation and build trust from the inside out.
Nick Rynne – Journalist-turned-narrative strategist whose newsroom background brings sharp insight into media dynamics and public storytelling.
They join existing board members, President Scott Ward, Vice President Rebecca Keating, Past President Jackie Oates, Liza White and Rhianon Damas to round out a diverse mix of communication professionals.
(L-R): Rachael Cochrane, Jackie Oates, Nick Rynne, Rebecca Keating, Natalie Butler, Scott Ward, Liza White, Judith Buchan, Rhianon Damas, Cassey Santos
“When you look at this Board together, you see the future skill mix of our profession, strategic advisory, digital and data awareness, community engagement, internal comms, issues and crisis experience, and strong storytelling,” Ward said.
“That’s exactly what WA organisations will need from their communicators over the next few years.”
Preparing WA’s communications community for what’s next
With AI and automation reshaping workflows, data analytics becoming central to decision-making, and stakeholder expectations rising across all sectors, IABC WA sees a clear role in helping Western Australian communicators close skill gaps and stay ahead of global trends in a way that makes sense for this market.
The 2026 program will focus on:
Future trends & AI in practice – practical sessions on integrating AI and automation ethically and effectively into comms workflows
Strategic and crisis communication – building capability to advise leaders, manage risk and protect trust in a volatile environment
Government relations & public affairs – understanding policy dynamics and communicating effectively in and with the public sector
Leadership in communications – supporting practitioners to move from “order takers” to trusted strategic partners
Cross-sector collaboration – connecting practitioners from corporate, government, agency and NFP to share solutions to shared challenges
“WA has incredible communicators, creative, adaptable and deeply connected to their communities,” Ward said.
“Our goal is to back that strength with the future-focused skills and networks that will keep Western Australia competitive with the east coast and global markets.”