Larry Ackerman is a leading authority on organizational and personal identity. He is the founder and president of The Identity Circle LLC, an identity consulting, education and research firm based in Westport, Connecticut. The firm helps organizations and individuals clarify their uniqueness and potential, and then assists them in putting that potential to work in ways that dramatically improve their performance, impact and reputations. Larry has published two books on identity: Identity Is Destiny: Leadership    and the Roots of Value Creation and The Identity Code: The 8 Essential Questions for Finding Your Purpose and Place in the World.

Eric Bergman, ABC, APR, MC is senior consultant for Bergman and Associates. A communications professional for more than 26 years, Eric has worked in virtually every facet of organizational communication and public relations. In October 2006, his train-the-trainer guide for media training, Media Training With Excellence: A Balanced Approach, was published by IABC. The approach recommended in his book is based on the premise that staying on message — except as one of a number of defensive strategies — is an outdated paradigm in an information-driven world.

Ed Bikales is the founder and CEO of Snippies. His guiding principle is that every person has something important to say. This led his career to television journalism and later to sociological research. In 2001, Ed founded Snippies with the idea that video, which uncovers the wisdom of everyday people – consumers, clients, staff, fills dozens of critical business needs.

Brian Boyer is manager of internal and executive communications at United Technologies Corporation (UTC). He is responsible for the development and execution of strategic communications plans and editorial content to support such company functions as Business Practices, Environment, Health & Safety, and Human Resources. Prior to his time at UTC Corporate Headquarters, he served as manager, Communications at Pratt & Whitney, a UTC business unit, and director of communications at the Washington, D.C. Chamber of Commerce.

Matt Broder serves as vice president of External Communications for Pitney Bowes Inc. He spent 17 years in communications roles at United Technologies Corp. and the State of Connecticut prior to joining Pitney Bowes in 2004.

Toni Cascio, Ph.D. is vice president of Bon Mot Communications LLC. For more than a decade, she has taught interpersonal communication skills at the graduate level, and has consulted with business, legal and academic clients. A published author, she has presented at dozens of international, national, and regional conferences.

Marcus Catsouphes works within Deloitte Consulting’s Human Capital practice where he is the national lead for Green Synch Communications, a comprehensive approach to engaging people in corporate sustainability programs. He works to help clients strategically manage organizational change from the early stages of strategy conception through tactical execution.

Ted Chaloner is president of Chaloner Associates Inc., a top communications and marketing search firm he built that operates out of Boston and New York. Chaloner Associates Inc. specializes in communications and marketing at all levels for a wide variety of clients. Ted is a founder and board member of The Good Ideas Fund Inc. and former chair of Hospitality Homes, both in Boston.

Alison Davis is the founder and CEO of Davis & Company, the award-winning internal communication firm that helps companies reach, engage and motivate their employees. Alison sets strategic direction for her firm, leads the development of new products and services, and provides senior counsel to clients. Alison is co-author of the book, Your Attention, Please and writes a blog, “Insights,” at www.davisandco.com/blog.

Robert L. Dilenschneider formed The Dilenschneider Group in October 1991. Prior to forming his own firm, he served as president and chief executive officer of Hill and Knowlton Inc. Bob started in public relations in 1967 in New York. Experienced in a number of communications disciplines, Bob is frequently called upon by the media to provide commentary and strategic public relations insights on major news stories. He has counseled corporations, professional groups, trade associations and educational institutions, and has assisted clients in dealing with regulatory agencies, labor unions, consumer groups and minorities, among others. Bob is a member of numerous advisory boards, board of directors, and professional associations. He also is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, the International Public Relations Association, and is a Fellow to the International Association of Business Communicators. In 2001, he received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree from Muskingum College. Widely published, Bob is the author of eight books, including the bestselling Power and Influence.

John Finney is a senior communication consultant in Watson Wyatt’s Detroit office. John has 23 years of experience in corporate and not-for-profit communication. He serves as the global research champion for Wyatt’s communication practice and co-author of the Communication ROI studies. John served as IABC Chairman in 1997/98.

John Foley is the author of Balanced Brand and the founder and CEO of LEVEL, a brand and reputation firm in Minneapolis. Using the BalancedBrand System, LEVEL is helping companies align corporate values with stakeholder values to sustain profitability and growth. John also writes for numerous business and trade publications in the areas of branding, advertising and public relations. John has served on the boards of the Carlson Brand Enterprise at the University of Minnesota, the Design Institute and the Reputation Institute.

Julie Freeman, ABC, APR, is president of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). She has 25 years of experience in communication and nonprofit management and has helped organizations undergoing financial crises to recover and to rebuild their public image. Since becoming president of IABC in July 2001, Freeman has worked to improve the association’s financial health and enhance the value of IABC membership.

Chris Gay, ABC, is a co-founder of Bridge Consulting, a network of engagement and communication professionals who provide full-service solutions to organizations of all sizes, industries and geographic locations. Chris has worked in corporate America for 25 years in both Human Resources and Communication. Her work has earned three IABC Gold Quills, a PRSA Silver Anvil, and recognition as one of the top 20 Human Resources case studies in the world according to the International Benchmarking Association.

Paul Gillin is principal of Paul Gillin Communications. He is a writer, speaker and online marketing consultant specializing in social media and the application of personal publishing to brand awareness and business marketing. Paul is a veteran technology journalist with more than 23 years of editorial leadership experience. His book, The New Influencers, was published in 2007 and his next book, Secrets of Social Media Marketing, will be published in the fall of 2008. His website is www.gillin.com and he blogs at www.paulgillin.com

Carol Kinsey Goman is an executive coach and international lecturer who presents keynote addresses and seminars for corporations, management conferences and major trade associations. Clients include 95 organizations in 21 countries. The author of ten business books, her latest is The Nonverbal Advantage: Secrets and Science of Body Language at Work.

Ron Hess is the founder and leader of Motiv8 Communications LLC, a full-service employee communications firm based in Port Orange, FL. During a corporate career that spanned 27 years, Ron managed senior level employee communications programs at some of America’s largest and best known companies. He has won over 50 awards in national, regional and local competitions and has authored numerous articles on communication topics that have appeared in national and international publications.   

Robert J. Holland, ABC, is owner of Holland Communication Solutions LLC in Richmond, Virginia. He consults small firms, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies on issues ranging from strategic communication planning and measurement to writing and editing. Robert is a two-time past president of IABC/Richmond and has served on district and international boards and committees for IABC.

Cornelia Hostetler is a writer at Honda of America Mfg. Her experience includes training, public speaking and special events.  Her passion to motivate is evident in her leadership roles with IABC/Columbus and other nonprofit organizations.

Liz Keever, principal of Oration Group, has spent more than 25 years helping business people communicate. She has coached senior leaders at Fortune 100 companies and taught at executive education programs. Her approach unites her experience in business and in the performing arts.

Myra Lee has held a variety of positions at United Technologies Corporation, including positions at corporate headquarters in communications, human resources and investor relations as well as sales and marketing positions at Carrier. She currently leads the internal and executive communications function. Before joining UTC, Myra held assignments at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Moscow and the International Research & Exchanges Board in Washington , D.C. 

Kent Lewis is president of Anvil Media, Inc. where he is responsible for managing operations, marketing and business development. He is currently president and co-founder of SEMpdx, a professional trade organization based that provides educational opportunities for local businesses and individuals interested in a career in search engine marketing. Kent created pdxMindShare to build businesses and careers through networking and weekly emails featuring jobs and industry events. He is also an adjunct professor at Portland State University and founder of Anvil's Annual Get SMART Gala, a fundraising event to raise awareness for SMART (Start Making a Reader Today). Kent is a recipient of Portland Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 Award.

Rick Longenecker is the chief administrative officer of Snippies. He has spent more than 20 years leading business-to-business field sales, national account teams, customer service, product management, and marketing organizations. A sought-after consultant and speaker, Rick is also president of the Armature Group, a sales improvement firm. He leads multiple Conference Board conferences and is president of the Chuck Ealey Foundation.  

Connie Mayse is a communication consultant with Towers Perrin in Northeast Ohio. Her background includes 20 years of corporate communication and HR experience, a BA in Communication, and an International MBA. A recipient of several communication awards, Mayse is writing her first book and has every intention of finishing it…someday.

Claire Meirowitz is co-owner of C&M Business Writing Services. She and Natalie Canavor write the Working Words column for IABC’s CW Bulletin. Their book, Business Writing for the Digital World, will be published by Pearson. Claire manages projects and edits print, e-letters and Web materials for clients including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Ziff-Davis, CMP Media, IBM and Microsoft. She directed publications and community relations for SUNY College at Old Westbury, overseeing 400+ publications annually.

Peter S. Prichard is president of the Newseum in Washington D.C. He is a former senior vice president of the Freedom Forum and former executive director of the Newseum . Peter was editor-in-chief of USA Today from 1988 through 1994, and during his tenure it became the largest-circulation newspaper in the nation, passing two million. Prichard began his journalism career in 1970 and has held a variety of newsroom management positions in newspapers and television. He is former chairman of the National Press Foundation and the recipient of many professional awards.

Ginny Pulos is president of Ginny Pulos Communications Inc., a speech and media training consultancy that believes that “being who you truly are” is your most powerful asset. With clients around the world, she helps clients authentically communicate facts and ideas with passion and professionalism, manage media opportunities like a pro, and develop leadership abilities that achieve excellence. 

Mark Ragan is the CEO of Ragan Communications in Chicago. He arrived at Ragan after working for 15 years as an award-winning political and investigative reporter for newspapers throughout the US. Today, Mark is back into the journalistic swing of things at the company his father founded in 1968. In addition to overseeing new product development and the day-to-day operations of the company, Mark acts as executive editor for the daily Ragan.com news site, the MyRaganTV video platform, and the MyRagan social network.

Angelique Rewers, ABC, APR, is president and owner of Bon Mot Communications LLC. She is an organizational communications strategist with more than 10 years of experience working with global corporations on projects where communicating clearly and concisely is key to its success.

Cydney Roach is the national strategic communications lead in Deloitte Consulting's Human Capital practice. She has a significant record of achievement for designing tailored change and employee engagement programs in Fortune 500 companies and is seasoned at embedding communication into business processes with measurable financial results.

Paul Rosengren oversees internal and external communications for PSEG, a diversified energy company, where he has been for 12 years.  Previously he worked at NBC as speechwriter for the CEO and in new media communications. 

Ed Schipul, CEO of Schipul - The Web Marketing Company, is an entrepreneur and Internet veteran who enjoys keeping up with online conversations. His company developed the Tendenci software which powers more than 400 web sites and over 500,000 interactive users worldwide. Schipul blogs at www.brandtobedetermined.com, reads extensively, and has more than 20 years experience in marketing and software programming.

Mark Schumann, ABC, is a 15-time winner of the Gold Quill award, and a past Communicator of the Year of IABC Dallas and IABC Houston. He is the managing principal of the Towers Perrin office in Houston and formerly served as the firm’s global leader of the communication consulting business. He is the co-author of Brand from the Inside and the upcoming Brand for Talent. He is celebrating his 30th year as a member of IABC and is currently the chair-elect of the IABC International Executive Board.

Sharon Wamble-King is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s (BCBSF) vice president, Corporate Communications. In this role, Sharon provides executive leadership for public relations and corporate communications. Throughout her career, Wamble-King has held leadership positions for several large, complex and global organizations.  She has been active in community and professional organizations, including IABC where she served as an international executive board member and trustee of the IABC Research Foundation.

Leila Zogby, president of Leila Zogby Business Writer Inc., has been helping organizations attract and retain customers and employees through engaging written materials since establishing her consultancy in 1984. Drawing on her experiences as a reporter, public information officer, corporate communicator, and writing consultant, Zogby develops key messages and translates them into concise and persuasive writing.