The Phoenix chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators is the Valley of the Sun’s most comprehensive resource for communications professionals. Named the world’s best chapter five times, IABC Phoenix is part of a global not-for-profit network designed to provide industry practitioners with a full menu of resources – from networking and professional development to sharing best practices and recognizing award-winning work.
With more than 100 chapters in 60 countries and more than 13,500 members, IABC is the leading resource for public relations and communications professionals who are dedicated to improving personal and organizational effectiveness through strategic communications management.
Jenn currently works at VirTra, as a Marketing and Sales Administrator. Along with over 5 years of experience in the meetings and tradeshow industry, she loves reading and editing new research articles in the communication field. She has published one scholarly article on her own, but is always looking for a new topic to explore! She currently has her MA in Communication from Johns Hopkins University. In her free time Jenn can be found: discovering new restaurants, hiking, reading, or trying to get her new puppy used to the outdoors!
Heather Thornton serves as Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications for Center for the Future of Arizona. Her award-winning, dynamic professional experience developing and implementing internal and external strategic branding and communications over the last 16+ years also includes brands and companies such as Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Match.com, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Philips, Tic Tac, Heineken, Girl Scouts, Arizona Public Service (APS), and WebPT. Through it all, she focuses on balancing creative and data-driven critical thinking to help clients and teams harness the power of communications, PR, and marketing to support organizational goals and brand reputation. Heather holds a bachelor's degree in Arts Administration, with minors in Marketing and French Studies from Wagner College in New York City. She subsequently obtained certifications in Demand Creation and Marketing Foundations. Heather is an avid reader, leads with curiosity, and strives to embrace lifelong learning. She is an active member of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and American Marketing Association (AMA), in addition to IABC.
Dr. Alanna Vitucci serves as the Director of Public Relations for Universal Technical Institute. Alanna graduated from William Woods University with a BA in business administration, as well from the University of Phoenix with an MBA in Global Management and a DBA from Northcentral University. She has more than 25 years of communications experience, including crisis management, public relations, internal communications, social media, corporate culture and organizational leadership. She has led communications teams at Zovio, Vertex Education, Early Warning Services, Northcentral University, University of Phoenix, Countrywide, American Express and Phillips Petroleum. She currently teaches public relations and media writing for the University of Arizona Global Campus as an adjunct faculty member.
Julia Wallace Smith is a writer and editor who enjoys turning complex, technical information into understandable and compelling information. Currently employed with Gainwell Technologies, Julia works closely with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to plan and develop communications and reference materials for Indiana Medicaid providers. Julia has worked in many industries, including healthcare, finance, commercial, and manufacturing. She has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi and is certified as an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) through the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Julia enjoys traveling to new places and spending time with family, friends, and her two adopted dogs.