IABC NSW announces its 2026 Board
IABC NSW has announced its 2026 Board, led by President Patrick Armstrong and supported by newly appointed Co-Vice Presidents Rhys Kelly and Lucy Hose, with a focus on professional development, global standards and strengthening the communications community across NSW.
The full text of the release:
February 2026
IABC NSW unveils a dynamic new 2026 Board, dedicated to creating a space where communicators can learn and thrive in a truly global community.
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) NSW Chapter today announced its 2026 Board, bringing together a powerful line-up of communication leaders dedicated to elevating the practice and profile of professional communicators across the state.
Continuing to lead the chapter is Patrick Armstrong (President), a globally experienced strategic communications leader whose career spans industries including financial services, consultancy, higher education, IT, and government. Patrick also lectures in communications, marketing, and brand at UNSW Business School.
Supporting him are newly appointed Co-Vice Presidents, Rhys Kelly, and Lucy Hose, who step into expanded leadership roles to guide member value, engagement, and strategic initiatives in 2026.
- Rhys Kelly, also serving as Treasurer, brings extensive leadership experience across brand, communications, fundraising, crisis management, and advocacy. A winner of the 2025 IABC Gold Quill Award, she advises organisations on enhancing communication strategy and governance.
- Lucy Hose, Senior Communications Manager at HealthShare NSW, is a specialist in strategic engagement and change communication across complex systems. Lucy holds SCMP® certification and a Chartered Institute of Marketing postgraduate diploma.
Newly appointed directors of the board include Ali Al-Naseri, Phillippa Baume, Kate Hamilton, Kate Neilson, and Camille Penrose, as well as Thought Leadership advisor Michael Vincent and Board Associate Mahir Munot.
They join returning directors Patrick Armstrong, Rhys Kelly, Lucy Hose, Helen Pennock, Hallie Donkin, and Mione Collins. Pennock stays on as secretary, and Donkin and Collins continue to drive and deliver an exciting events program for the NSW Chapter. The combination of new and existing board members ensures strong continuity and a deep skillset across strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, governance, creative leadership, crisis response, and reputation management.
The chapter also acknowledges and thanks its outgoing directors – Asha Oberoi, Jeremy Hyman, and Paula Batho – for their significant and lasting contribution to the NSW communication community.
“At IABC NSW, our mission is to be the career partner of choice for communication professionals,” says Patrick Armstrong, President, IABC NSW.
“As part of a truly global community, our members gain access to world-class learning resources, shared interest groups, global events, and best-practice standards that elevate our profession.
“From outstanding local programs to international conferences, accredited credentials and rich online learning, IABC offers connection, capability and career momentum at every stage.”
Driving excellence and building a vibrant communications community in 2026
The newly formed board will lead a year focused on:
- strengthening professional development opportunities for communicators,
- expanding member networks across sectors,
- amplifying global IABC standards in ethics, strategy, and measurement,
- fostering a friendly, vibrant community of practice across NSW,
- and remaining as a supportive and ongoing career partner for members.
The board was officially endorsed following the chapter’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, on 3 December and recently held its first official meeting to align on how to deliver value and benefit to all its members.
About IABC NSW
IABC NSW is part of a global association connecting communication professionals with the people, insights and learning that accelerate careers and lift practice standards. The NSW chapter represents members across corporate communication, government, higher education, NFP, consultancy and agency environments.
