Tammy L. Nienaber – President
Before starting TLN Communicate in 2018, Tammy spent more than a decade leading internal and external communications for Great Clips, Inc. Before Great Clips, Tammy held communication roles with Best Buy Co., the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber, and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Tammy earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications and public relations from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a master's degree in management from University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. An IABC member since 2006 and a board member since 2014, Tammy believes in the power of IABC to help its members grow professionally, build their networks and raise the bar for communications excellence.
Camie Melton Hanily – President Elect
Camie is senior manager of communications for Eaton Corporation where she oversees internal and external communications across the group and globe. She started her career as a television news reporter before becoming the communications director for Eden Prairie Schools. She later led media relations and a communications Center of Expertise for Fairview Health Services, the largest healthcare system in Minnesota. Camie is certified in Change Management and has a master’s degree in Communications.
Sarah Matsumoto – Past President
Sarah is a marketing manager at Capella University. She has a broad range of experience in content and digital marketing, public relations and corporate communications. She has gained valuable experience working for companies such as Patterson Companies, Bluespire Marketing, Beehive PR and Weber Shandwick. A 2010 graduate of the University of Minnesota, Sarah earned her bachelor's degree in communication studies, with an emphasis on strategic communications. Sarah is passionate about IABC Minnesota and the opportunities it affords members to enhance their career and personal growth.
Ianthe Zabel – Secretary
Ianthe specializes in earned media and public affairs expertise through her communications consultancy, 202 Strategy. 202 is the area code in Washington, D.C., where she spent 15 years leading integrated media relations teams on Capitol Hill, for a federal financial regulatory agency, and for the mutual fund industry. She also worked in corporate communications for UnitedHealth Group after she relocated from D.C. to Minnesota.
A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism, Ianthe started her career as a local television news reporter.
Paul Omodt, ABC, APR – VP Finance
Paul is Owner and Principal of Omodt & Associates Critical Communications, a full-service public relations firm. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas where he teaches integrated communications. He holds professional accreditations from IABC and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Paul earned his undergraduate degree and master's degree in business communications from the University of St. Thomas.
Cathryn Baker – VP Membership
Cathryn has a 15-year track record managing high profile employee and executive communications. She has competitive professional experience with reputable brands including Target, FedEx Office, KFC Global, Southwest Airlines and 3M. Her performance and contributions have earned IABC Quill Awards for excellence in publication, digital and audio/visual communications. Today, she provides strategic communications direction to senior executives of product, engineering and marketing as the manager of executive communications for Indeed. Cathryn is an Inroads alumna with an undergraduate degree in Public Relations from the University of St. Thomas.
Andy Gardner – VP Communications
Andy is a Digital Communication Manager at Prime Therapeutics where he focuses on advancing the company’s internal and external digital communication program. His skill set includes web content strategy, employee communication, user experience, web analytics, and digital capability planning. Andy holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Winona State University.
Melissa Gilman – VP Sponsorship
Melissa is Corporate Communications Manager for Land O’Lakes, Inc., where she manages employee and executive communications. Melissa earned a master’s degree in Liberal Studies from Hamline University, a graduate certificate in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University and a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from St. Cloud State University. Prior to her career in communications and PR, Melissa worked as a reporter and editor, including serving as the founding editor-in-chief of Savvy.mn Magazine.
Mike Walsh, ABC, APR – VP Ext. Comm
Michael is the owner of Michael Walsh Communications, a public relations, social media and strategic communications consulting firm. He was formerly vice president of Corporate Communications for U.S. Bank. Prior to that he held leadership roles in PR and communications for Capella Education Company and the Wilder Foundation. Michael holds a master's degree in business communications, as well as a bachelor's degree in print journalism, from the University of St. Thomas. He has accreditations from both IABC and PRSA.
Celia Hubbartt – VP Prof Development
Celia works as an Account Manager with Periscope. In addition to all things PR and copywriting, Celia is experienced with event planning, content marketing and community relations. She has provided valuable intel and strategy to clients across a myriad of industries. Prior to Periscope, Celia held roles with Patterson Companies, Woodruff Sweitzer, and the YWCA. She is a graduate of Minnesota State University Mankato, where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mass communications, public relations emphasis, and German.