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IABC/Houston Honors Executive, Member Communicators of the Year
HOUSTON-(Business Wire)-May 6, 2008 - The Houston chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) named Dr. Giuseppe Colasurdo, dean of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, its Executive Communicator of the Year. David B. McKinney, ABC, APR, Communications Manager at Shell Oil Company's Deer Park refinery and chemical plant, was named Member Communicator of the Year.
The prestigious awards were presented April 24 at the organization's annual Bronze Quill Awards banquet at the Junior League of Houston.
Dr. Colasurdo, who is also the H. Wayne Hightower Professor in the Medical Sciences, is the ninth recipient of the award, which recognizes excellence in leadership, management, and communication skills. Recipients are chosen for their achievements in "initiating, directing, supporting, or sustaining outstanding and effective communication programs" and demonstrating "solid understanding and support of communication within his or her organization with the highest professional and ethical standards in fulfilling his or her responsibilities."
Judges cited Dr. Colasurdo for his "great breadth of communication vehicles" and reaching "varieties of audiences." Working under the belief that "great leaders must be great communicators," he has used communication to effectively enlighten and motivate the students and employees at the Medical School.
Dr. Colasurdo was named dean of the Medical School Sept. 1, 2007, and since that time has distributed a weekly e-mail to all faculty, staff, and students; addressed numerous constituent groups; and held town hall meetings.
"I have quickly learned the importance and the power of communication," he said.
McKinney, the member communicator of the year, has been with Shell since 1980 and has been communications manager of the Deer Park refinery and chemical plant since 2000. He is an IABC accredited business communicator and also holds the accredited in public relations designation from the Public Relations Society of America. In 2007, the PRSA Houston chapter named him the public relations professional of the year.
To be eligible for the Member Communicator of the Year, members had to win an award of excellence in the 2008 Bronze Quill competition. Eligible candidates were asked to describe their recent communication challenges, accomplishments and contributions.
In addition to his position at Shell, McKinney is also an adjunct professor of communications at the University of Houston, and has authored several articles and white papers for communication textbooks and professional publications. At Shell, he has been instrumental in developing strategies and materials for hurricane preparedness and heightened air quality issues, and strengthened internal communications at the 1,700-employee, 24-hour-a-day refinery and chemical plant operation. He also has developed and implemented an annual social performance plan, for which he won the Award of Excellence.
"When I made the transition from newspaper reporter to corporate communications some 30 years ago, I was a one-person department in a large company," said McKinney. "One of the best decisions I made was to join IABC. Since that time, I have considered IABC and its members to be part of my extended department in terms of resources, counsel and even personal friendships."
About IABC/Houston
With more than 300 members, IABC/Houston is part of a global network of communications professionals committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communications. IABC/Houston offers a range of local services, including professional development meetings and workshops, member newsletters and award programs. The chapter also provides an excellent opportunity for local networking with peers. For more information, visit www.iabchouston.com
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