Residing in Melbourne, a communication expert, Ross Monaghan has been appointed as the new Regional Chair for the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Asia Pacific board for the 2024/25 term. In his new role, Ross will guide a team of eleven directors, focusing on enhancing the significant contributions of communication professionals across the Asia Pacific, a region home to over 60% of the world’s population.
Ross Monaghan, also as an experienced strategic communicator, shared his vision for the year ahead: “Effective communication is crucial for all organizations. The work our members do is vital yet often goes unnoticed. In these uncertain times, the role of professional communicators in ensuring accurate and consistent two-way communication is more important than ever. They are key in helping organizations and communities navigate challenges and reach their full potential.”
Ross’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the IABC APAC Region, which is preparing for its regional conference, FUsion25, set to take place in Manila next year. He expressed his enthusiasm: “There’s a lot happening daily in the communication field. Our plans include offering better support, fostering connections among peers, and providing targeted learning and development opportunities.”
Joining Ross on the board are notable figures such as Barbara Pesel of Pesel & Carr as Vice Chair, Heather Young from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University as Secretary, and Sam Sinclair of Six O’Clock Advisory as Treasurer. Additional board members include Mae Loon, Chris Saxby, Birgit Schonafinger, Melinda Coyne, Liza Vengco, Kane Errol Choa, Anthony Alcantara, Lynda Corpuz, and Sarah Toaldo.
Ross Monaghan has an impressive background in communication. At the 2019 Deakin Teaching and Learning Conference, he presented his trial of Cadmus in his strategic communication writing unit, likening it to “Google Docs on steroids.” His participation in the 2020 IABC Victoria’s Great Debate highlighted his belief that “communication is all about winning hearts and minds,” with storytelling being a central component.
Ross began his career as a journalist working for a regional daily newspaper and spent several years in general news reporting before completing his BA in Management Communication at Deakin University. Through the Deakin internship program, Ross secured a public affairs position at BHP, where he spent eight years managing internal and external communication issues, including industrial accidents and environmental group activities. His experience further expanded when he joined Optus as Community Relations Manager, dealing with public affairs, regulatory and community issues, including an Australian Senate Inquiry into mobile phone health effects.
Ross’s extensive experience in the telecommunications industry includes roles such as CEO of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association and Chairman of the Mobile Carriers Forum. He has advised and represented major organizations like BHP, Telstra, and Optus. His combination of communication theory and practical experience has equipped him to handle a range of issues at all levels of government and media.
Currently, as a lecturer at Deakin University, Ross continues to advance the field of strategic communication and public relations through his innovative teaching methods and practical applications.