IABC/San Diego Names Angie Robert 2024 Communicator of the Year and Aasrita Patibandla Junior COTY

The San Diego chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) has named Angie Robert its 2024 Communicator of the Year (COTY) and Aasrita Patibandla its Junior COTY. The COTY awards recognize greater San Diego area-based leaders who demonstrate strategic excellence in communication.

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“We are thrilled to honor these two exceptional communications professionals, who have not only excelled in their roles but have also helped elevate the communications profession in the San Diego business community” said Brandee Beiriger and Rob Campbell, co-Presidents of IABC San Diego. “This is the 11^th year of the IABC San Diego COTY award, and Angie and Aasrita join an illustrious group of professionals who have helped some of San Diego’s leading companies grow and thrive.”

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Robert is a Principal Executive Communications Leader at Intuit, while also serving as Global Co-Chair of the Intuit Women’s Network. In her role in executive communications, Angie supports product, money, design, and business operations teams for the QuickBooks brand with strategic communications, change management, employee engagement, executive leadership and messaging and narrative building. Robert’s more than 20 years of experience in communications spans diverse industries and roles, including public relations, internal and external digital communications, social media and crisis management. Based in San Diego, Robert enjoys indoor cycling and actively engages in youth sports as a coach and supporter outside of work.

“IABC has long been the most innovative and cutting-edge organization for professional communicators, so it is truly an honor to receive this recognition,” said Robert. “Receiving this award is a powerful reminder of the significance of the communications discipline, and the importance of building relationships that lift both corporations and people up to their highest potential.”

Patibandla is a Web and Systems Strategist at San Diego State University, where she is responsible for managing critical technical operations for the university's digital landscape. Collaborating closely with stakeholders, she supports projects to enhance the university's online presence and optimize key systems like the email automation and website. With prior experience at Arizona State University, where she boosted web presence and community engagement, Aasrita brings valuable expertise to her role. Committed to continuous growth, she is preparing to embark on an MBA journey at SDSU's Fowler College of Business starting in Fall 2024.

"It is truly humbling and an immense honor to be recognized by IABC-San Diego among such exceptional corporate communicators. I deeply appreciate IABC's initiative in spotlighting the impactful work being done within the field of communication,” said Patibandla. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership at SDSU for their consistent support, their emphasis on the importance of effective communication, and for nurturing an environment where employees can thrive."

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The IABC/San Diego COTY Award recognizes a greater San Diego leader who demonstrates strategic excellence in communication and serves as an outstanding example to others through quality of work and contributions to the communications profession. Likewise, the Junior COTY recognizes a communications professional with less than seven years of experience who is already doing amazing work. Robert and Patibandla were recognized in a special celebration on May 29, 2024, at Karl Strauss Brewing Company in Sorrento Mesa. 

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COTY nominations were submitted by their peers and entries were evaluated using the following criteria: demonstrating strong leadership, management and communication skills; developing communication strategies that contribute to the ongoing success of the organization; using effective internal and external communications; communicating to diverse audiences; exemplifying the role of leader in communication.

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For more information on the IABC/San Diego COTY award, visit the IABC/San Diego website.  

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About IABC/San Diego

Setting a standard of excellence since 1970, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) includes thousands of members from around the world, representing many of the Global Fortune 500 companies. IABC serves professionals in the field of business communication, bringing together the profession’s collective disciplines. We deliver on the Global Standard in communication through our educational offerings, certification, awards program, resource library, online magazine and annual World Conference. 

The IABC San Diego chapter serves as a vibrant resource for career growth, professional development, networking, mentorship and channels for local communications professionals. Members have exclusive access to information, tools, resources and services that provide ideas and solutions for the business communications issues communicators face today and will face tomorrow.

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