Sarah Bilyeu Named IABC/San Diego 2021 Communicator Of The Year

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) San Diego chapter names Sarah Bilyeu, senior vice president of business development and community relations at San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU), 2021 Communicator of the Year (COTY).

IABC/San Diego’s COTY Award recognizes a greater San Diego leader who demonstrates strategic excellence in communications and serves as an outstanding example to others through quality of work and contributions to the communications profession.

“We are thrilled to honor Sarah with IABC/San Diego’s eighth annual, communicator of the year award. She demonstrates what it takes to be a strategic communications professional and community leader,” said Jayanti Menches, president, IABC/San Diego.

Sarah is known for her exceptional leadership style and intense pride and passion for her work.  Her extensive background in internal and external communications has contributed to the success of SDCCU’s business development and community relations programs.  

In addition to her successful career, Sarah has a long history with IABC and her tireless support of the communications community. She served as president of the IABC/San Diego chapter in 2016-2017 and has held several board positions over the years.

At SDCCU, Sarah is responsible for defining and implementing the organization’s community relations, public relations and business development strategy including elevating brand awareness throughout Southern California. She coordinates and maintains strategic relationships with local companies and community organizations as well as at SDCCU’s more than 40 branch locations.

Sarah’s work has been recognized by numerous organizations. She was named to San Diego Metro Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, and in 2013 won an IABC Gold Quill for a Brand Advertising Marketing Campaign, Internal Communications Strategy.

During her tenure, SDCCU has won a 2019 Community Business Leader award from Orange County LGBT Pride, Orange County Business Journal and OneOC’s 2019 Orange County; The Civic 50, 2018 Spirit of Stonewall Awards by San Diego LGBT Pride; the 2018 North San Diego Business Chamber award; and a MarCom and MAC (Marketing Association of Credit Unions) awards for SDCCU Stuff the Bus, an annual campaign that provides school supplies for students in need.

Sarah joins a list of outstanding IABC/San Diego COTY award winners including Kate Griffin – 2020, Mike Godfrey – 2019, Margie Newman – 2018, Lisa Hunter – 2017, Anna Davison – 2016, Marilyn Olson – 2015 and Cason Lane – 2014.

IABC/ San Diego will honor Sarah at a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 27. Join the celebration by registering for the free event.

About IABC/San Diego

IABC/San Diego is the local chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). With close to 70 members and a network of hundreds, IABC/San Diego is the leading community for San-Diego based communicators to network with, learn from and recognize each other. At IABC/San Diego business communicators join their peers to share knowledge and experience, grow skills and enhance professional success. As part of an international IABC network, IABC/San Diego members influence and interact with communication practitioners around the globe.

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