SAN FRANCISCO, CA – 14 June 2012 – The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Accreditation Committee presented its annual Rae Hamlin Award for Volunteer Service within the accreditation program to Mary Ann McCauley, ABC at the IABC 2012 World Conference in Chicago, Sunday 24 June.

This year’s recipient, Mary Ann McCauley, is president and principal of Catalyst Communications, Inc., which provides communication counsel to a broad spectrum of businesses and nonprofits. Her experience involves working closely with senior management to develop and implement strategic corporate communication plans. Catalyst Communications is based in Chanhassen, MN.

A member since 1971, McCauley’s IABC involvement has been broad and continuous, including serving twice on the international board, as well as board tours at the local, district and regional levels. Her time and talents as a volunteer were recognized in 2000 as recipient of the IABC Chairman’s Award for her outstanding contributions to the association and profession. Over the years, her contributions to accreditation extend deep into the program’s foundation and management. McCauley’s leadership roles on the IABC Accreditation Council include serving as the 2003–2005 chair and she has been involved in creating and revising the program’s written exams and policies. She has been a regular presenter, promoting accreditation at the chapter and international levels.

“Mary Ann is the epitome of what the Rae Hamlin Award honors in volunteer service to the ABC credential. Many know of her leadership years but few know the impact she continues to have in coaching, evaluating and grading current candidates as they progress through the rigorous process. She has been instrumental in supporting candidates both in and outside of North America to ensure the global standard is maintained,” said Mary Hills, ABC, past chair of Accreditation Committee.

“The accreditation program is an outstanding way to continue my lifelong learning because I gain so much from candidates through the coaching, portfolio evaluating and exam grading,” said McCauley. “The Rae Hamlin award is especially cherished by me as I worked with Rae for many years and learned so much from her.”

The Rae Hamlin Award for Volunteer Service was inaugurated in 2010 in memory of Rae Hamlin, ABC, who was instrumental in the development and success of the program Hamlin, who passed away in 2009, was an advocate for accreditation and the association in her 25 years with IABC, including serving as an accreditation staff coordinator at IABC’s headquarters in San Francisco. The award honors individuals for their work and impact, at the grass-roots level, in advancing the accreditation credential in their chapter, region or workplace, as well as work done outside of an IABC leadership position. The selection the recipient is made by the past chair of the accreditation committee with input from the chair and vice chair.

About IABC Accreditation

IABC’s accreditation program is the global standard of professional achievement for business communicators. Accredited members practicing around the world apply the same strategic management process in all communication disciplines, across diverse cultures, and in for-profit and nonprofit organizations of all sizes. This peer-reviewed program challenges candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of strategic communication planning, implementation, measurement and ethics. Candidates who meet all requirements earn the designation Accredited Business Communicator (ABC). Visit the Accreditation’s web site for more information.

About IABC

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a global network of communication professionals committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communication. Established in 1970, IABC serves more than 14,000 members in 85 countries. For more information, visit www.iabc.com.