And our IABC/Toronto Communicator of the Year is…
We are thrilled to award Jodi Kovitz, CEO and Founder of #movethedial, with IABC/Toronto’s 2019 Communicator of the Year Award. In January 2017, Jodi launched #movethedial, an organization that aims to increase the participation and leadership of all women in tech. She also wrote a book, “Go Out of Your Way: How One Small Act Can Move the Dial in Business and Life”, a must-read for those who believe in the power of people, relationships, and building genuine connections.
We all know that the concept of diversity, equity and inclusion in leadership is important, but it somehow remains a hurdle that many organizations strive to overcome. Jodi has used her skills as a communicator to truly #movethedial and effect change by being both a source of inspiration to other women, and by showing organizations and leaders how to make a big difference through achievable actions.
The IABC/Toronto Board was unanimous in its support of Jodi, commenting that:
- Jodi has effectively painted a picture of the positive impact that advancing women in tech can and will create.
- She is clearly an excellent choice for Communicator of the Year. Her experience and passion in the field of technology and in reflecting the diversity of the people creating the solutions is very motivating and engaging.
- It’s clear that Jodi is an excellent storyteller, and will be a great addition to our COTY community.
Jodi was selected as a finalist by the IABC/Toronto Board who identified her as a standout among 21 qualified nominees. Maliha Aqeel, PMP, SCMP nominated Jodi, stating that, “Jodi has transformed her passion for advancing girls and women in STEM into a global movement for diversity.”Appreciation also goes out to these senior communicators who contributed to the nominee roster: Linda Andross, ABC, MC; Eric Bergman, MC, ABC, APR; and Priya Bates, ABC, MC, SCMP, IABC Fellow.
Press release
View the full press release here
About Communicator of the Year (COTY)
IABC/Toronto’s Communicator of the Year Award recognizes a Greater Toronto Area executive whose demonstrated leadership and communications skills drive business results, or have had a substantially positive influence on the community.
The Communicator of the Year exemplifies excellence in communications and demonstrates a strong commitment to communication in their professional work.
The honoree must:
- Work in the Greater Toronto Area
- Have a demonstrated ability to communicate successfully
- Have had a positive influence with key stakeholder and the community
- Demonstrates a strong code of ethics
Only one person may be recognized as the Communicator of the Year each year. The winner will receive the award at an event held in their honour where they make an address.
Past COTY Recipients:
Maayan Ziv, Founder and CEO of AccessNow (2018)
Masai Ujiri, President, Toronto Raptors (2017)
Andy Byford, CEO, Toronto Transit Commission (2016)
Stefan Sjöstrand, President, IKEA Canada (2015)
- Alan Middleton, Executive Director, Schulich Executive Education Centre (SEEC) and Assistant Professor of Marketing, Schulich Business School at York University (2014)
- Ted Garrard, President and CEO, SickKids Foundation (2013)
- Jim Grieve, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ontario Ministry of Education (2012)
- Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of CAMH (2011)
- Peter Aceto, President and Chief Executive Officer of ING Direct (2010)
- Rob Devitt, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto East General Hospital (2009)
- Philip Blake, President and CEO of Bayer Inc. (2008)
- Annette Verschuren, President of Home Depot Canada (2007)
- Mayor Hazel McCallion, City of Mississauga (2006)
- Malcolm Heins of Law Society of Upper Canada (2005)
- Wayne Fyffe of Credit Valley Hospital (2004)
- Edward Marra of Nestlé Canada (2003)
- David Booth of Compaq Canada Corp. (2002)
- Paul Tsaparis of Hewlett-Packard Canada (2001)
- Marguerite Jackson of the Toronto District School Board (2000)
- Rudy Riedl of Enbridge Consumers Gas (1999)
- Jeff Lozon of St. Michael’s Hospital (1998)
- Paul Lucas of Glaxo Wellcome Inc. (1997)