Mel is the founder and Managing Director of Elevate Communication. She started the company in 2007 and has built it into one of the most successful, independent communication agencies in Australia.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Mel has worked for some of the world’s top companies and brands in Europe, Australia and New Zealand including Diageo, Westpac, Domino’s Pizza, Frosty Boy Australia, QSuper, Sodexo and the Surf Life Saving Foundation to name a few.

With an enviable network of contacts worldwide, Mel specialises in issues and reputation management, stakeholder engagement and strategic communication advice and management.

Mel holds a Bachelor of Business (Public Relations) from Queensland University of Technology and a Diploma of Business German from the University of Queensland.

She is a professional member of the Registered Consultancy Group and currently holds the position of Queensland President of the Public Relations Institute of Australia.

Mark is an experienced business manager responsible for Elevate’s business development, finance and operations.

He has more than 20 years’ experience with international organisations, including multinational alcoholic beverage producer Diageo.

His commercial and business savvy make Mark an invaluable member of Elevate’s senior management team.

A multi-skilled operator, Mark negotiates acquisitions for property and assets, and financially forecasts and budgets to ensure the ongoing success and growth of the company.

An experienced and passionate communications leader, Mai has led high-performing agency teams in both the UK and Australia in a career spanning almost two decades.

Mai oversees the Elevate team with a focus on providing strategic and creative guidance, driving operational excellence and consistently seeking ways to add client value.

Specialising in strategic communication, she has extensive experience in integrated campaign management, PR and media relations, issues and crisis management, digital marketing and copywriting. Key clients have included Procter & Gamble, American Express, Land Securities, Pernod Ricard, Johnson&Johnson and adidas, for whom she headed up retained global agency accounts from London, UK.

Mai holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Manchester.

A dynamic marketing and communication professional, Shannan has more than 13 years of strategic marketing, communication and stakeholder relations experience across private and public sectors, including large complex projects and organisations.

With B2C, B2B and government experience, Shannan is passionate about, and experienced in, delivering insights-driven strategies to achieve business outcomes.

Shannan holds a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Management) and a Bachelor of Business (Public Relations) from the Queensland University of Technology.

Renee has more than 20 years’ experience working in media and communications and is passionate about driving results for Elevate’s clients. She is an expert in brand protection and enhancement, including crisis communications and reputational risk management.

Prior to joining Elevate as our Head of Communication Renee spent nearly a decade leading one of Queensland’s largest communications teams at RACQ. She guided the organisation through its brand protection strategy following the 2011 floods, communications for the 2016 merger with Queensland Teachers Mutual Bank and State and Federal election lobbying campaigns. She has vast experience working closely with the media and effecting change for the community through award winning advocacy campaigns.

Renee was News Director for radio newsrooms in Sydney and Brisbane and has also worked as a journalist at some of the biggest radio stations in the country. She has extensive experience as a prominent corporate spokesperson, allowing her to provide unique and expert advice to Elevate’s clients on speaking with the media.

Renee holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Queensland and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Marcus boasts over 14 years of experience in business advisory services, SME valuation services, merger & acquisition services, management accounting services, financial performance analysis, complex business financial modelling, taxation services, and small business compliance.

Marcus currently holds a BCom, DipFP, JP (Qual), GradDipAppFin, Chartered Accountant, CA Business Valuation Specialist, Tax Agent.

A versatile and resourceful professional, Kim’s detailed and logical approach combined with her extensive problem solving skills, sees her to oversee the business’ systems, policies and processes in order to deliver operational efficiencies for both the company and its clients.

With a career spanning almost 20-years across a number of operational and administrative roles and responsibilities, which has been complemented by her background in events and marketing, Kim has cultivated a unique understanding of the requirements in how to effectively blend business operations in an agency environment.

As a highly skilled Operations Manager, Kim has coordinated the development of online portals and websites, CRM and ERP systems, change management programs, new and revised human resources policy banks, and resourcing planners with multi-layered financials, to name a few.

Kim holds an Advanced Diploma in Marketing from APM Training Institute specialising in Sports and Entertainment Management and is an active member of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce.

Olivia is a multi-award winning communications professional who has a strong business acumen and is focused on delivering business outcomes that matter. Over the last 7 years, Olivia has focused on nurturing and fostering client relationships, and devising strategic growth plans for clients across B2B, B2C and Government organisations.

Being a wordsmith who is passionate about numbers, Olivia is strongly positioned to support businesses in developing roadmaps that achieve and exceed commercial goals.

Olivia has worked in agriculture, aviation, government/international relations, property, manufacturing, not-for-profit and lifestyle sectors, engaging with clients and media both in Australia and abroad, utilising her excellent people skills to create and maintain exceptional relationships regardless of where they may be located.

In 2018 and 2020, Olivia was awarded the Public Relations Institute of Australia’s Future Leader Award for her leadership in digital communication and her ability to integrate contemporary digital channels into a PR agency’s offering.

Olivia holds a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Public Relations from the University of Queensland and is a professional member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia.

Jose Abad is a seasoned communicator with over 20 years’ experience in corporate communication strategy, planning, implementation and media management in Australia and internationally.

Jose commits to his clients, learns their business and engages strategically and effectively to deliver outcomes while remaining vigilant for opportunities and risks.

He manages every detail of the client experience from strategy development, media, marketing and communication plans, issues and crisis management, social media, client liaison and project delivery.

He has expertise in working in both consultancy and in-house communications management positions in the corporate, property, food, agribusiness, mining and not for profit sectors.

Jose holds a Bachelor of Arts (Majors in Journalism and Communication) from the University of Queensland and is a professional member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and Australian Institute of Marketing.

Kristina is an experienced communications’ specialist with more than 15 years’ experience in Australia and the UK. She has worked across a range of sectors including education, environment and resources, healthcare, development and construction, franchises, state government and council.

She specialises in strategic and creative communication, strategic messaging and branding, issues and crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. Her approach centres on elevating clients’ reputations and ensuring they are speaking efficiently and effectively with their targets—internal audiences, external stakeholders, communities and media—in times of stability and growth, and in times of crisis.

Kristina grounds her advice in internationally recognised best practice and she is a sessional academic at The University of Queensland where she teaches crisis communication, issues management, stakeholder engagement, public relations and media strategies.

Kristina holds a Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing from The University of Queensland, and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Public Relations and Journalism from Griffith University.

Josh is an experienced communication professional with experience working in agency positions and across multiple industries, including defence, finance, agriculture, technology, and facilities management. He specialises in strategic implementation and execution of integrated corporate communication campaigns.

Often working with the Australian and New Zealand arms of global organisations, Josh supports his clients to excel in their organisational pursuits through communication excellence. His nuanced understanding of the role of communication in elevating clients’ business has resulted in a dedicated client base which includes some of his agency’s largest.

Through his sessional academic work at the University of Queensland, Josh is continually updating his best practice approaches to strategic communication direction and messaging. He works with academics to tailor lecture and tutorial materials with contemporary, real-world examples, and supports students to aspire to their chosen careers.

Joshua holds a dual Bachelor of Business and Journalism, majoring in Public Relations, at the Queensland University of Technology.

Adrienne is a strong communicator with a breadth of agency experience in creating and implementing PR and communication strategies. With more than four years’ experience, she has had the pleasure of working with a range of consumer and B2B clients in sectors such as Property, Architecture & Design, Health, Hospitality, Travel and Tech.

Having launched her career in Sydney, Adrienne comes armed with a stellar national and international network of media contacts that she is forever building on and leveraging in order to secure premium exposure for clients. This has also equipped her to work highly effectively in fast paced environments, ensuring she never misses a beat or the chance to jump on a new media opportunity.

While she enjoys crafting strong news stories that deliver results, Adrienne thrives on pushing creative boundaries whether that be through brand partnerships and collaborations, activations or events.

Adrienne holds a double degree, specifically a Bachelor of Business (Public Relations) and a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Media and Communications) from Queensland University of Technology.

Lauren Beale is a Digital Marketing Manager & Strategist with over 15 years of experience. Lauren’s passion is building & nurturing brands for growth online.

Lauren has been working in the digital and online marketing industry for over 15 years, working for companies such as Ninemsn, Qantas, and many other great corporations and SMBs across many industries including financial services and retail.

As a content specialist, Valaer has worked with both small businesses and corporations to grow audience through dynamic, search-optimized content that enhances brand visibility.

Most recently she was the director of content marketing for EZ Texting, a SaaS B2B tech company based in Southern California, and she previously ran content development teams for a variety of media brands like Livestrong.com and Forbes as well as a number of digital start-ups.

With a background in travel, food and lifestyle journalism, Valaer has a passion for narrative storytelling and wordsmithing, whether copywriting or video production.

With more than 11 years’ experience in stakeholder and account management, Lara is thrilled to join the Elevate team as our Marketing Manager. With a background in both print and digital media, advertising, content creation and strategic reporting, Lara thrives on communication and organisation to deliver exceptional outcomes for her clients.

Lara has experience managing stakeholder promotions in both print and digital media and is dedicated to building strong professional relationships through open communication, respect and trust. Most recently she was the Corporate Communications Business Officer for RACQ, specifically working with Queensland’s largest circulating magazine, The Road Ahead and the Publishing team.

Lara is eager to utilise the skills she has learned over the last decade to ensure Elevate clients achieve their business goals and receive the strongest possible return on investment.

Micayla is a passionate PR practitioner who has a natural talent for building and maintaining relationships.

With three years’ experience in agency, Micayla’s strengths lie in media relations, strategic communication and digital media. She is enthusiastic in her approach to public relations and goes above and beyond to achieve the best results for her clients.

Her experience spans across an eclectic range of industries including not-for-profit, beauty and lifestyle, consumer, defence, franchise and construction.

Micayla has a passion for creating and delivering effective media relations campaigns, with the use of her existing knowledge of the media landscape and ability to get cut-through in a crowded market.

She is ambitious and constantly seeking new opportunities to learn more about the industry and her clients, in which her excellent people skills enable her to do so.

Micayla proved her potential during an internship with Elevate in 2018 and is now an integral part of the team.

Micayla holds a dual degree consisting of a Bachelor of Business majoring in Public Relations and Creative Industries majoring in Fashion, at the Queensland University of Technology.

Caitlin is a creative and passionate communications professional, with demonstrated skills in stakeholder engagement, media relations, and change and issues management. Caitlin brings a diverse perspective to the Elevate team, with experience across a range of industries including not-for-profit, technology, health, education, property, agriculture, and hospitality.

With interests in design, business development, and the media landscape, Caitlin is strongly positioned to deliver effective and strategic outcomes across all manner of projects. Caitlin strongly believes in a people-centric approach to business, and strives to approach every project with innovation and excellence.

Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Queensland, and will soon complete a Bachelor of Graphic Design with Billy Blue College of Design.

A natural storyteller at heart, Natasha has proven experience in written and digital communications, media relations and digital marketing.

With a strong agency background, Natasha brings a wealth of experience in client management and executing engaging campaigns across the hospitality, retail, real estate and tourism industries.

Natasha takes a creative and enthusiastic approach to business and believes in thinking outside of the box, approaching every project with her fine eye for detail and innovation.

Natasha holds a dual degree consisting of a Bachelor of Business majoring in Public Relations and Creative Industries majoring in Media & Communication, at Queensland University of Technology.

Passionate and driven, Madeline looks to expand on her existing communication and content creation skills through her role with Elevate. Madeline has a strong background in written communication and brings a creative approach to challenges.

Her experience includes media relations and campaign execution in the not-for-profit sector, which achieved media coverage to encourage the enrolment of disengaged youths in vocational education programs.

As part of Madeline’s time in the non-profit sector, she facilitated workshops to help young adults who had exited formal education gain work-ready skills. When COVID-19 prevented face-to-face sessions, Madeline built an online platform to engage audiences with virtual content.

Following an internship with Elevate where she demonstrated her knack for copywriting and acute attention to detail, Madeline joined the team as a Communication Assistant. She has a keen interest in literature and the technical side of writing which has allowed her to create impactful written materials for clients.

Madeline is interested in working with clients who empower the communities they operate within.

Madeline is in her final year of university, studying a Bachelor of Communications and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland.

Mario is a digital marketing specialist that takes pride in enhancing a brand’s message by strategically implementing digital strategies to help it grow its presence with key audiences.

With a multi-disciplinary background, Mario specialises across several digital marketing avenues including creating contemporary strategies, providing insightful analysis, and creating polished marketing automations.

With experience as visual designer, Mario is also inclined to provide intuitive solutions and creative approaches to clients’ needs.

Energetic, imaginative and dedicated, Darly engages with fresh ideas and high-level thinking in public relations. She has experience in both private and not-for-profit sectors, working closely with clients to achieve inspirational, valuable, and worthwhile outcomes.

Darly produces creative solutions that showcase people, brand and values with her keen appreciation for the power of words and strategic aesthetics. Whether working behind the scenes or directly with clients, Darly strives with integrity to deliver powerful, relevant and timely results for our clients.

Darly holds a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Public Relations from the University of Queensland and was the 2022 valedictorian.

Thought-driven and with a passion for people, Jess has a particular interest in the area surrounding user experience. 

Jess’s strengths lie in her logical thought process and thorough writing and communication abilities where she aspires to develop innovative and creative solutions that are easily consumed by clients. 

Through her role at Elevate, Jess strives to go above and beyond to expand her existing skillset, while building meaningful relationships with the team and clients. 

Having completed an internship with Elevate at the beginning of 2022, Jess joined the team as a Digital Marketing Assistant after showcasing her willingness to learn and desire for a challenge. 

Jess is in her final year completing a double degree consisting of a Bachelor of Information Technology (Information Systems) and a Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media) at the Queensland University of Technology. 

Reiko is an emerging communications practitioner who aims to deliver professional work that bolsters the client’s brand ethos. With five years of experience in digital communications, she has developed skills in stylised content creation, and has a knack to brand and design anything she can get her hands on with an innovative storytelling flair.

As a fresh graduate with a dynamic attitude and hard-working candour, she enjoys taking out-of-the-box approaches to finding niche solutions for her clients. Her interests in culture, lifestyle and design push her to constantly discover ways to integrate contemporary ideas to working projects.

Reiko’s growth-oriented mindset and eagerness to prove herself in the industry brings a renewed perspective to challenging communication goals.

Reiko is set to graduate in July with a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Public Relations from the University of Queensland.