Mel is the founder and CEO 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.

Maree is a communications powerhouse with a strong creative streak and extensive social, print and broadcast media knowledge.

Her skills in traditional PR and stakeholder engagement pair perfectly with her background in journalism to give her an understanding of both sides of the industry.

During her five years with Elevate, Maree has managed strategic communication programs for clients such as NightOwl Convenience, Surf Life Saving Australia, Eagle Boys Pizza, Bondor, Mr Rental and Frosty Boy Australia.

Maree holds a Bachelor of Mass Communication (Media Production and Journalism) from the University of Southern Queensland and is a professional member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia. 

With a passion for digital media, Olivia brings a contemporary approach to the PR and communications field.

Building on a platform of visual content and a constant search for innovative digital opportunities, she has quickly built a reputation for achieving results for clients across a range of platforms with solid integration into digital marketing tactics, web and more traditional PR offerings. Capitalising on her technical and digital skills, Olivia has converted many clients to alternate communication platforms, over and above traditional media and corporate channels. Coupled with her likeable personality, strong organisational skills and determination to achieve results, Olivia has proven herself exemplary in managing integrated communication programs for a suite of clients.

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, 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.

With the support of Elevate’s professional development program, she has positioned herself as a leader in strategic digital content creation and marketing. This influence has filtered through to Elevate’s internship program, the Queensland University landscape and professional networking groups, where she mentors young professionals in the digital communication space.

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.

Chloe is a skilled Public Relations and Communications all-rounder, experienced in developing strategic communications that achieve tangible outcomes for Elevate’s clients.

As a creative and innovative thinker with a keen interest for embracing new ways of distributing content, Chloe is driven to achieve results both in the realm of traditional public relations and newer forms of digital communications. 

Most recently, Chloe has managed the strategic development and dissemination of the digital program for an international online travel agent across a variety of digital communication channels including social media, EDMs and content marketing.

She also managed the national media campaign for a well known QLD not-for-profit organisation which secured the weather cross-segment with Channel 9 Today as well attendance from news crews from every major Australian TV station (Channel 9, Channel 7, WIN TV and Ten news). 

Chloe holds a Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Media and Communication (Public Relations) at the Queensland University of Technology and is an active 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.

Jackie has helped Australian businesses grow their audience, brand awareness and revenue through strategy development, content writing and media liaison.

With eleven years experience in agency and in-house communications roles, Jackie is an established industry professional who has managed the PR accounts for McDonald’s Qld/NT, Baskin-Robbins, Sunny Queen Australia, Crime Stoppers Queensland, Propell National Valuers and many more.

Jackie is outcome and results driven, and works hard to ensure clients continue to see the value in a public relations investment. She is adept at responding to challenges and change quickly and efficiently and ensures all activity contributes to overall business goals and vision.

Jackie holds a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Professional Communication from Central Queensland University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business majoring in International Event Management from the University of Queensland. 

Kim’s impressive count of events has hit 300 and is rapidly rising. She has produced everything from large charity campaign events and stakeholder roundtables, to multi-day annual conferences and community forums.

Over the past 14 years Kim has accrued vast experience across all aspects of event management: from lead generation to post-event evaluation to everything in between.

She is also a highly skilled project manager, overseeing the development of internal communication channels, change management programs, corporate communication materials and online portals.

Kim holds an Advanced Diploma in Marketing from APM Training Institute specialising in Sports and Entertainment Management and is an active member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and the Professional Conference Organisers Association.

Yevonne is a passionate, award-winning PR practitioner with a career spanning across the healthcare, not-for-profit, consumer and lifestyle industries.

With four years’ experience in agency, Yevonne’s strengths lie in strategic communications, media relations and content writing. She is driven to exceed client expectations by delivering strategic thinking that achieves measurable and tangible results for her clients’ objectives and goals.

Yevonne understands the power of storytelling and strives to craft meaningful messages that stand out in a crowded market.

In 2019, Yevonne was awarded with ‘Highly Commended’ as Mumbrella CommsCon’s Best New PR Talent for her achievements and contributions to the PR industry, which recognised her use of strategic and innovative communications to make impactful differences for her clients as well as her leadership in mentoring the next generation of PR professionals.

Yevonne holds a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Entertainment Industries) and a Bachelor of Business (Public Relations) from Queensland University of Technology.

Matt is a highly skilled media and communications professional, having worked for over five years across both Australia and the UK within in-house and agency settings. Most recently he has returned from working in London for several years where he oversaw large projects with well-known brands within the tech, gaming and entertainment spaces. There he further refined his talents in creative writing, editing, media and publicity, digital trends, internal communications, event management and more.

He has also managed multi-staged campaigns for domestic and international clients across a broad range of sectors, including FMCG, franchise, not-for-profit, health, beauty, mining, construction and turn-key FF&E packages. He has a proven track record and has procured fantastic results for his clients with national and international media in print, online, TV and radio.

With his vast experience across multiple sectors, he is a creative wordsmith and an accomplished all-rounder with a keen knack for big picture thinking, creative problem solving and providing expert advice on implementing communications in effective ways.

Matt also has experience as a freelance writer for several print and online publications, including News Corp and SBS Australia.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the Queensland University of Technology.

Results driven and outcome focused, Joshua has a strong desire to see clients excel in their organisational pursuits through communication excellence.

His experience in agency positions and across multiple industries has allowed him to develop a broad, yet fine-tuned, toolkit which he uses to help Elevate’s clients achieve their communication objectives.

Josh has developed a keen interest in working alongside corporate clients as they navigate the business minefield and enjoys helping them identify their niche. He upholds a strong belief that articulating a client’s point of difference through the power of storytelling is the key to achieving a voice in a crowded landscape.

Josh brings to the Elevate team his strong writing and content creation abilities. Coupled with a results-driven approach, Josh will strive to ensure outstanding outcomes are achieved for all of Elevate’s clients.

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

Jeremy looks to add another dimension to Elevate’s comprehensive repertoire, through the application of his marketing and advertising background.

He enjoys taking the time to think analytically about brand identity before developing an effective strategy. Jeremy understands that to create a truly successful marketing and message strategy, a deep understanding of the client and their consumer must be achieved.

He has a passion for delivering creative social media campaigns by engaging his clever copywriting skills to penetrate today’s digital noise. This, along with his knowledge of digital analytics and advertising, couple to create integrated marketing strategies that deliver results for our clients.

Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Business Management majoring in both Marketing and Advertising at the University of Queensland.

From creating high quality content to supporting clients, Micayla is enthusiastic in her approach to public relations.

Working with Elevate, Micayla is passionate about soaking up experience from her colleagues, in order to ensure she delivers the best results.

She has a passion for creating and delivering effective digital campaigns, with the utilisation of her creative and copywriting skills. As well as this, Micayla strives to bring fresh ideas and existing knowledge of the market and industry to the Elevate team to deliver positive results for clients.

Micayla 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 and is now an integral part of the team as a Communication Assistant.

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.

Ankita has an eagle eye for detail and a thirst for perfection honed over 20 years in bookkeeping and financial services.

She provides Elevate with professional bookkeeping and accounting services, keeping all finances in check.

Her professional insight and advice are invaluable, and have proved pivotal for Elevate’s ongoing growth and success.

Ankita is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a registered BAS agent and certified cloud accounting specialist with strong professional experience in accounting and consulting services.