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When you partner with us, our team becomes an extension of yours. Elevate’s people are some of the industry’s most respected professionals, with skills in PR, corporate communication, traditional and digital marketing, event management, stakeholder engagement, and more.
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MANAGING DIRECTOR
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 is the immediate past President of the Public Relations Institute of Australia – Queensland.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
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.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
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.
GENERAL MANAGER
Helen is a highly skilled communication specialist with 34 years’ experience in corporate strategy, stakeholder engagement, community consultation, issues management and brand building.
Helen’s role as General Manager is to lead our Elevate specialists in communication, media, events and digital marketing to deliver best practice strategic communication and exceptional client service.
She is known for her strong insight and problem-solving capabilities, advising Boards and leadership teams on communication strategies to mitigate risk and strengthen stakeholder engagement.
Her industry experience includes education, health, infrastructure and property development, defence, resources and information technology.
Helen is passionate about the power of strategic communication to solve problems, celebrate achievements and leverage our clients’ investment in performance and operational excellence.
EVENTS & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
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 over 20-years, which has included more than nine years at Elevate, Kim has held a number of operational and administrative roles and responsibilities, which has been complemented by her comprehensive background in events and marketing.Â
Kim has accrued vast experience across all aspects of event management specialising in corporate events, Kim has successfully delivered a wide variety of events such as multi-day conferences, stakeholder roundtables and company product launches, as well as from large charity campaign events and community forums.​
Now in her dual role as Events & Operations Director, Kim continues to work closely with client account teams to ensure the successful of delivery of outcomes and provide strategic business support which incorporates the development of online portals and platforms, change management programs, new and revised human resources policy banks, and resourcing planners with multi-layered financials, to name a few.
MEDIA SPECIALIST
Michael has more than 30 years’ experience in the media industry, starting in print before moving into broadcast news. A passionate story-teller, his career has taken him from general reporting to news producing and ultimately leading a major metropolitan newsroom.
He has been on the frontline of the transformation of the media industry, adopting emerging technologies and a growing numbers of platforms for content distribution.Â
Along the way Michael has covered court, police, education, health, politics and elections at every level of government, as well as consumer and human interest stories. He was also Chief of Staff for Australia’s internationally awarded broadcast of the Beijing Olympics.
With a strong focus on communications, brand building, crisis management, and team development, he nurtures strong partnerships to enhance reputation through story telling.Â
Michael specialises in strategic planning in fast paced, high-pressure environments and in simplifying complex content into clear, concise messaging for maximum impact in a crowded media landscape.Â
COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR
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.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST
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.
DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
With more than 10 years’ experience in agency facilitating clients’ strategic approach to digital marketing, Sophie brings a wealth of experience in paid media management.Â
With an emphasis on major platforms including Google and Meta, Sophie has a proven track record in delivering effective performance campaigns that deliver real results that align with client objectives.Â
MEDIA SPECIALIST
Mel has enjoyed 20-plus years in communications, working across PR, television and magazine production, sports media, as well as newspaper reporting and editorial production.
Having worked in the media in Australia and overseas, Mel understands the importance of creating quality content. She has a creative mind and a sharp news sense that has seen her clients featured on local and national news and current affairs programs, in metro and regional newspapers, on radio and on the pages of national magazines.
As a former news journalist, Mel has intimate knowledge of the media and prides herself on her ability to lead and mentor those around her.
PAID MEDIA SPECIALIST
With a passion for data-driven results, Kate is an accomplished Paid Media Manager with more than 10 years’ experience in crafting and optimising high-impact digital campaigns.
Her expertise spans across various platforms, ensuring effective ad spend and and maximising ROI.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys traveling and 4WDing, embracing new adventures and exploring the great outdoors.
EVENT MANAGER
Debbie has worked as an Events Producer for the past 20 years, specialising in ‘end-to-end’ events management solutions for conferences, incentives, activations and business events.
As a seasoned event industry professional working alongside corporate companies, governments, franchisee and associations, Debbie has project managed all aspects of international and national business events ranging in size from 5 to 2,000 delegates.
Debbie’s early creative production producing career began at George Patterson Advertising, followed by 10 years as Head of Production for Clemenger Advertising.
Using her advertising experience, Debbie makes her clients visual communication needs a reality. Whether it’s a conference, business event, television commercial, photographic shoot or PR activation.
Debbie combines her creative flair, enthusiasm and attention to detail to every bespoke project and can work under pressure to plan and create innovative events that are memorable, on budget and exceed expectations that will leave a lasting impression with your delegates.
COMMUNICATION MANAGER
Working within the corporate communications pillar of Elevate, Madeline has worked on a diverse client base which includes established national franchises, multinational corporations and professional service providers.
With a background in non-profit, her passions lie in the delivery of meaningful and direct communications that enhance client operations. Madeline’s experience ranges from internal communications, media relations, social media management, RAP and ESG framework development, and award writing.
In 2022 Madeline was named the Gold Student of the Year in the PRIA Golden Target Awards.
Madeline graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Communications and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Public Relations, Writing and English Literature.Â
COMMUNICATION MANAGER
An enthusiastic and diligent PR professional, Betsy loves integrating storytelling, innovation, and strategic thinking into all client projects. Betsy has demonstrated experience in written and digital communication, media relations and management, stakeholder engagement, media training, and crisis communication.
Betsy brings her unique experience to the Elevate team having worked across a range of industries from not-for-profit, property, education, health, lifestyle, and government agencies. Approaching business with a people-centric and growth mindset, Betsy is dedicated to achieving outstanding results for her valued clients, focusing on goal-orientated, creative, and effective solutions.
Betsy holds a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Public Relations and Media & Communications at the Queensland University of Technology.
PR & MARKETING COORDINATOR
Grace is a dedicated marketing and communications professional with a passion for building authentic connections and creating a positive impact through her work. Starting her journey at Elevate as an intern, she has since become an integral member of the team, focused on helping brands communicate effectively and engage meaningfully with their audiences.
