By Marc Speir

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) has announced its 2012-2013 international executive board and Robin Russell McCasland, B.S. Speech '82, is slated to become IABC vice chair with automatic succession to chair in summer 2013.

McCasland, a graduate of the College of Communication and native Austinite, has been an IABC member for more than 20 years.

The candidate slate will be ratified by delegates of IABC chapters and regions at the IABC annual general meeting held during the association's world conference on June 26 in Chicago.

McCasland specializes in human resources communication and is president of Brain Biscuits Strategic Communication in Dallas. Before becoming an independent consultant, she spent more than 15 years in communication, marketing and public relations roles at Buck Consultants, a Xerox company; Texas Instruments Inc.; and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.

Founded in 1970, the IABC is billed as one of the world's leading resources for effective communication practice. The organization serves members globally who work in such diverse specialties as employee communication, public relations, investor relations, marketing, advertising, graphic design, human resources, writing, editing, training, photography and video production. IABC is headquartered in San Francisco.

McCasland said she is looking forward to partnering with the IABC board and staff as it implements its new strategy of lifelong learning as a key component designed to support communication professionals at all stages of their careers.

"I encourage communication majors – and any students who will need to be strategic communicators in their careers – to explore IABC," said McCasland. "Our association helps students increase their knowledge, develop skills and network with influential communicators globally."

The alumna emphasized that students who join or volunteer for IABC demonstrate an early dedication to their professions.

"There are even opportunities to be awarded for great student work," said McCasland. "It sets them apart and gives them access to amazing career networking resources after graduation."

For more information about student involvement in IABC, visit students.iabc.com or follow @IABCstudents on Twitter.