2025 Slate of Officers

Stay tuned for directions on voting for your new board members.

First Vice-President Elect

Barbara B. Nixon

Serving as VP Elect and ascending to President of the ILA once again would be an incredible opportunity, and I’m excited to share my intent to step into this role. This organization has been a huge part of my professional journey, and I’m eager to continue building on my experience and passion for listening to help shape the next chapter of our nearly fifty-year history.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to see just how powerful listening can be. Whether in academic settings, nonprofit leadership roles or working alongside professionals from all walks of life, I’ve always prioritized connection, collaboration and the kind of respect that only comes through truly listening to one another. These values are at the core of the ILA’s vision, and they guide my work and life every day.

As a Past President, I bring not only a deep appreciation for the ILA’s rich history but also a commitment to honoring that legacy while looking ahead. I’m passionate about building on our strengths—bridging research and practice, fostering partnerships, and finding new ways to amplify the importance of listening on a global scale. Together, I know we can continue to make a meaningful impact and grow our reach in exciting and inclusive ways.

It would be an absolute honor to serve this incredible community again. Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I look forward to working with all of you to shape the future of the ILA.


Learn more about me by visiting my blog, Public Relations Matters.

Member-at-Large, Public Relations

Ebele Chukwujama

Ebele Chukwujama is an esteemed Chief Executive with more than twenty years of dedicated focus on excellence across Banking, Consulting, and Human Capital Development. Her exceptional career trajectory portrays her as a forward-thinking leader and trailblazer in the realm of Listening Intelligence, a crucial asset in the Banking and Financial Services sector. Being a certified Listening practitioner and a member of the International Listening Association, Ebele brings a unique skill set to the industry. Throughout her illustrious career, she has consistently pursued excellence and comprehended the profound impact of Listening Intelligence on leadership. Ebele has proven her capability to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability in this fiercely competitive arena. Her strategic acumen and visionary leadership have consistently delivered outstanding outcomes, earning her the trust of top financial, communication, and management consulting institutions. A pioneer in Listening Intelligence, Ebele's work has redefined how leaders across various sectors approach communication, collaboration, and customer relationships. Her affiliation with the esteemed John Maxwell Team has further honed her leadership skills, enabling her to introduce innovative solutions to all sectors of the economy. Driven by her passion for Listening Intelligence, Ebele established The Listening School, the first of its kind in Africa. This institution serves as a hub of knowledge and expertise, empowering leaders with the tools to leverage active and deep listening in their professional endeavours. Ebele remains an invaluable asset, offering visionary insights, transformative strategies, and an unwavering commitment to driving success in the realm of Banking, Energy, Telecommunication and Financial Technology Services.

Secretary

Michael Gingerich

I feel privileged to be nominated for the position of Secretary for the International Listening Association, beginning in 2025. 

The mission of the ILA is one that I value very much. I believe that listening is at the heart of creating human connection that makes this world a better place – in our personal and professional relationships, within every organization and group, and collectively as cultures and societies. To be part of an association that has a global impact on such a fundamental aspect of connecting as human beings is an opportunity that I hold seriously. As a listening professional, author, and podcaster, I would be honored to serve the ILA in this capacity if elected. 

Thank you for this consideration of my nomination.

Member-at-Large, Global

Eva Göksel

I am excited to submit my candidacy for the position of ‘Member at Large Global.’ As someone who has lived on three continents, speaks eight languages, and has dedicated much of my professional life to connecting listeners locally, regionally, and across the globe, I bring a unique perspective to this role. 

In this position, I plan to serve the ILA by fostering meaningful connections across our diverse time zones and communities. My work – spanning children and adults, often through embodied practices like drama – focuses on making listening an enjoyable and transformative experience. I aim to continue exploring innovative ways of keeping our members engaged, and ensuring listening remains at the center of our global interactions. 

My vision aligns with the ILA’s mission to make listening a cornerstone of global culture and society. In my professional capacity, I am committed to amplifying listening’s visibility and value, particularly in educational contexts such as schools and universities. By integrating listening into teaching and learning, I strive to inspire a culture where listening is celebrated as a fundamental skill – while ensuring that the joy of listening is never lost.   

If I am successful in joining the ILA board, I aim to create opportunities for members to share meaningful and joyful listening moments through cross-cultural exchanges and accessible forums for research and practice. By uniting and inspiring members to celebrate their diverse approaches to listening, I hope to build upon the ILA’s strong foundation.   

I would be honored to serve as your Member at Large Global and to contribute to the continued success of the ILA. Together, we can advance our shared goal of keeping listening meaningful and fun.  

Thank you for considering my candidacy.