Blogs

Rockstar — Aaron Francois Aaron is a Blerd, social media enthusiast, sneakerhead, and lover of all things DEI. He was first exposed to the marketing industry via the 4A’s MAIP program, and since then have worked across several verticals including retail, finance, gaming, and tech. Aaron takes pride in fusing cultural nuance and strategic thinking…

Innovator — Erica Irvin Erica Irvin is Group Vice President and Chief Counsel for Legal at Albertsons Companies Inc., charged with leading a team of attorney and non-attorney professionals to support the company’s digital and technology transformation. With 25 years of experience as in-house counsel at public, private and start-up companies in industries ranging from…

1. Regulation vs. Innovation: Generative AI Legal Concerns By: Samantha Rothaus and Andrew Richman   While generative AI’s meteoric rise was the hot button issue for 2023, it is sure to remain a key focus across the advertising industry in 2024. The coming year is likely to bring more clarity to the many legal concerns…

Unlocking the Future: The Transformation of Influencer Marketing By: Allison Fitzpatrick In June, the FTC released its final Endorsement Guides, which were last updated in 2009. Important updates include expanding the definition of “endorser” to include virtual influencers, re-emphasizing that agencies, intermediaries and influencers can be held liable for deceptive endorsements, and a new section…

Innovator — Juan Woodbury   Juan Woodbury, an Entertainment industry veteran and Grammy Award Winner, serves as North America Creative and Entertainment Lead for The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) at Ogilvy and WPP Open X. Woodbury is responsible for driving creative work that influences culture and continuously delivers on TCCC’s market-leading position. Working with the entire…

Icon — Dr. Charlene Thomas Charlene Thomas is an accomplished entertainment industry executive matched with a PhD in Marketing alongside a M.B.A. in International Marketing. Thomas has contributed to the success of 3 major multi-million-dollar conglomerates: LOUD Records, Rocafella Records  and Slip-N-Slide Records, all by spearheading innovative and uniquely successful marketing campaigns for artists such…

Innovator — Shannon Washington   As Global Chief Creative Officer of gotham, Shannon is responsible for delivering culturally impactful and effective solutions for all clients of McCann Worldgroup’s global creative boutique agency, as well as for expanding its client roster into complementary categories and brands.  She previously served as US Chief Creative Officer, Connected Communications…

Rockstar — China Macena China is a Creative Director with really good intentions. She is most passionate about making a meaningful impact, especially in her work. From beer to bodywash, she always brings attention to nuances in culture, self-expression, and individuality. That passion has led to some brave, award-winning projects, her favorites being a visual…

Icon — Jimmy Smith Throughout his career, Jimmy – a One Club For Creativity board member, 2009 inaugural ADCOLOR | ONE CLUB CREATIVE Honoree, 2012 Fast Company Top 100 Most Creative member and 2017 Ebony 100 member – has worked his magic in a variety of roles as an entrepreneur, environmentalist, creative director, author, video…

Rockstar — Channing Jones Channing Martin is IPG’s Global Chief Diversity and Social Impact Officer. In this role, she is responsible for advancing IPG’s diversity, equity and inclusion objectives and continuing to strengthen the company’s progress to being one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive companies. Reporting to the CEO, Channing leads IPG’s strategy…