1. business and industrial
2. advertising and marketing
3. public relations

2013­2014 Slate of Candidates Officers and Board of Directors Michael Johnson: Senior Copywriter, Bozell Michael Johnson isn’t especially qualified to serve as AAF Omaha president. He’s young, unorganized and slightly silly. He does, however, love the industry and the people who work in it. He’s rapidly approaching the ten­year mark as an advertising professional, three of which have been spent in the Omaha market. With a year under his belt at Bozell, Michael is a Swanson Russell alum, and has worked at five different agencies in Kansas City, Lincoln and Omaha. He’s served as co­chair for AAF Omaha’s Meet the Pros for three years while also moving up the AAF Omaha Vice­Presidential chain. He has the distinction of being the only AAF Omaha Treasurer to never actually sign an AAF Omaha check. Michael grew up in Lincoln, and graduated from UNL with a major in advertising and minors in marketing, English and, accidentally, history. Matt Wilson: Channel and Creative manager, First National Bank Matt Wilson currently works for First National Bank as a Channel and Creative Manager. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in graphic design. He also holds an associates degree in English/writing and history from Metropolitan Community College. Wilson’s previous experience includes tenures with First Bankcard, SKAR Advertising, and Pioneer Investments. Matt is proud to serve on the AAFO Executive Board and is looking forward to the 2013­2014 year as Vice President. Amanda Peterson: Online Specialist, Senior Media Buyer, Redstone Amanda graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Journalism, majoring in advertising and public relations with a special emphasis in business. She began her career at Bozell as an assistant media planner. To learn about the client side of the business, Amanda moved into a position as marketing manager at DRM Inc., an Arby’s franchisee with 68 stores. In late 2007, Amanda joined Redstone’s Media Department, where she is involved planning and buying traditional and online media for many of Redstone’s key clients. Amanda served on the Omaha Federation of Advertising’s board as Program Chair, Meet the Pros Co­Chair and After Hours Co­Chair. She has also volunteered on the Public Service committee. In 2003, she was the Omaha Federation of Advertising’s Rookie of the Year. On a personal note, Amanda and her husband have one very active 4­year old daughter. Kerry Heinrich: Integrated Marketing Director, H&A Media Group Kerry Heinrich is the integrated marketing director for H&A Media Group, where she has worked since 2008. Prior to joining H&A, she spent ten years as a public relations professional in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, working in the casino industry for Bluffs Run Casino and Ameristar Casino Hotel, and in the retail arena for Pamida Stores. A native of Minnesota, Kerry has lived in Omaha for 17 years, having come to the area to work for KMTV as their integrated marketing manager in 1996. At H&A, Kerry is responsible for managing the development and deployment of Integrated Media campaigns for AAA advertisers, including micro sites, email, data and mobile components. H&A is a media company owned by five AAA clubs, which provides publishing, advertising and media services for those clubs, as well as numerous additional non­owner AAA clubs throughout the nation.
1 Kerry holds a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. She has served on numerous boards in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area (including previous terms with the Omaha Federation of Advertising), and is currently a board member for the Nebraska Kidney Association and Community Health Charities of Nebraska. Michael Goldsmith: Marketing Communications Specialist, REI Mike joined REI in 2012. He designs print and web advertising and marketing efforts for the transportation technology company. Prior to REI, Mike was with Lincoln Financial Group, DTN Market Access, Adesta Communications and the Paralyzed Veterans of America Education Center. His responsibilities have included public relations, marketing, special event planning, web and multimedia design, tradeshows, telecom project introduction and rollout, computer lab design and assistive technology application. He has/does volunteer for River City Roundup, Knights of Ak­sar­ben, Summer Arts Festival, Kingswood Athletic Association and Douglas, Harrison and other county fairs. Mike most recently was President and Chairman of the Board of AAFO. For many years he also was OFA board director for special events. He has been very active in planning OFA’s Bid The Blues fundraiser, Grape and Grains, OFA100 and served on the ADDYs committee. Mike also enjoys freelance work and playing drums in a band. Carrie Kentch: Local Sales Manager, Omaha World Herald Carrie is the Local Sales Manager at the Omaha World Herald working in the Custom Publishing and Events division. She enjoys helping business with creative and effective marketing plans and working with her team to help them do the same. A previous board member, Carrie is looking forward to serve AAF in Programs. Previously she was involved in Events and worked on the Battle of the Bands, Bowl­o­Rama and other annual AAF events. Carrie currently serves on committees with Women in Media and Marketing and The Women’s Fund of Omaha and has served on several boards and committees for such organizations as The Omaha Restaurant Association, the Heartland Latino Leadership Conference and Girls Incorporated. Paula Steenson: President, Paula Presents! Celebrating 30+ years in the advertising/event planning field. Paula started her company in 1980 and currently works with her husband Tom and collaborates with a variety of other professionals in the PR and event planning world here in Omaha. The company does everything from designing print collateral on a national level to planning and executing non­profit and corporate events locally, regionally and nationally. Paula still truly loves what she does and is glad she has had the opportunity to keep learning and growing. Paula was on the Board of AAF Omaha for 10 years serving in a number of positions including President. She was happy to return to the serve as co­chair for the 2012 ADDYs and is looking forward to co­chairing the 2014 ADDYs with Bailey Lauerman. Laura Spaulding: Manager Corporate Communications, Bozell Laura joined Bozell in 2006 as a business development coordinator and was promoted to manager in 2007. In 2010, Laura was named Manager of Corporate Communications, where she coordinates all internal projects, including new business, Bozell materials, press releases, website content management and Thinking, Bozell’s quarterly publication. Laura is also the account lead for multiple clients, including College World Series of Omaha, Inc., and H&H Chevrolet and H&H Kia. Prior to joining Bozell, Laura worked as an executive for Creighton’s Student Union, managing a $200,000 budget and supervising a board of students that planned
2 campus events. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Creighton University, majoring in Journalism, and recently received her MBA, also from Creighton University. Bethany Wilson: Senior Project Manager, Cognitive Match Bethany Wilson works as a Senior Project Manager at Cognitive Match, a company’s whose focus is on everything dynamic in online advertising! The online advertising industry has been a growing passion from her prior career experiences to this one. Dynamic advertising is a niche market in the online advertising space that allows for personalized messaging and branding to users in the online space. With her experience as a Board of Director during the 2013 year on the Public Service Committee, she’s excited to continue this new PSC approach and watch it grow in 2014 with a great committee! It’s wonderful to be able to continue giving back to the community, as well as the organization. While serving in this position, she hopes to continue the great collaborative efforts and push towards driving more successes for non­profit organizations. Contact Information: [email protected] / 402.301.9407 Lisa Conklin: Media Buyer, Envoy, Inc. Lisa Conklin has been a media buyer with Envoy, Inc. since May, 2012. Lisa has a combined 9 years of advertising sales support and media buying experience. Most recently, Lisa served as Media Sales Services Specialist 1 for Cox Media, and prior to that gained experience working for Morningfire, Inc., Bozell, and Omaha World­Herald. While earning a journalism degree, Lisa developed a passion for all things media and pop­culture, and advertising became a natural fit. Lisa enjoys building media plans that help her broad range of clients see results while optimizing their budgets, and she enjoys learning about new mediums as they become relevant and bring new opportunities to the table. Lisa has been an AAF member off and on since 2005 and has volunteered with the communications committee since 2011. Lisa has also been a volunteer with Make­A­Wish since 2008. Jess Simons: Account Coordinator, Skyline Exhibits Iowa | Nebraska As an Account Coordinator at Skyline Exhibits Iowa | Nebraska, Jess is responsible for managing project schedules and sales and marketing support for the Omaha office. She is a team player with a passion for creativity, and loves being a part of the execution of great ideas. Jess graduated from University of Nebraska­Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a focus on Marketing. Jess has been attending AAF Omaha events the past couple of years, and this will be her second year serving on the AAF Omaha Board of Directors. Shannon Johnson: Director of Creative Development, DAAKE Shannon manages the DAAKE creative staff, develops processes and sharpens the company’s progressive edge. She’s been an AAF­Omaha board member for two years, serving as co­chair for the group’s annual student conference: Meet the Pros. Prior to joining DAAKE, Shannon racked up a decade of experience working in the creative departments of Swanson Russell, Snitily Carr, and Ervin & Smith. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Creighton University. Sara Nelson: Account Coordinator, OBI Creative Sara works as an Account Coordinator at OBI Creative where she manages projects to ensure they are on time, on budget and most importantly, exceed the client's expectations. Her passion for client care, public relations and social media marketing are a valuable asset to the team OBI. A recent graduate from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Sara studied news­editorial journalism and photojournalism. This is Sara's second year on the AAF Omaha membership committee and looks forward to the new co­chair position.
3 Sarah Pieper: Account Executive, Ervin & Smith As an account executive at Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations, Sarah assists the account services team on national accounts by leading day­to­day planning and coordination of client work. She is a team player and believes that collaboration produces the best results. She views each new experience as an opportunity for growth and self­improvement—always striving to discover a better way of doing things. Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and contemporary media and journalism with an emphasis in public relations and advertising from the University of South Dakota. She currently serves as the developmental chair and an advisory board member of Launch Leadership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of youth leadership. Sarah is also an active member of the Omaha Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club; she serves as both the fundraising co­chair and communications alumnae advisor for the University of Nebraska­Lincoln chapter. Sarah was an active member of AAF during college and is excited to jump back into the organization as the Education co­chair. Samantha Hamrick: Personal Bank, Northwest Bank Sam has been with Northwest Bank for seven years and is currently a personal banker. Along with opening new depository accounts and producing consumer loans, she is very involved with their Teach Children to Save Program. She has taught approximately 1000 children about saving money through multiple elementary schools and Girl Scout troops. Sam graduated from University of Nebraska at Omaha with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and management. While completing her bachelor's degree, she was involved in UNO's Relay for Life fundraiser. She continues her involvement on the planning committee to fundraise for the American Cancer Society. Susy Schwede: Marketing Strategist, Cox Media Susy joined Cox Media in 2010 as a Marketing Specialist where she developed client campaigns, and handled client event, promotions and social media . In fall of 2011 she was promoted to Marketing Strategist where she works on developing customized television and digital advertising solutions for Cox Media’s clients. In addition she manages campaign execution and analysis. Prior to joining Cox Media, Susy worked as Director of Marketing for a regional commercial real estate company. She led the marketing strategy and planning for all development projects, events and public relations. In addition she developed capital investment packages and managed third party vendor relationships. Susy is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration with a specialization in Management and Marketing. Susy has been a member of AAF for over two years and is looking forward to serving on the AAF Omaha Board of Directors. Jim Deitering: Real Estate and Leasing Manager, Lamar Outdoor Advertising – Omaha Jim Deitering is the Real Estate and Leasing Manager with Lamar Outdoor Advertising of Omaha, where he has worked since January 2011. Prior to joining Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Jim spent 4 years with Quality Brands (Budweiser) of Omaha, working as a draft tech and merchandiser, as well as sales in the off­premise grocery side and a Key Account Manager with the on­premise side of beer sales. As a Real Estate Manager with Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Jim’s day­to­day responsibilities include researching new areas and locations for potential outdoor as well as the renewal of lease
4 contracts for existing locations while continuing communication and building relations with current property owners. As part of his position, it is Jim’s responsibility to be aware of changes in government ordinances, securing all permits, new and renewal, with both city and state governments when required among other duties. Jim is a graduate from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Jim and his wife Ceisha welcomed their first child, Archie James, on March 1, 2013. Lisa Healy: VP | Creative Services, Webster After more than a decade at Webster, Lisa heads up the account team and describes herself as “a pivotal cog in the Webster machine.” Lisa has lead such accounts as ConAgra Foods, TD Ameritrade and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. A graduate of the University of Missouri J­school (as in journalism, not jerky), she cut her teeth on national tourism and retail accounts at MMGY Global and Bernstein­Rein in Kansas City before returning to her hometown of Omaha. Lisa also manages to corral two small children with a freakish, though not surprising, level of efficiency. Dan Cooper: Interactive Art Director, Bailey Lauerman A graduate of the University of Nebraska­Lincoln, Cooper started his career at Bailey Lauerman five years ago. He has helped shape online strategies and award­winning campaigns for several clients including CommunityAmerica Credit Union, the University of Nebraska and Union Pacific. His interactive work has been recognized in national and international award showcases including the IAC Awards and The FWA’s Public Shortlist. In 2011, Cooper’s work for a website for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Service’s TUNE project earned the agency an IAC Award from the Web Marketing Association and a coveted Webpick of the Day on Communication Arts’ website. And in 2013, his efforts on a homepage takeover for Union Pacific earned the agency a regional ADDY and a Best B2B Rich Media IAC award. For the past three years he has also served as the lead digital mentor for the Bailey Lauerman Experience summer internship team. The team’s past clients included the Smithsonian Institute and Special Olympics Nebraska. Outside of work, Dan enjoys composing music, playing online video games and forecasting the weather. Wendy Wiseman: Vice President, Creative Director, Zaiss & Company Wendy is the Creative Director at Zaiss & Company where she has worked for 17 years. Prior to joining Zaiss & Company, Wendy was Director of Marketing at MCI at the world headquarters in Arlington, VA, and the Director of Advertising for Sprint, establishing market share campaigns for both Fortune 500 companies that are still renown today, including those featuring actors Candice Bergen and Calvert DeForest, basketball star Charles Barkley, comedian David Spade and more. She learned valuable lessons on this business through her early years as copy writer/producer and media planner at Bozell’s then Omaha­based global headquarters, and as media planner at Young & Rubicam and J. Walter Thompson Advertising agencies in San Francisco. At Zaiss & Company Wendy applies her knowledge of marketing communications and account planning to the development of creative strategies and campaign implementation that is effective at growing their clients’ business. Zaiss & Company is the only Customer­Based Planning and Marketing Communications company in the region, specializing in education, arts & entertainment, and B2B marketing, and serving clients with national footprints. Zaiss & Company has won Best PR Agency five years in a row from B2B Magazine. Wendy holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism Advertising from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and did master’s work in Radio, TV and Film at the University of Columbia in Missouri. She has served on many industry and community boards including the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) production and policy committee, OFA, Nebraska Story Arts, Completely KIDS (formerly Camp Fire) where she spearheaded the PR, marketing and name change efforts,
5 JDRF, and the Omaha Performing Arts and Rose Theater Guilds. She teaches Advertising Copy Writing at Creighton University, writes about digital marketing strategies for B2B magazine and authors two websites with commentary about life today. Sally Morrissey: Account Executive, Envoy, Inc. An account executive at Envoy, Inc., Sally Morrissey heads up several agency accounts and oversees the day­to­day execution of their strategic and integrated communications plans. She works as a liaison between her clients and the agency’s creative, interactive and media departments. Sally’s marketing experience includes social media, email marketing, direct mail, website content and design, event coordination, research, and overall brand awareness. Liz White: Graphic Designer, Sergeant’s Pet Care Co. Liz White is a designer with a passion for traveling and thoughtful typography. By day, Liz works for Sergeant’s Pet Care Co as a graphic designer focusing on packaging and print collateral. By night she runs Linea Mae, a design boutique specializing in branding and wedding design." Lindsey O’Brien: Account Coordinator, Swanson Russell As an Account Coordinator at Swanson Russell, Lindsey is responsible for managing project schedules and workflow, proofreading, planning and coordinating events and other various duties. Lindsey graduated from the University of Nebraska­Lincoln with a Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising and a minor in psychology. Her prior work experience includes a year of teaching English in South Korea and two years as a Marketing Specialist/PR Writer for the online children’s clothing boutique Sophias Style. This is Lindsey’s first year as a member of AAF, though she has been attending the monthly luncheons for the past year. She was also a member of the communications committee in 2012­ 2013, and looks forward to serving on the Board of Directors for this term. Keith Fix: Founder & Chief Executive, blabfeed – a Perfecta Media LLC Keith Fix is the founder and Chief Executive of blabfeed – a Perfecta Media LLC. blabfeed is an award­winning digital out of home marketing and advertising firm specializing in the procurement, integration, and marketing of indoor digital signage. The company works with clients to drive revenue in the healthcare, financial, government, C­store, gaming and entertainment verticals. Keith’s past credits include founding a tech support marketing company featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, launching a five­figure daily deal fundraising program targeting the University of Nebraska at Omaha community, and working for clients such as American Express, DirecTV, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Recipient of the Peter Kiewit Entrepreneurial Award presented by Walter Scott and 2012 Student Startup of the Year by the Coleman Foundation and Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization in Chicago. Keith has been a member of AAF Omaha since senior year of college and looks forward to the opportunity to serve on the After Hours committee. He holds a B.S.B.A in Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
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