Creative Director, Shape Society
Chris has been working professionally in the design industry for more than 15 years.
With a background in fine arts, he transitioned into the digital space early in his professional career, eventually specializing in corporate branding and web development.
Chris has developed purpose-driven, recognizable branding for many area businesses and nonprofits including Duet, Elevate Roofing, Modus Coworking, and Platte River Concrete.
In 2021, Chris launched his branding and web development agency, Shape Society. With an office in historic downtown Omaha, his agency focuses on helping businesses identify and exemplify their unique story through the brand development process. Paired with bespoke, hand-coded websites, custom illustrations, and unique brands, Shape Society’s mission is to bring meaning to each and every project.
Chris and his team have been recognized by both the AIGA and PRSA for web development projects. Chris has also been recognized by the AAF for his dedication to nonprofit work. In naming his agency Shape Society, Chris wanted to embody his desire to shape our Nebraska communities by donating his time and talents to meaningful causes
Digital Sales Manager, KETV-ABC, Hearst Television
Hi, I’m Cassi Warren, Digital Sales Manager for KETV-ABC, Hearst Television. Seeing businesses succeed and the local economy thrive is what drives my passion for advertising. Every day, I get the opportunity to work with KETV Account Managers, advertising agencies, and clients, helping them develop successful advertising campaigns to reach the right audience with the right message. My license plates are IdeaGrl and I always have plenty of ideas to share if you ever find yourself in need of some brainstorming and collaboration. In my free time you will find me practicing and performing improv or hopping on a motorcycle with my husband for a ride through the bluffs
Senior Advertising Strategist, WoodmenLife
Cody is a Senior Advertising Strategist with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He currently works at WoodmenLife where he is responsible for developing campaign plans, leading and collaborating on creative development, working with vendors on media buys and conducting user testing. He is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate and previously served on the board as communications co-chair from 2018-2021.
Outside of work, Cody enjoys going on hikes, biking, sports and trying new restaurants.
Brand Strategist, Nebraska Furniture Mart
Ann Woodford, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, began her career journey in graphic design after graduating from Omaha South High School. She furthered her education in Las Vegas, earning a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Las Vegas before returning to Omaha.
Ann’s professional path led her through impactful roles in local nonprofits, including Goodwill Omaha and Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha, where she devoted 11 years to making a difference through her creative contributions and strategic leadership.
Currently, Ann serves as a Brand Strategist at Nebraska Furniture Mart, where she focuses on promoting and enhancing the NFM brand. Her expertise lies in crafting effective content marketing, digital, social media, and advertising strategies while ensuring compliance with brand standards and maintaining consistency across communication channels.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Ann finds joy in spending time with her husband, Chris, son, Max, and their two beloved pups, Ralphie and Wilbur. Her dedication to community service extends to her involvement with the American Advertising Federation Nebraska, where she has held various leadership roles and earned recognition for her outstanding contributions.
With her passion for design, commitment to community engagement, and proven leadership abilities, Ann Woodford continues to leave a lasting impact on the advertising landscape in Nebraska.
Digital Marketing Strategist, Children’s Nebraska
Dominique Whitehead is a non-profit digital marketing strategist with a versatile career encompassing national, regional and local brands across diverse industries. Her marketing and public service experience spans grassroots activism, indie film, healthcare, collegiate sports, finance, agriculture, education, IT, staffing, real estate, restaurants and app technologies. Rooted in impactful communication, advocacy, authenticity and amplifying diverse voices, Dominique crafts authentic campaigns that deliver meaningful results. Through a strategic fusion of storytelling, data analysis, communication finesse and marketing savvy, she connects with audiences effectively while representing varying lived experiences and meeting each audience where they are. Her passion lies in leveraging digital marketing to drive positive change in communities while maintaining a strong focus on authenticity and community empowerment.
Digital Client Service Specialist, KETV
Marissa L. Jackson is an adaptive Digital Client Service Specialist at KETV, born and raised in Southern California, that has a variety of experience as her foundation for her life in advertising and marketing. With involvement in the nonprofit world, social media, and copywriting; she loves to show off her analytical and creative side by problem solving and brainstorming ideas. While attending the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising & Public Relations with a dual minor in Fashion Communications and Sociology; she was treasurer and volunteer advertising consultant for the student ran organization Save South Sudanese Orphans & Widows turned nonprofit, Education Refuge.
Outside of work, Marissa has a passion for travel, attending social events and shows, drawing and painting, collecting more plants for her indoor jungle / balcony garden, and watching movies with her cats- Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara.
Founder, Horst Communication
Melodae Horst has a track record as a business leader, educator and award-winning public relations, advertising, marketing and human resources professional. Recently, she started her own freelance communication business, Horst Communication. Writing is her passion.
Melodae has always enjoyed the training and development world and has always gotten a kick out of sharing her work experiences with students. She is a lecturer emeritus from UNO and served in leadership and consulting roles for corporate and non-profit organizations. Early in her career, she was an award-winning news reporter anchor.
She received a master’s degree in communication from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from Northwest Missouri State University.
Melodae achieved Accreditation in Public Relations and as a Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional.
Vice President & General Manager, Sinclair Broadcast Group (Nebraska KPTM FOX42, CW Omaha, NTV KHGI ABC13 and KFXL FOX51 in Lincoln-Hastings-Kearney)
Franco Gentile is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in local media advertising sales, general management, strategic planning, and leadership. He began his career with Sinclair Broadcast Group in 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland as a local Account Executive, where he quickly established a strong track record of driving revenue growth and fostering client relationships. In 2009, Franco played a key role in launching Sinclair’s national corporate long-form media sales division in Tampa, Florida as Corporate Development Sales Manager. He was later promoted to several sales leadership positions for Sinclair in Columbus, Ohio, where he managed and led a high performing sales team overseeing multiple local linear and digital media properties while consistently exceeding revenue targets from 2012 through 2021.
In the summer of 2021, Franco and his family relocated to Omaha when he was promoted to Vice President & General Manager, leading Sinclair’s Nebraska based linear and digital properties, KPTM FOX42 and CW Omaha. He later added oversight of NTV KHGI ABC13 and KFXL FOX51 in Lincoln-Hastings-Kearney.
Franco is actively involved within the community, supporting various organizations such as the Rotary Club of Omaha and the Nebraska Broadcasters Association. Franco graduated from Towson University and received his MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. Franco, his wife Erin, and their twin daughters currently reside in Elkhorn.
Social Director, Bailey Lauerman
Moira Smith is a results-driven marketing professional with extensive, broad based skills in social marketing and analytics, influencer marketing campaigns, national brand initiatives, and content creation and management.
Moira currently serves as the Social Director at Bailey Lauerman, focusing on managing brand social strategies and implementing effective paid social campaigns. She has handled accounts for notable clients such as Flagstar Bank, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket + eBikes, and Surest (a United Health Care Company).
Director of Client Strategy, Ervin and Smith
Originally from Venezuela, Alf graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. At UNL, he helped launch and establish Jacht Ad Agency, a student-run agency that offers real-world experience.
Over the last 12 years, Alf has worked in account and project management roles at agencies in New York, Chicago, Wichita, and Nebraska. He is currently a director of client strategy at Ervin and Smith where he consults with companies to define and activate their overall visions and marketing strategies.
Alf is a strong advocate for networking and community building. He frequently attends industry events and enjoys planning and setting up events with others. In his spare time, Alf loves spending time with his family and friends, and going for the occasional morning run.
Professional Communicator. Partnership Marketing Driven.
Don Rashid is a passionate communicator and wordsmith, dedicated to creating meaningful connections and co-marketing projects. With more than 200 published articles, his work has appeared in national publications like BUILDER, Shape Magazine, newspapers and Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications. Don’s knack for details and research turns small ideas into big successes, earning him recognition for coordinating top leadership events.
His diverse client base spans healthcare, entrepreneurial ventures, wellness, legal, political, and nonprofit sectors. Don continues to dream of working with idea-oriented firms both in Omaha and across the
United States.
Don’s portfolio includes co-publishing, business journalism, and marketing projects. He was a founding team member of two national trade publications and has published more than 20,000 words in three months. Employers value his creativity and resourcefulness, evident in his work with Rockhurst University, Dale Carnegie Training, and clients including The Salvation Army.
Nicknamed “Jeeves” after a Google search led him to F3 Omaha, Don is committed to health and fitness, having lost 81 pounds. He loves learning about complementary medicine and new ideas that inspire him.
An active member of the American Advertising Federation Nebraska since On Brand 2023, Don writes social media event recaps, membership spotlight articles and serves as a 2024 Membership Co-Chair.
Art Director, Clark Creative Group
Danny Trejo is a designer and illustrator with experience in brand development, marketing, and teaching. Currently working as Art Director at Clark Creative Group, Danny has helped develop and create award winning work across a wealth of different clients and mediums. He has also taught a variety of design courses at his Alma mater, the University of Nebraska-Omaha. While passionate about design, Danny enjoys working on personal projects, as well as grabbing coffee or enjoying the sounds of his record player.
Coordinator of Business Development / Partner, A&K Marketing, Inc.
Robert Richardson, Coordinator of Business Development / Partner at A&K Marketing, Inc. I grew up in Crawford located in northwest Nebraska and graduated from University of Nebraska at Kearney, majoring in Business Administration. I spent twelve years in the Air National Guard as a Crew Chief and received an associate degree in Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force. I took an unusual path before I started working full time at the ad agency with my wife Rhonda Richardson. I worked for two fortune 500 Communication Services Providers as a Major Account Executive providing customized voice and data solutions for 20 years. August 2015, I joined our Ad Agency full time. I also joined AAF in March of 2016 and volunteered for the OAX Planning Committee, AAF membership committee, and legislative committee. I resigned from the Legislative Committee Aug 2019 due to my mother’s health issues and taking over the operations of the family ranch.
A & K Marketing is a full-service advertising agency specializing in strategic media planning and placement. With over 50 years in combined media and marketing experience, we are experts in rate negotiation, audience targeting, and market analysis.
Founder, Canvas House Studio
As the Founder of Canvas House Studio, Zoie Hendricks partners with businesses to
ensure that their brand identity and visual marketing authentically reflect their unique
value.
Zoie’s path to creative entrepreneurship has been an unexpected yet fulfilling journey.
After graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in
Environmental Studies, she inspected dams and stormwater ponds for the Northwest
Florida Water Management District, taught dance at the high school level, and eventually
landed at her family’s print shop in 2017.
Initially handling their customer service and marketing needs, she took over the graphic
design position a year later and worked hands-on with every project that came into the
shop. As a small operation, Zoie was lucky to work side-by-side with her dad, soaking up
his knowledge of and expertise in the print industry, and she fell in love with the process
of turning a client’s ideas into a tangible, finished product.
The end of 2019 brought a promotion for her husband & an opportunity to relocate, and
Zoie founded Canvas House Studio as a platform to continue her passion. After moving
from Florida to Virginia to South Carolina, Zoie, her husband, nephew, two dogs, and two
cats made their way to Omaha in the summer of 2022. When she’s not in front of her
computer, she’s an avid hiker who loves being outdoors and being able to experience all
four seasons, especially fall and winter.
Sales Manager, FreeWill
Shaela Wepfer joined the American Advertising Federation Nebraska Chapter in 2021. Shaela has been in advertising and marketing her entire career. She put her Creighton University journalism degree to good use. As a non-profit development and communication director for half of her career, Shaela has created comprehensive marketing and communications plans to forward the mission and vision of the organizations she served. In those roles, Shaela worked closely with designers and advertiser to gain visibility in the market. In 2014, she left the non-profit section for a position with a marketing technology company, Sojern, where she witnessed first-hand the ever-changing landscape for programmatic media. Shaela leads a team of sellers for AdRoll, a division of Nextroll, a marketing technology platform for e-commerce brands and today she leads a sales team for FreeWill.
Shaela also serves as a Board Member for a Lincoln-based youth leadership development organization, Launch Leadership. Shaela served on the 2022 Meet the Pros committee and chaired the 2023 & 2024 Meet the Pros conferences fostering the next generation of advertising professionals.
Shaela, an Omaha native, is married to Chris Wepfer. They have two children.
Creative Director, RCG Advertising & Media
Brad Eubanks is Creative Director at RCG Advertising & Media. An alumnus of UNK, Brad has 25+ years of experience leading creative teams for full-service agencies in Chicago, Louisville, Salt Lake City and now back in Omaha. His past work includes creative strategy and execution with deep-rooted knowledge of consumer and shopper marketing across B2C & B2B, having worked with clients such as Unilever, Kimberly Clark, Mondelez, Beam Suntory, Topco, True Value, Midwest Dairy, Thrasher, Certified Transmission, and NFM.
Brad serves on AAF Nebraska’s Meet the Pros committee and looks forward to continuing to share his leadership helping to foster the next generation of advertising, marketing and communication professionals.
Art Director, Turnpost Creative
Ross is a motion designer whose professional path has led him through ad agencies, animation studios, and freelance work, shaping him into a versatile creative professional. He is currently an Art Director with Turnpost Creative.
After graduating with a BFA in Graphic Design, Ross spent five years as a Graphic Designer at DayCloud Studios before working as a freelance Animator for companies like Patreon and Gantry.
Multimedia Sales Manager, WOWT
Layton Swenson is fascinated and passionate about media, advertising, video production, digital marketing, analytics, skiing and motorcycles. He is a hard working bi-lingual guy that knows how to make things happen. IAB Certified Digital marketing professional that knows how to balance priorities and has a proven track record of success in the digital marketing and advertising industry. Loves a good adventure and loves to learn and try new things.
CEO, StoryFind Films
Mike Sukraw is the husband of an incredibly talented, soon to be published wife (StoryFind coming soon!) and father of a quirky, adorable little girl. He started StoryFind Films in 2005 and has had the wonderful privilege of producing hundreds of videos for agencies and mission-driven organizations across the world. He now leads a team of talented filmmakers and spends his days focused on finding answers to his favorite question – How can we make this better?
Marketing Consultant, iHeartMedia | Omaha
I’m a Marketing Consultant who loves connecting with business owners and marketing professionals to identify their goals for success to strategies a full funnel marketing campaign with measurable results.
When I’m not taking over the world, I enjoy being a wife and mother, live music of all genres, and traveling.
Partner & Chief Executive Officer, 1123
Shana’s journey into advertising began in college, where she initially considered becoming a psychologist. However, her curiosity about consumer behavior led her to marketing, where she found a unique way to explore how emotional decisions influence purchases—and how advertising plays a pivotal role in that process. This curiosity has driven Shana to master her craft, becoming an expert in media buying.
With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and a minor in Advertising, Shana now serves as the CEO of her agency 1123, leading client strategies and the account and media team. Over the past 20 years, she has been dedicated to ensuring measurable results for clients, believing that when agencies help businesses grow, the entire team grows along with them.
Outside of work, Shana loves spending time with her 4-year-old daughter and enjoys traveling, aiming to visit at least one new place each year, with an addiction to hotels and resorts with a good spa.
Posy Lou Henderson received her Master’s in Business Administration with emphases in Leadership and Management from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri along with her Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Advertising.
She previously worked for a digital agency in St. Louis, but now works for a boutique gym called Personal Space Fitness as a Specialty Instructor and Personal Experience Lead where she regularly assists in marketing, promotions, public relations, and content strategy. She also teaches as an Adjunct Professor of the School of Arts & Sciences at Maryville University.
Her ultimate purpose in life and work is to help people and organizations reach their fullest potential while making some magic happen along the way.
Henderson is the Governor for AAF’s District 9. In this volunteer role, she works with a team to oversee the American Advertising Awards competition and National Student Advertising competition. In addition, she helps support AAF clubs in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
to be announced
