[Member Profiles]

Student Profile | Noah Larsen | Creighton University

If you’re active in Omaha’s advertising community, there’s a decent chance that you’ve seen me around at some point or another. I was a participant in the 2017 Oath: Advertising Knockout (fun fact: I was in the same group as Abbie Perry who also recently wrote a student profile); I attended this year’s Meet the Pros and took the chance to meet more pros as a volunteer at the ON Brand Conference; and over the summer, I have taken on the position of Bozell’s media intern. Though outside of advertising endeavors, you can probably find me playing music (preferably with friends) or rummaging through the DVD bargain bin of your local Walmart. Read More

AAF Omaha Welcomes Rachel Green to the Board of Directors

Lisa Conklin, AAF Omaha president along with the AAF Omaha Board of Directors appoint Rachel Green to the board on May 3rd during the federation’s monthly board meeting. Read More

Student Profile | Abbie Perry | University of Nebraska – Omaha

The definition of a “maverick” is someone who strays from the pack. Mavericks are independent thinkers and don’t always play by the rules. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, I have learned that being a maverick embodies so much more. With the help of my amazing peers and mentors at UNO, my undergraduate experience has taught me the importance of values like excellence, creativity and spirit. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About AAF Omaha Member Laura Spaulding

Under Laura’s leadership AAF Omaha was named the AAF District 9 2016-2017 “Club of the Year”. As AAF Omaha’s Chairwoman, she keeps a watchful eye on all aspects of the federation. She serves as a mentor to our Education and Public Service teams, works with the AAF Omaha Chairwoman’s Council on chapter awards, and has worked tirelessly the past few years helping write award winning club achievement binders. Read More

Student Profile | Sumit Jagdale | University of Nebraska – Lincoln

A little over two years ago, I was sprinting toward the U.S. Embassy in Mumbai, India trying to make it to my visa interview on time. No bags or electronic devices are allowed inside the embassy, so I’d locked them inside my car. To add to my woes, I’d been forced to leave my car in a no-parking zone. I had a thin, plastic folder in my hand, overflowing with the documents I’d been advised to carry to the interview. Read More

Student Profile | Jase Hueser | University of Nerbaska at Kearney

My name is Jase Hueser. I am originally from Papillion, Nebraska. I have always found art compelling and invested much of my early years into music and drawing. I was pulled in by the duality of art, as it contains both an intellectual rationality and dense emotion. In my junior high years, I discovered the wonders of branding and typography. Understanding what makes a clever logo and more importantly, a successful implementation of an identity had become an obsession of mine. I was thrilled to discover that design was a vocation that I could potentially pursue. Thus began years of experimentation as I studied designers and relentlessly tried my hand at it. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About AAF Omaha Member Shannon Garner

Shannon’s favorite AAF event to attend is
AdConnect so I can meet and chat with as many attendees as I can throughout the evening, and have a beer or two lol. I look forward to meeting you at AAF Omaha’s next AdConnect on April 26th at Kith & Kin. Remember this event is a Member Perk and free to AAF Omaha members. Read More

Student Profile | Kristi Bolling | Creative Center

Recently, I volunteered to assist during the American Advertising Awards – Nebraska ADDYs judging day this year at SKAR. I had a lot of fun meeting professionals from across the country and seeing the work that was entered for the Nebraska ADDYs this year. I also attended Meet the Pros this year and significantly enjoyed the event. The speakers spoke of the hurdles they went through and how they overcame each one. There was a portfolio critique, and I managed to visit three pros, who gave me helpful advice on expanding my skills. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About AAF Omaha Member Erica Rowe

I have a passion for making things pretty – taking chaos and making it organized, beautiful and easy to understand. Graphic design in a nutshell I guess. As a Creative Director, I am passionate about helping others in their journey to make things beautiful/solve problems/succeed. There are always going to be challenges and hard situations to deal with but if you can face them with positivity and a passion to solve them together then everyone wins. Read More

Student Profile | Carlos Velasco | University of Nebraska-Lincoln

I had the chance to attend AAF Omaha’s Meet the Pros with the awesome support of our AIGA faculty advisor and professor Colleen Syron. This was a really great event to attend and I was able to hear some wonderful presentations, network with professionals and also most importantly get one on one portfolio and resumé reviews. My time as a student member of AAF Omaha has also been beneficial as it’s opened up the doors to other opportunities such as the National AAF Most Promising Multicultural Student Award, where the excellent professor and mentor Amy Struthers nominated me. I’ll get to attend the special conference in New York in February and network with ad professionals and recruiters from across the country! Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About AAF Omaha Member Brooke Wittrock

My name is Brooke Wittrock. I am the director of marketing at Boys Town National Research Hospital. I’ve been with Boys Town Hospital for 11 years and honestly can say the time flies when you are having fun. I work with a team of eight incredibly talented staff and we are responsible for the development and implementation of strategic marketing campaigns that hopefully have increased your level of awareness of Boys Town healthcare services (aka: Boys Town Pediatrics, Boys Town Ear, Nose and Throat, Specialty Care, Same Day Pediatrics, and more). Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know about AAF Omaha Member Rod Coleman

I joined Bozell in 2015 after four years as the marketing manager of a South Korean manufacturing subsidiary, Dae Seong Gear/EM Gear. I am currently the Director of Project Management which means I help improve processes to make work flow through the agency smoother. I also work with a variety of clients including Omaha Performing Arts, Greater Omaha Packing and Grain Systems. Read More

Student Profile | Madison Siglin | Creative Center

While attending the Creative Center and enjoying my time here, I have really found my life’s purpose. I have developed my fine art skills – and now computer skills – over the past two years. This year will be my last, as I learn more of the business side of the Graphic Design field. The school has helped me to understand what really makes good design and the discipline needed to succeed. Read More

Student Profile | Molly Rogers | Creighton University

After taking a couple of graphic design classes in high school I was certain about my decision to enroll as a graphic design major at Creighton University. As fate would have it, I had an Intro to Public Relations and Advertising class with Dr. Jeff Maciejewski. That same year, he prompted me to attend my first Meet the Pros. It was then that my love for advertising began to take shape. I decided to pursue a second major in journalism with an emphasis in advertising. Read More

Student Profile | Ryan Lloyd | Creighton University

Over the years of being at Creighton, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to grow as a graphic designer with multiple different on-campus jobs doing the same kind of work. I’ve created a variety of posters, run social media accounts, and photographed and taken videos of events as the Director of Communications of the Inter Residence Hall Government. I’ve also designed many other posters and logos for different organizations and departments on campus as a graphic designer in the Division of Student Life’s Creative Suite. I even had the opportunity to attend the Meet the Pros conference put on by the AAF Omaha last year, which allowed me to receive a scholarship from the Federation as well. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Jenny Andersen

This is Jenny’s first year serving on the AAF Omaha board where she currently is a co-chair of Programs. She is just getting into the swing of things, and is very excited to serve and learn. Read More

Student Profile | Sophie Ford | University of Nebraska Omaha

I joined the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Ad Club on a whim near the end of my junior year of college. I’d been a journalism major with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising for a little over a semester, and was suddenly struck with the realization that I needed to be more involved on campus. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Mike Gilloon

Mike joined Bozell in November of 2016 after nine years at Starcom in Chicago. As Bozell’s Director of Strategic Communication, Mike oversees Bozell’s Public Relations, Social Media and Media Buying departments. Read More

Student Profile | Paige Nelson | University of Nebraska Omaha

Networking is a term that has stuck out to me the most during my summer internship at CSG Internal. Everyone within the company says to never let an opportunity to network with an individual slip away. Read More

Student Profile | Annie Albin | University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Hi! My name is Annie Albin, and I’m currently a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in journalism, advertising and public relations, and minoring in Spanish and psychology. Read More

Student Profile | Abby Lehmer | University of Nebraska at Omaha

The best hobbies are the ones that you carry with you from your early years into adulthood. I’ll never forget the feeling of accomplishment from mastering my first real puzzle. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Bob Mancuso

I came to Mid-America Expo in 2005. Our Company produces trade shows, events, and festivals. The Omaha Health & Wellness Expo, the Triumph of Agriculture Expo – Farm & Ranch Machinery Show, the Taste of Omaha, the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival, and the Omaha Products Show for Business & Industry are a few of our shows. Read More

Student Profile | Kerrigan Flynn | University of Nebraska at Omaha

With a softball in my hand and a mound beneath my feet, the diamond taught me life lessons I will never forget. Every time you fall, get back up. If you want something, put in the hard work to make it happen. Each pitch showed me accountability, confidence and leadership which translated over into my relationships and my career. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), I am learning the fundamentals of public relations and advertising to ready for the field. Read More

Student Profile | Sarah Styron | University of Nebraska Kearney

Design and advertising has become such a passion for me. I am always trying to expand and grow as much as I can and at the end of the day, I am determined to make design that communicates and means something to people. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Sean Heisler

Hello! My name is Sean Heisler and I’m a co-chair for the AAFO Special Events committee. I am a Senior Art Director at Webster where I design and direct artwork for a wide range of clients involving branding, logo design, web design, advertising, etc. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Alli Carlson

Hello! My name is Alli Carlson, I’ve been a member of AAF Omaha for 2 years. I joined the Special Events committee in the fall of 2015, and joined the board as Special Events Co-Chair this past year. I am a Senior Account Executive at Redstone where I’ve worked for a little over 2 years. Read More

Welcome New AAF Omaha Members

When great minds come together, good things happen.
Thank you to our new members for joining the unifying voice of advertising. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Kim Gawecki

Hello! My name is Kim Gawecki. I just joined AAF and I am excited to get involved with the Public Service Committee! Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Jim Janicki

My name is Jim Janicki. I am the Vice President of Marketing and Communications/Shareholder at Hillcrest Health Services, a health system providing a full continuum of care for aging adults. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Robert Richardson

My name Robert Richardson and I’m the Coordinator of Business Development / Partner at A&K Marketing, Inc. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Elise Gerdes

I joined AAF when I was working as a Marketing Specialist for a non-profit. I really love how the topics discussed at the AAF events are very often applicable for both non-profit and for profit businesses. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Greg Ahrens

I am a creative director at SKAR Advertising. I’ve been here for 21 years. I worked at a couple agencies before I landed here. I’ve been involved with AAF Omaha for a number of years – serving as president, on the board and helping out on several committees. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Christin Zbylut

My name is Christin Zbylut and I am currently the Marketing Operations Specialist at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Ann Woodford

I was born and raised here in South Omaha and only left for a brief four years to attend the Art Institute of Las Vegas where I earned my Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Crystal Mackling

I have over 15 years experience in online marketing and web design and development. I joined Ervin & Smith in 2008 and I oversee creative to ensure it delights end users and aligns with client strategy and brand. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Dave Nelson

I’m the founder and creative director at SecretPenguin, an experiential branding agency that creates/refines/manages brands to stand out in a busy world. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Linda Hollingsead

My name is Linda Hollingsead. I have been a member of AAFO since 2004. I was the ADDYs PR chair in 2010. After completing my MA in Sociology at Wichita State University, I moved to Omaha in 2003 and secured the Research Coordinator position at the Omaha World-Herald. Read More

Amanda Olson Named AAF Omaha Ad Rookie of the Year

Amanda Olson has been named the 2016 AAF Omaha Ad Rookie of the Year. She currently serves as interactive designer at Swanson Russell in Lincoln.

The Ad Rookie of the Year award is given to an AAF Omaha member with five or fewer years in the advertising business who demonstrates outstanding work both professionally and in the community, with attention to AAF Omaha service. Read More

Kerry Heinrich Named AAF Omaha Ad Pro of the Year

Kerry Heinrich is the recipient of the 2016 AAF Omaha Ad Pro of the Year Award. She currently serves as Marketing Director at H&A Media Group.

The Ad Pro of the Year award is given to an AAF Omaha member who has a distinguished track record of service in advertising including professional and community service, with particular attention to AAF Omaha service. Read More

Five Things You Didn’t Know About David Dorfman

I have been working in the large-format printing business for over 25 years, specializing in providing graphics for the multi-unit, retail segment. I recently accepted a position with Revolution Wraps, here in Omaha, as the Director of Business Development, tasked with growing the retail, event and environmental side of the company’s business. Read More