The American Advertising Federation will honor
AAF Omaha’s Executive Director as the 2017 Recipient of the Betty Riehl Excellence in Service Award
Omaha, NE (May 10, 2017)-Teri Hamburger, Executive Director of the American Advertising Federation Omaha (AAF Omaha), was named the 2017 recipient of the Betty Riehl Excellence in Service Award earlier this month recognizing her longstanding commitment and service to AAF.
The Betty Riehl Excellence in Service Award was established to honor Betty Riehl, who was respected and revered throughout the AAF membership for her dedication to her job, her grace, good humor and caring nature in addressing and responding to member needs through her career at AAF. It was clear to the judges that, by virtue of Teri’s long tenure with AAF Omaha and the relationships she has developed with members, Teri embodies the spirit of the award.
Teri joined the federation more than two decades ago. Given a list of priorities when hired by AAF Omaha, she grasped the role immediately making significant changes and improvements in club operations from the start. Teri has worked tirelessly since 1996 for the federation with a commitment and enthusiasm for AAF on the local, district and national levels in everything she does to support the organization as a whole.
Teri’s event planning and art education experiences that she brought to the organization related directly to the assignments she was given from the Board of Directors to help grow and achieve club strategic planning goals. Teri keeps a watchful eye on club finances, assists with board training, member services and recruitment, event planning, communications, educational programs and legislative efforts. Her eye for detail has helped the club receive numerous club achievement awards over the years. Teri meets with local businesses and non-profits, promotes AAF Omaha at legislative events, conferences, trade shows, attends AAF 9th District and National AAF events and is constantly looking for creative ways to improve club programming and to recruit new members. Teri not only fulfills her role as Executive Director of the club, she also volunteers to work on AAF public service and education initiatives.
Teri has taken an active role working closely with college students and educators throughout Nebraska. She cultivates relationships with students knowing they will be future leaders of AAF Omaha or go on to other chapters across the country. She regularly speaks in university classrooms sharing the importance of AAF and the federation’s unifying voice for advertising.
“We are thrilled with the AAF Committee’s selection of this year’s Betty Riehl Award winner, Teri Hamburger,” said Amanda Peterson, Chairwoman of AAF Omaha’s Board of Directors and Laura Spaulding, AAF Omaha’s President. Both agree she is the embodiment of professional and generous service to AAF Omaha.
According to AAF Omaha (2002-2003) President Cris Hay, “The relationships Teri has forged over the years with suppliers, sponsors, prospective volunteers, chapter veterans and AAF club leaders across the country are the source of solutions, and a testament to an exceptional leader.”
Greg Ahrens, AAF Omaha (2007-2008) President, stated recently that “Teri is the backbone of AAF Omaha. Her tireless support for the ad club is unmatched along with her unwavering spirit and passion.”
Teri has been married to her college sweetheart for 34 years and is the proud mother of one daughter graduating from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. this spring. Teri is an active community volunteer, has served on numerous boards, was named a YWCA Woman of Distinction and honored as AAF Omaha’s 2015 Silver Medal Winner.
Teri will be honored at ADMERICA, the AAF’s annual national conference on Saturday, June 10, at The Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, La. Each year, the conference brings leading advertising professionals, agencies, clients, media companies and college students under one roof for education, inspiration, innovation, collaboration and celebration of the advertising industry. The conference also showcases the industry’s best work during the American Advertising Awards and Mosaic Awards, and future talent during the National Student Advertising Competition finals. For more information about ADMERICA and to register for the conference please visit www.admericaaaf.org.
For more information about the Betty Riehl Excellence in service award, please contact Joanne Schecter via email or by phone at (202) 898-0089. Or, visit the AAF’s website at www.aaf.org to learn more.
About AAF Omaha
For 111 years the American Advertising Federation Omaha has served as a unifying voice for advertising in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area, advocating for the rights of advertisers by helping educate policymakers, the news media and general public on the value advertising brings to the well-being of the community. AAF Omaha fosters the highest standards of practice and works to cultivate the industry’s present and future leaders. AAF Omaha has been honored on the district and national levels by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) for its work in advertising education, communications, diversity, government relations, club management, programs, membership and public service. For more information, visit www.aafomaha.org
