AAF Nebraska Volunteer (1968 – present 2024)
Submitted by Teri Hamburger, Executive Director AAF Nebraska
Five Decades of Service
Claudia Martin’s unwavering dedication to AAF began more than half a century ago when she was a young professional in the advertising industry. Her journey with AAF Nebraska has been one of remarkable commitment, service, and leadership exemplifying the values and spirit of our organization. It is with admiration and appreciation to share Claudia’s AAF journey with members.
Since 1968, when Claudia was invited by then Omaha Federation of Advertising (OFA) President Dick Roncka to volunteer at OFA’s monthly luncheon programs, she has been an integral part of our federation. Her involvement began with simple tasks including checking in attendees at monthly luncheons. Her passion for networking, professional development, and mentorship activities quickly became evident. Through her active engagement, she has left a notable mark on our organization, contributing to its growth and success over the years.
Claudia’s volunteerism with AAF Nebraska has taken various forms, spanned more than five decades (56 years). From her active membership starting in 1981 to her recent contributions as a lifetime member, Claudia has been a consistent presence, witnessing the evolution of our organization through its name changes and organizational developments.
Her dedication is further underscored by her commitment over the years, her willingness to support her employees’ memberships, and their leadership involvement in the federation for more than 30 years.
Claudia’s involvement with AAF Nebraska is well-documented through her extensive committee engagements and leadership roles on the local, district, regional, and national levels. From serving on committees such as Programs, Communications, and the American Advertising Awards, to chairing events and conferences, Claudia has left an indelible mark on our organization’s history and achievements.
Beyond her contributions to AAF Nebraska listed below, Claudia’s professional resume reflects a distinguished career in the advertising industry, marked by her pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence. Her leadership roles at various agencies and firms, including Frederickson Hounsell and Culver Marketing, and Redstone Communications now RCG Advertising and Media, attest to her profound impact on the industry and the community prior to retirement.
Claudia, along with a team of committee members back in 1986 and 1987 were instrumental in orchestrating then OFA’s May Day Bid Away. This event and auction generated funds for the federation to open scholarship endowment accounts at Creighton University and the University of Nebraska Foundation.
Annually starting in 1987, AAF Nebraska has been awarding up to eight (some years even more) scholarships to deserving students. Over the years the federation has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in tuition funds to college students planning to enter the advertising, communications, and marketing industry after graduation.
Claudia’s dedication extends beyond the realm of advertising, as evidenced by her active involvement in numerous non-profit and service organizations. Her leadership as president of the board for the Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha and her role as a Trustee of the Business Ethics Alliance are testaments to her commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. She is a past honoree of the Greater Omaha YWCA Tribute to Women and an Influence Graduate of ICAN.
As AAF Nebraska’s Executive Director, I have had the pleasure to work for and with Claudia for many years and appreciate all she has done for the federation and continues to do.
Outline of Claudia Martin’s Service to the American Advertising Federation
From 1968-present (2024)
Local OFA to AAF Nebraska involvement:
-OFA Programs committee – Claudia started volunteering in 1968 as mentioned above, including more recently with the Programs committee and the Membership committee assisting with the federation’s annual Holiday Party and fundraising auction – Claudia Chaired the Programs Committee in 1985.
-OFA Communications committee – Claudia was a reporter for AdLibs (then OFA’s newsletter) writing stories for the Dear Addy column (in the early 1980’s for at least three years)
-Served on the Sales and Marketing conference committee
-OFA American Advertising Awards Committee – served on the committee for many years and most recently in 2019. Looking back at records she has only missed a handful of American Advertising Awards shows in the past 30 years.
-OFA Silver Medal Chair committee in 1985
-OFA May Day Bid Away committee 1986-1987
-OFA President 1988-1989 (served on the Executive leadership team for more than 5 years)
-Meet the Pros annual student conference panelist/speaker for many years (this staple AAF Nebraska student program started in 1961)
-OFA Silver Medal Winner 1999
-OFA 100th Anniversary Steering Committee 2005-2006
-From 2018 through present she returned to the Membership team
AAF 9th District involvement and leadership:
-Served on the OFA committee co-chairing the team working with AAF 9th District leaders for spring 1985 conference in Omaha
-Active with AAF 9th District leadership from 1989-1996, served as the AAF District 9 governor for one and a half years
-AAF National Student Advertising Competition service from 1989-1996 for the AAF 9th District competition level
-Chaired the American Advertising Awards program and show on the AAF 9th District level several years along with the district leadership team
AAF National involvement, volunteerism, and leadership:
-AAF National 500 Club (served as a member of the 500 Club for several years) when OFA’s membership topped 500 members.
-AAF National American Advertising Awards committee leadership team (served on the committee for two years)
-Served as a member of the AAF Council of Governors for 7 years traveling to many meetings and conferences across the county.
