• Communications Chair
• Vice President
• American Advertising Awards Chair
• Website Chair
• President
• Advocacy Chair
• Chairman of the Board
• Programs Chair (Upcoming)

Key Achievements

• Membership Growth: Nearly doubled membership, with just three more members needed for a 50% increase.
• Speaker Engagement: Brought in renowned speakers such as Aaron Draplin, Pretty Useful Co., Valentina Gomez Bravo, and Emmy Award-winning Anissa Centers to Jonesboro.
• Event Expansion: Increased the number of events from an average of 2 per year to 6, with a 40% increase in attendance through improved communication and updated advertising strategies.
• Board Expansion: Grew the board from an average of 6 members to 12, including dedicated DEI and Web Director positions.
• Gala Attendance: Achieved record-breaking American Advertising Awards Gala attendance, nearly doubling our historical average. 
• Awards Submissions: Led the largest percentage increase in American Advertising Awards submissions across all clubs nationwide in 2024.
• District Involvement: Increased district-level involvement from none to having four Arkansas AAF board members, including roles such as Arkansas State Government Chair, Communications Director, American Advertising Awards Chair for District 10, and Programs Chair for District 10, despite having the fewest number of clubs in the entirety of the district.
• Legislative Engagement: Organized the State of Arkansas’ first-ever Day at the Capitol, where we spoke to Arkansas Legislators about newly enacted advertising laws.
• Public Service Recognition: Achieved 2nd place in Club Achievement in Public Service.
• Program Initiatives: Founded ADvocacy, a program to help advertise for non-profits, and ADvantage, a day-long career clinic for advertising students.
• Award Introduction: Introduced the “Arkansas Hall of Fame” Award.

Awards and Recognition

2024 The Glue Award: This award was created specifically to recognize how our involvement in AAF has helped build a lasting legacy.

As active members of the AAF for five years, we have consistently sought ways to expand our club’s reach to surrounding areas. Before our tenure, involvement with clubs in our district was minimal. Recognizing the need to provide our Arkansas community with new perspectives, we immediately connected with D10 members. As a major liaison between D10 and Northeast Arkansas, we have achieved the following:

Leadership Roles and Contributions 

• American Advertising Awards Chair: Oversaw and implemented the American Advertising Awards program for over 14 individual clubs across all four states, organizing the district-level competition independently.

• Government Chair: Coordinated Arkansas State’s first-ever Day at the Capitol, facilitating direct discussions with Arkansas legislators about advertising laws and their impact on the industry.

• Encouraged Board Involvement: Motivated local Arkansas board members to engage at the district level, resulting in members serving as Arkansas State Representative, State Government Chair, D10 Programs Director, and D10 Communications Committee Chair.

Awards and Recognition

2024 AAF District 10 Member of the Year: Awarded to an outstanding member across District 10 for their exceptional contributions to the organization

This unique program assembles a volunteer team, the “Avengers of Advertising,” who dedicate their skills to a chosen organization. In just a few months, they provide a comprehensive support package, including:

• Design and Branding: Creating a strong visual identity
• Market Research and Strategy: Identifying the target audience and crafting a winning message
• Marketing Materials: From social media campaigns to email blasts and websites, the team builds a complete marketing toolkit
• Event and Engagement Opportunities: Raising awareness and generating excitement
• Financial and In-Kind Support: Lightening the load for stretched non-profit budgets 

Beyond Marketing: Building Stronger

The Advocacy program goes beyond marketing. It fosters:

• Non-Profit Success: By taking marketing burdens off their shoulders, Advocacy allows non-profits to focus on their core mission
• Increased Awareness: AAF channels and members are leveraged to spread the word about these deserving organizations
• Volunteer Inspiration: Many program participants are inspired to volunteer directly with the supported organizations
• Networking and Learning: The program brings together students, freelancers, agencies, and experienced marketers, creating a space for learning and collaboration

Real Results for Local Heroes

The Advocacy program has already made a significant impact on three Northeast Arkansas organizations:

• The Arkansas Pet Savers (TAPS): This foster-based dog rescue received a complete marketing makeover.
• El Centro Hispano: This non-profit serving the Hispanic community gained valuable marketing tools to reach a wider audience.
• Together We Foster: This organization supporting the foster care system received vital support to raise awareness and secure resources.

This program brought together students and professors from four Arkansas colleges: Arkansas State, Williams Baptist, Harding, and Lyons. Students participated in:

• Mock Interviews: Practice interviewing with both creative and non-creative professionals, getting feedback on presentation and communication skills.
• Portfolio Reviews: Receive valuable feedback from experienced professionals in different advertising specialties on their creative work.
• Panel Discussion: Ask questions and gain insights from industry professionals about what to expect after graduation.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals for potential internships and future jobs.

Building a Stronger Community

The first year of ADvantage was a resounding success! The program not only helped students but also:

• Attracted New Members: Both students and professionals joined the AAF Northeast Arkansas chapter, expanding the organization’s network and fostering collaboration.
• National Recognition: The program attracted 28 professionals nationwide, showcasing AAF Northeast Arkansas’ commitment to student success.
• Strong Start: With participation from four universities and 28 industry leaders, ADvantage has created a solid foundation for future growth.

Following a Lunch and Learn on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and discussions with the hiring team about encouraging more diverse applicants, we approached the executive team to propose the creation of the first-ever DEI committee. Since its formation, the committee has spearheaded successful initiatives that benefit all employees, including:

• Culturally Sensitive Holidays: Ensuring holiday practices are inclusive of diverse backgrounds.
• Safe Space for Feedback: Providing an anonymous suggestion box for DEI concerns.
• Project Search: Exploring a program that connects young people with disabilities to internship opportunities.
• Mental Health Awareness: Organizing educational programs and expanding mental health resources to combat burnout.
• Diverse Celebrations: Hosting events celebrating World Culture Day, Vietnamese and Hispanic cultures, Pride Month, and Juneteenth.
• Accessibility: Making the job application process more accessible for all candidates.
• Employee Support: Creating the Optus Storeroom to encourage recycling, reduce food waste, and assist team members facing challenges.
• Women’s Empowerment: Providing an information hub for International Women’s Day.
• Black History Month: Organizing a celebration and information hub to honor Black history and achievements.
• Meditation Space: Offering a dedicated space for relaxation and stress reduction.

Optus Gives Back is unique in its focus on employee feedback. The program actively solicits suggestions from team members to ensure initiatives align with their passions. Furthermore, the program offers flexible participation options, allowing employees to contribute financially, volunteer their time, or donate gently used items. This ensures everyone can participate, regardless of personal availability.

A Legacy of Support

Since its inception, Optus Gives Back has made a significant impact on numerous organizations, including:

• 2021: Arkansas Pet Savers, The Family Crisis Center, Helping Neighbors Food Pantry, The Learning Center (underprivileged and disabled children)
• 2022: Ukrainian Crisis Relief, Beck Center for Veterans, Fill the Northeast Arkansas Food Bank
• 2023: The Family Crisis Center (domestic and sexual abuse victims), The Learning Center Holiday Gift and Food Drive
• 2024: Mike Greer Family Fundraiser (supporting a team member’s daughter battling cancer), Earth Day Neighborhood Clean Up