American Advertising Federation Inland Empire Announces New Leadership

Focused on strengthening industry connections, elevating local talent and expanding opportunities across the region’s creative community

REDLANDS, CALIF. — The American Advertising Federation of the Inland Empire (AAF-IE) has announced its new leadership team, bringing together advertising, marketing and creative professionals committed to strengthening industry connections across the Inland Empire.

The officers are Adrian Hyatt-Ward, president; John McCarthy, immediate past president; Bjorn Madrid, vice president; Ken Alan, treasurer; and Vanessa Boekenoogen, secretary and communications co-chair. Florence Diaz will serve alongside Boekenoogen as communications co-chair, with Eren Cello and Jacob Poore serving as at-large members.

“What excites us most is the chance to build stronger connections across the region’s creative community,” said Hyatt-Ward. “We want to create more opportunities to learn from one another, share ideas and grow together while championing the talent and work coming out of the Inland Empire.”

AAF-IE brings together professionals from across the Inland Empire’s advertising and marketing community, including advertising agencies, in-house marketing teams, media companies, independent creatives, educators, students and businesses that support the industry.

“The Inland Empire is home to an incredible depth of creative talent, and much of it deserves a bigger spotlight,” said Madrid. “Outstanding work is being created here every day. We want AAF-IE to help make that work and the people behind it more visible and more celebrated.”

Under its new leadership, AAF-IE will continue developing programs that bring the industry together through professional events, networking, education and recognition of creative excellence. The chapter also produces the local American Advertising Awards, celebrating outstanding work created throughout the region.

As the Inland Empire affiliate of the American Advertising Federation, AAF-IE connects local members with a national network of advertising professionals and resources in professional development, education, advocacy and industry leadership.

Those interested in becoming involved with AAF Inland Empire, attending an upcoming program or learning more about membership can visit inlandempireaaf.com/ourmembers.

About AAF Inland Empire

In the 1980s, a group of advertising and graphic design professionals working for in-house and external clients formed a regional club that held regular meetings and brought guest speakers to the Inland Empire to discuss advertising and design. The organization was originally known as Portfolio and later became the Inland Empire Ad Club as the region and its advertising industry continued to grow.

As the Inland Empire became home to more businesses and a larger advertising and marketing community, the organization affiliated with the American Advertising Federation, connecting local professionals with the resources and opportunities of a national advertising industry organization.

Today, the American Advertising Federation of the Inland Empire serves advertising, marketing, media and creative professionals throughout Southern California’s Inland Empire. AAF-IE works to connect the region’s professional community, encourage industry education, recognize creative excellence and bring greater visibility to the talent and work being produced throughout the region.

For more information, visit www.inlandempireaaf.com.

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