Inspiring, empowering, and celebrating the work of advertising professionals in Memphis, TN.

We connect, uplift, and amplify the voices of all members of our Memphis advertising community.

AAF Memphis is a not-for-profit professional association dating back to 1948. We serve as our city’s local chapter of the American Advertising Federation—the nation’s oldest national advertising trade association—and operate within the federation’s seventh district.

AAF Memphis’ membership roster includes the full spectrum of marketing communications specialties, including ad agencies, branding firms, in-house marketing departments, creative boutiques, media, production service providers, researchers and independent or freelance specialists. Our club provides regular meetings featuring top-tier industry speakers, professional development and networking opportunities, and creative recognition through the American Advertising Awards (ADDYs™).

AAF Memphis Past Presidents

2022 Richard Fudge
2021 Karen McKenzie
2020 Grace Burns
2019 Martha Hample
2018 Amy Hughes
2017 Jen Swearingen
2016 Cynthia Saatkamp
2015 Andrea Wiley
2014 Blaine Loyd
2013 Penelope Huston
2012 Dan Barron
2011 Pam Branham
2010 Marcia Anthony
2009 Susan Ewing
2008 Maury Tower
2007 James Atkinson
2006 Hallie Conaway
2005 Jennifer Hankinson
2004 Joe Lackie
2003 Mickey Woodham
2002 Sam Goff
2001 Judy McCown
2000 Rikki Boyce
1999 John Doyle
1998 Donna Gordy
1997 Craig Harper
1996 Calvin Miller
1995 Connie Hendrix
1994 Linda Roberts
1993 Bruce Bowles
1992 Michael Thompson
1991 Steve Pacheco
1990 Sherri Sawyer
1989 Joan White
1988 Ken Sossaman
1987 Gay Williams
1986 Tom Wood
1985 Lynn H. Synders
1984 David Stewart
1983 Logan McCabe Rick Feuille
1982 Margaret Lowery
1981 Jimmie Mitchell
1980 Trena Packer Street
1979 David Stewart
1978 Edward G. Dorrity
1977 Bob Williams
1976 Deloss Walker
1975 Brandon Davis
1974 J. A. Bedwell, Jr.
1973 John Malmo
1972 G. C. “Buck” Jones
1971 Jan Gardner
1970 Charles H. Schmidt
1969 Jim McDearman, Jr.
1968 James D. Cherry
1967 Clifford Y. Davis, Jr.
1966 Ward Archer, Sr.
1965 Jerry O’Roark
1964 J. P. Tucker
1963 Charles W. Montgomery, Jr.
1962 Dave Swearingen
1961 Ott Roush
1960 Milton Simon
1959 Dr. Robert M. Cooper
1958 Lew Sutton
1957 Charles Brakefield
1956 Holton Rush
1955 Lester Gingold
1954 Herbert Tushingham
1953 Ernest Lee, Sr.
1952 L. O. Dobson
1951 Mel Grinspan
1950 Wallace Whitmer
1949 Marshall Smith
1948 Lester Cole

About AAF National

Established in 1905, The American Advertising Federation (AAF) is the only organization that includes members across all disciplines and career levels in advertising. Whether you’re new to the fast-paced work of advertising or a seasoned professional, the AAF is for you. We’re here to help you advance your career, build your connections, and celebrate this ever-changing, amazing industry we work in.

AAF National’s mission is to protect and promote the well-being of advertising. We accomplish this through a unique, nationally coordinated grassroots network of brands, agencies, media companies, local advertising clubs and college chapters.

aaf national’s goals:

  • Bring members together to deliver creative business solutions
  • Keep members abreast of the latest trends in technology, creativity and marketing
  • Promote diversity and inclusion in advertising
  • Honor and celebrate advertising excellence
  • Develop the industry’s future leaders
  • Protect and promote advertising at all levels of government through grassroots activities
  • Offer engaging programs to encourage local association volunteer leadership
  • Utilize industry expertise address community issues
  • Provide opportunities for professionals to build supportive relationships with others in the advertising communities

why join aaf?

Joining AAF as a member gives you the opportunity to connect with your peers, gain inspiration, hone your craft, and find recognition for your work at the local, regional and national level.