Meet the Board

Meet the Board

The OCAF Board of Directors is a group of individuals who are actively involved in - and passionate about - the advertising community. The officers of OCAF come from a variety of backgrounds, but share a passion for great work and growth of the local industry.


	President Sandy King Sandy King, Advertising Specialist with Orange County Register Communications, has over 20 years experience in client marketing and advertising strategy. The truth about Sandy: Why do you like the ad biz? I’m fascinated by the creative process! To see a concept become a campaign is captivating. When campaigns alter behavior and produce or exceed desired results, well… I also really enjoy working with students interested in perusing careers in the advertising industry. I’ve coordinated the AAF District 15 National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) for the past several years. Each year the competition becomes increasingly more intense: the students more savvy, the campaigns more incredible, and the creative more engaging. These students are the future of our industry; and I am incredibly proud to facilitate a program that provides them experience and skills needed to successfully enter the workforce. What is your biggest career accomplishment? My most gratifying career accomplishment is gaining the trust and respect of my clients. Being awarded the American Advertising Federation Silver Medal last year by AAF District 15 was pretty incredible as well! Describe your most prominent marketing philosophy? Adaptability: Maintaining the ability to adapt in a constantly evolving industry is vital to success. What are your hobbies? Anything involving fresh air, warm water & sunshine! What is your biggest fear? Having identical twins and not being able to tell them apart!!! What is your favorite quote? Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. - Anonymous What one thing would you not want us to know about you? The one thing you never will… What frustrates you? Apathy and dissention What do you do to help the human race? I am a fairly community-minded individual; I shop locally, support my area farmers & craftsman, and volunteer for community service. I also recycle, donate to charitable organizations, and promote a greener way of life.

	Vice President Lisa Delaney Lisa Delaney is a highly forward-thinking hands-on executive with experience in Marketing and Business development. I have worked on the client side and for PR and advertising agencies for 15 years. I have a solid understanding of the challenges that our industry faces and keep up on current practices and technological developments. *The Truth about Lisa:* Why do you like the ad biz? I love the new ideas, diversity of the people and the color, texture and design concepts that erupt out of creative thinking. What are your hobbies? I love motorcycles, fishing, cars, camping, rafting, singing songs, and dressing up in costumes. What is biggest career accomplishment? I was an integral part of the Prius launch for Toyota. Describe your most prominent marketing philosophy? As a true marketing enthusiast, my philosophy is to apply my passion and drive for the industry in my work. More importantly is my obsession for delivering great programs and appreciating the dedication and enthusiasm required to be credible a player in the category. What do you do to help the human race? I volunteer with the Surfrider foundation, Meals on Wheels and Project Angelfood

	Secretary / Ad2OC Immediate Past President Emily Lavender Emily Lavender, Marketing Director for Circus Vargas, has a strong desire to continue to learn about the always changing advertising industry. The truth about Emily: Why do you like the ad biz? I love figuring out how people work, who likes what products and then determining the most effective and creative way to reach and engage them. What are your hobbies? Working out, spending time with friends and family, and playing with my bulldog! What is biggest career accomplishment? Getting my first job just out of college! Describe your most prominent marketing philosophy? Don’t talk at them, talk with them. What is your biggest fear? Spending my life doing something I do not love. What is your favorite quote? “All you need is love” What one thing would you not want us to know about you? Sometimes I sleep way too much! What frustrates you? Traffic What do you do to help the human race? I try to be positive about everything and everyone!

	Executive Director Thom Cameron Thom Cameron, Team Builder, Owner EOS Solutions, brings 20 years experience in the Printing and Marketing industry, with a strong emphasis on Business Strategy and Marketing. The truth about Thom: Why do you like the ad biz? It provides me the opportunity to explore my creative side and collaborate with amazing people. What are your hobbies? Hunting, Boating, Racing, Off-Roading, Motorcycles and anything that lets me spend time outdoors with my family and friends. What is your biggest career accomplishment? Developing careers for many of my past employees and developing long lasting relationships with them by being fair, focused and always keeping my integrity. Describe your most prominent marketing philosophy? If you can create a positive emotional response or connection, your audience will listen. What is your biggest fear? Not living up to the love and respect my family has for me. What is your favorite quote? Whaaa wwaaa waaa whaaaaa whhhaa waaahh wahhhh. Whaaahh – Teacher in the Charlie Brown Cartoons. This is what people hear when what you have to say has no value or interest to them. What one thing would you not want us to know about you? Sorry, not telling and please don’t ask the sheep because they lie. What frustrates you? Stupid people or those that feel that their personal agenda is more important than the needs of others. What do you do to help the human race? Try to set a positive example and be socially active in positive organizations. I also help rid the world of those fearsome and aggressive beasts known as wild deer – look out Bambi. Ok, only 1/2 serious about that last part.

	Creative Chair Drew Lewis Drew Lewis, New Media Developer of Y&R Brands and Creative Director of Fusioncorp Design, he is originally from Lexington, KY and has lived in Southern California for three years now. Working for clients such as Land Rover, Callaway Golf, Toshiba, and Hilton Hotels he is close to his goal to rule the world using subliminal creative advertising. The truth about Drew: Why do you like the ad biz? People actually like the ad biz? My goal is to make enough money not to hate myself for selling out. What are your hobbies? Is Hulu a hobby? Mmmm… Traveling, Sailing, Sculpture, Movies, Video Games… What is biggest career accomplishment? I remember seeing my first TV spot air. That was a nice feeling. Describe your most prominent marketing philosophy? I believe advertising is driven in some form by emotion. Find the right emotional cord to pull and a good concept and you’ll have an unbelievable ad. What is your biggest fear? I turn into a little girl around spiders…no seriously. What is your favorite quote? A good quote should probably say something deep and profound and with a lot of big words. - Anonymous What one thing would you not want us to know about you? I actually own the DVD film “The Cutting Edge”. Don’t knock it! Time will tell the truth that it is a classic on par with “Harry and the Henderson’s”. Toe Pick! What frustrates you? The large and slow moving machine that large companies have become. What do you do to help the human race? I try to be a good person.

	Education Co-Chair Stacy Webb Stacy Webb Bio: · Masters of Science degree Counseling: Student development in higher education · Bachelor of Arts, Family & Consumer Science: Child Development & Family Studies · 6 Years in career development with 3 years as the Director of Career Services at Westwood College in Anaheim. · 3 years involvement in the Orange County Ad Federation as a member and sponsor. · Member, National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) · Member, International Game Developers Association (IGDA) · Member, International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education – Pi Lambda Theta · Past Member, Disability Advisory Committee California State University Long Beach As Director of Career Services her duties included: Coaching, developing and managing a 7 person career staff to fulfill their job responsibilities while meeting departmental outcomes. Networked with businesses to assist with business development and branding of the college at community events. Created, developed and planed career-oriented job survival skills seminars, workshops, and training sessions on campus to heighten student’s career awareness. As an adjunct instructor taught the career management course at Westwood College to prepare students with their job search and how to market themselves and manage their careers. While at Cal State University Long Beach she had two years involvement with career development and counseling. I would like to help promote awareness of the ad industry through the marketing of job opportunities, provide an avenue for members and non-members to post and also apply for positions in the advertising industry. Be a liaison for the ad fed in terms of promoting the federation and what it can offer to member’s, sponsors and students.

	Education Co-Chair Bob Peterson Bob Peterson has over 30 years experience in the field of graphic design, advertising and marketing, where he has designed catalogs, ad campaigns, direct mail, brochures, and developed and implemented advertising and strategic marketing plans for major companies in the electronics industry. He has fourteen years teaching experience, including two years as a photographic instructor in the U.S. Air Force, two years as a sales trainer for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, and ten years as a graphic design instructor and Program Director at Westwood College – Anaheim. In the past he has been active on the education resource committee for the OC Ad Fed. The truth about Bob: Why do you like the ad biz? It’s a great feeling when you put together a message that changes behavior. What are your hobbies? Avoiding hobbies What is biggest career accomplishment? There are many, in the past, branding smaller companies to appear as a fortune 500 company. Presently every graduation when my students accomplish their degree.

	Chief Results Officer Carl Katz Carl Katz, advertising attorney and author of ocADlaw.com Providing over 15 years of legal and business experience to advertisers, marketers, and their agencies. The truth about Carl: Why do you like the ad biz? One of the few places, besides writing greeting cards, where you can get paid for puns. What is biggest career accomplishment? Cashing my first check. Describe your most prominent marketing philosophy: Say what you do, do what you say. What are your hobbies? Photography; Making my daughters laugh What is your biggest fear? Lasik. What is your favorite quote? The demand to be loved is the greatest of all arrogant presumptions. Nietzsche. What one thing would you not want us to know about you? Void where prohibited. What frustrates you?* Inaction. What do you do to help the human race? When the race is over, I push the broom.

	Programs Chair Raquel Figlo Raquel Figlo has her Master’s Degree in Communication with an emphasis in Advertising from California State University Fullerton. Raquel brings over six years experience in marketing and sales to the board. As well, three years of experience as a freelance event planner. Currently, Raquel runs her own event planning company called Raquel Figlo Events & Promotions at www.raquelfiglo.com. She focuses on developing effective marketing strategies for her clients that include special events!  The truth about Raquel:   Why do you like the ad biz? I like the fact that your brand is the entire experience your prospects and customers have with your company. It’s what you stand for, the promise you make, and the personality you communicate. What is biggest career accomplishment?    I started my own event planning company in early 2008. I have produced strategic breakthrough PR and event programs that have increase my client's brand awareness through fashion shows, special events and charities.  Describe your most prominent marketing philosophy: “Every advertisement should be thought of as a contribution to the complex symbol which is the brand image.” True words said by David Ogilvy.   What are your hobbies?   Surf, Skate and Snow.   What is your biggest fear? Losing Peter Rabbit, my favorite stuffed animal.  What is your favorite quote? “I don’t worry about nothing; cuz worrying is a waste of time.” - Axl Rose.   What one thing would you not want us to know about you?   I am a member of the KISS army.   What frustrates you? Litter bugs. What do you do to help the human race?   I raise money for non-profit organizations such as Surfrider Foundation and I love it!

	Public Relations Chair Halie Schmidt Halie E. Schmidt, Senior Account Executive of Hill & Knowlton, brings more than eight years of experience in public relations and marketing realm. The truth about Halie: Why do you like the ad biz? Coming from public relations/marketing, I like the ad biz because it is very creative and timely in a different and more stimulating way. Ad people are unique and interesting in every way! What is biggest career accomplishment? Knowing that not one thing I have done in my career is a highlight but rather my experiences as a whole are a complete picture. Describe your most prominent marketing philosophy: It’s not enough to determine what customers need or what, companies have a responsibility to include the possible societal consequences in what they make. Make a product that is necessary and responsible while balancing the two. What are your hobbies? I enjoy anything at the beach. I recently discovered Stand Up Paddleboarding, which is a lot of fun and a great workout! What is your biggest fear? Heights! I am terrified of heights and like to keep my feet on the ground. What is your favorite quote? "You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." ~Winnie the Pooh What one thing would you not want us to know about you? My driver’s license says I am taller than I am...only by a little. What frustrates you? Slow drivers in the “fast lane”. What do you do to help the human race? I participate in environmental causes and do my part to reduce, reuse, and recycle. I want to leave the earth better than we found it for future generations.

	Social Media Chair John Surge John Surge, President/Creative Director of Hobbs/Herder Advertising, brings over 25 years of experience in marketing, advertising, corporate communications and branding strategy. The truth about John: Why do you like the ad biz? Driving sales is tough business, and it’s very rewarding to help clients achieve their goals. Also, the energy of the people in the industry—their smarts, creativity, and yes, their sarcastic wit. What is your biggest career accomplishment? Working and mentoring associates early in their careers who have gone on to do increasingly amazing work. Describe your most prominent marketing philosophy: Tell a compelling story and connect with people so they develop a positive attraction to the brand and buy the product or service. What are your hobbies? I play guitar and sing in an Americana roots rock band, Haymaker. Come see us. And I love golf and everything about it. What is your biggest fear? That I’ll hurt my hands and not be able to write, play guitar or play golf. What is your favorite quote? “There’s no crying in baseball,” Tom Hanks as manager Jimmy Dugan in “A League Of Their Own.” What one thing would you not want us to know about you? I am a Pilates devotee. What frustrates you? That 20 somethings are more up on technology than I am. I’m not going down without a fight. What do you do to help the human race? Drive fast in the fast lane, use my blinker, don’t answer my cell phone in restaurants, hold a door open, …basically I try to be conscious and respectful that there are other people in the world other than myself.

	Ad2OC Board Member Mike Thompson Mike Thompson, Digital Media Specialist and Account Manager at Orange Label Art + Advertising, brings the entrepreneurial skills, creativity and experience of running his own freelance web design and photography company for over 5 years to the world of advertising, marketing and business development. The truth about Mike: Why do you like the ad biz? I feel that working with business to create opportunity, or solve problems, is extremely rewarding. It is amazing to think that “work” is a synergy of hobbies I grew up exploring. What are your hobbies? I grew up in Michigan enjoying the outdoors; Hiking, camping, boating, and scuba diving are on the top of my list. I have a passion for Photography and the Guitar. What is biggest career accomplishment? About 2 years ago my photography was printed full page in a national guitar magazine as an advertisement for Divided by 13 guitar amps. Describe your most prominent marketing philosophy? “In advertising, you’re trying to find the thing behind the thing.” - What about a given product or service separates it from the competition? – Carolyn Coal What is your biggest fear? Laundry What is your favorite quote? “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late, you’re fired” – Anonymous What one thing would you not want us to know about you? I have never seen Citizen Kane. What frustrates you? Usually small stupid things like when people leave their blinker on and you patiently wait for them to merge. What do you do to help the human race? My photography is sold on gallery wrapped canvases exclusively online at IncredibleArtist.com. A generous portion of the sale goes to the National MS Society.