Our story began with a shared vision sparked by former AAF District 14 Governor Kurt Thigpen to breathe new life into the local advertising community. Building on the legacy of the original Fresno Advertising Federation (FAF), the goal was clear: revive the club as an energized, modern hub for the region’s creative talent.
“After being contacted by Kurt Thigpen, I was inspired by this renewed interest. Jan Edwards, a long-time Fresno advertising enthusiast, and I met and envisioned a concept for the next generation of outstanding former Fresno State Graphic Design and Media, Communications and Journalism (MCJ) students to run the new AAF Fresno Ad Club.”
Local agency owners and executives rallied behind the initiative with immediate support. Early reinvention meetings took place across the community, hosted at the Fresno State Smittcamp Alumni House, Jeffrey Scott Agency, and Hyphen.
From these gatherings, a diverse, dynamic Board of Directors emerged—bringing together rising alumni from Fresno State’s Graphic Design and MCJ programs who are now established industry professionals, alongside dedicated former FAF board members and faculty advisors.
On November 16, 2022, AAF Fresno officially rechartered as an active American Advertising Federation chapter. Since our return, we have re-established vibrant community touchpoints and high-impact industry programming:
Hosting the annual American Advertising Awards (ADDYs), the Honors Awards Luncheon, seasonal mixers, and the Winter Holiday Party.
Sponsoring entries into the prestigious ADDY Student Competition and the AAF National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC).
Directing net proceeds from major AAF Fresno events to fund the Fresno Advertising Federation Foundation’s endowed Graphic Design and MCJ scholarships at Fresno State.
Founding Board of Directors
President
VP & Programming
Secretary
Treasurer
Cody Medaris, Ruth Lichtenstein, Kristin Bonillas, Emily Vagim, Shadia Salem, Natalie Ramirez, Rebecca Barnes, Jan Edwards, Karen Franz, Amy Wilson, Dr. Wes Wise
Dr. Roberta Asahina
Sponsors & Venue Hosts
Jane Olvera Majors (Hyphen), Bruce Batti (Jeffrey Scott Agency), Jessie Irwin (Jeffrey Scott Agency), Amy Wilson (Community Health System), Expo Party Rentals, Dumont Printing, and Debra Boyett (Wanger Jones Helsley, PC).
Founding Donors
Jan Edwards Marketing, Jeffrey Scott Agency, Hyphen, Dr. Roberta Asahina, Rebecca Barnes, and Karen Franz.
