— About Us

The Unifying Voice for Advertising

Whether you’re new to the fast-paced world of advertising or a seasoned professional, the AAF-Southern Illinois 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.

To the art direction aficionados, masters of marketing, deft designers, social media savants, versatile vendors, creative copywriters, digital directors, vehement videographers, stunning storytellers, and all the remaining passionate people in the advertising community—we are here for you! The American Advertising Federation of Southern Illinois brings professionals and students in Southern Illinois and surrounding areas the opportunity to connect with like-minded people in the industry, learn from experts, and recognize advertising excellence.

Offering member-centric educational programs, industry connections, and professional growth resources, AAF-Southern Illinois grows and enhances the network of all marketing communications professionals. Whether you are an agency, independent professional, media firm, marketing and research company, client company, trade organization, or community service, we have programs of all sizes to fit your needs.

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Mission

—Our Mission

AAF Southern Illinois serves the the advertising and marketing industry in our region through educational programming, volunteer opportunities, and networking events.

Our Goals

Develop collaboration and encourage innovation among people in advertising and related business.
Promote ethical, truthful, and creative advertising.
Encourage young, talented persons to seek careers in advertising.
Nurture through outreach to college students seeking a career in advertising
Promote advertising to regional business, educational, governmental, and community as a vital part of building a healthy economy
Align with community causes to assist in the development of innovation, growth, and well-being.

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Benefits of Membership

Build relationships with professionals from all facets of the advertising industry—clients, agencies, production companies, and the media – by participating in workshops, professional development seminars, and attending events.
Gain recognition for your talent by entering the American Advertising Awards, the country’s most prominent creative competition.
Promote the value of advertising in your local community by participating in the National Club Achievement Competition.
Advance in your career or grow your business by taking advantage of the AAF-Southern Illinois’ Career Center, a resource for industry-related jobs.
Connect with top names in the advertising industry and fellow club members from across the region.
Promote the value of advertising in your local community.
Honor a fellow club member who has made outstanding contributions to advancing industry standards by nominating them for national awards such as Silver Medal Award or the Barton A. Cummings Gold Medal Award.

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— Why Us

Why Leading Professionals Choose to Join AAF-Southern Illinois

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Advance Your Knowledge

Develop and enjoy the spirit of cooperation, innovation, and fellowship among those in advertising and related businesses.

Lobby the Community

Advocate for advertising and its vital role in the economic and cultural advancement of our cities, states, and nation.

Employees giving hands and helping colleagues to walk upstairs

Education & Mentoring

Energize young, talented persons to seek careers in advertising.

Ethics

Promote ethical, truthful and creative advertising

Volunteer

Support community causes as part of an overall effort to advance our community and ourselves.

Accelerate your Career

Meet industry pros, build a strong local network, and make new friends in the local ad scene.

AAF Southern Illinois Leadership Team

Bridget Lescelius

President

Amy Spiller

Vice President

Dr. Deborah Barnett

Treasurer

Dr. Niki Davis

Secretary and Event Chair

Steven Mitchell

Membership Chair

Roni LeForge

Communications Chair

Join. Belong. Expand Your Mind.

The AAF fosters professional growth that yields stronger leaders and better ideas for our industry. We recognize excellence that promotes positive awareness of the advertising industry. Because of these efforts and successes, we have built a membership that will continue to fuel the industry into the future. Be a part of it.

Office

1100 Lincoln Drive, #1205
Carbondale, IL 62901

Contact

info@aaf-si.org

My career spans over 30 years in advertising and marketing, including vice president and partner of Spark in Phoenix, Arizona; senior associate of marketing at the Institute for Supply Management in Tempe, Arizona; co-founder and principal at The Big Idea, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia; senior account executive at The Washington Agency in Washington, D.C.

I was responsible for developing and executing marketing plans and programs, managing and directing client marketing/communications strategies, public relations efforts, and market research projects. I have worked with many clients throughout my career, from engineering firms, economic development, and tourism interests to government agencies, associations, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies.

I returned to my alma mater in 2017. As an advertising instructor at Southern Illinois University's College of Mass Communication and Media Arts, she teaches various advertising classes, from copywriting to interactive advertising. In addition, I manage the Saluki AdLab (a student-run ad agency), the student chapter of the American Advertising Federation, and serve as faculty mentor for the National Student Advertising Competition. The team has placed in the top 3 in the Midwest district over the past 3 years, placing first in 2021. I am also a founding member and president AAF-Southern Illinois, the first professional chapter of the American Advertising Federation in the area. So, after living in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Phoenix, I can happily report that you can go home again and succeed!

I am a Marketing Coordinator at Heartland Regional Medical Center. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, I moved to Southern Illinois in 2014. Before my start in healthcare, I spent four years working in the news as an anchor and reporter for television stations in Minot, North Dakota, and Southern Illinois. In 2016, I switched from television news to public relations to become the first Public Relations Officer for the City of Carbondale. In April 2020, I started as Marketing Coordinator at Heartland Regional. I am a graduate of Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana, where I majored in Journalism and minored in Political Science. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, working out, baking, watching Hallmark movies, and spoiling my dogs, Ox and Finn.

I earned both my doctoral and master's degrees in Workforce Education and Development (WED) at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale and hold a bachelor's degree in business administration. I proudly serve through SIU's Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) as the SIU Research Park Associate Director and Director of Business Incubator Programs.

Prior to my work in OIED, I served as assistant professor of practice in SIU's Department of Workforce Education and Development and as SIU's Assistant Dean of Students, emphasizing developing adult, veteran, and family programs. In addition to my work in higher education, I have been a small business owner for ten years. I am proud to have held roles in workforce training, elementary education, and ministry-related service. Through various roles in my career of more than 30 years, I have become known as a builder of people, programs, and organizations.

I have had the pleasure of serving on several teams to advance regional growth initiatives. As a lifelong resident of southern Illinois, I am passionate about contributing to collaborative efforts to advance and promote the region and its people.

I am a Professor of Practice in the Hospitality, Tourism, & Event Management program at Southern Illinois University. I have taught courses in marketing, event, and destination management for over 15 years. I currently serve as secretary and event chair for the Southern Illinois chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

With professional experience in marketing, event management, and education, I have developed a unique skill set that includes instructional design, curriculum development, and integrated marketing. I work with my students to provide real-world practical experiences. My event management students are active in planning virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, including events for AAF-SI. In addition to publishing my own food and heritage website, Rooted in Foods, I am a food writer. I have been published regularly in the Southern Illinoisan newspaper and other Lee Enterprises papers. In addition, I am a regular contributor to the Life & Style Magazine, published in Southern Illinois.

I am very active in my community; I regularly volunteer to cook at the Carbondale Elks Lodge #1243 and received the 2017 Illinois Southern Region Elks Lady of the Year. In addition, I have organized cooking classes for Jackson County, Illinois 4-H and often presents cooking demonstrations at area Farmers' Markets.

I am the Economic Development Director for the City of Carbondale, directing, supervising, and coordinating the City's economic development activities. I oversee a central economic development office; serve as the City's liaison with state, federal, and local economic development agencies; and initiate actions to attract and retain new and existing businesses in Carbondale.

Before accepting this role with the City, Mr. Mitchell served as the Technology & Communications Manager for the Management, Training & Consulting Corporation in Marion, IL, which I had held since 1997. Starting in 2007, I also coordinated the activities of broadband Internet providers affiliated with ConnnectSI, a regional economic development agency serving 20 counties in Southern Illinois.

Since the early 1990s, I have served and supported the region by volunteering on many local and regional economic development boards and committees and currently serve on the boards of several.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master's of Business Administration from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. In 2016. I graduated from the Delta Regional Authority's Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy.

Throughout my professional career, I have sought to integrate my education, background in technology, and passion for economic development to bring opportunity to the residents and businesses of Southern Illinois.

I am the Public Relations Officer for the City of Carbondale. As a native of Jackson County, I am a dedicated and cheerful supporter of Carbondale and my alma mater, Southern Illinois University.

My deep-rooted love for the region, and interest in helping others, motivated me to pursue a career in journalism. Before joining the City of Carbondale, I was an anchor and reporter at a local television station. My work helped connect businesses and individuals with practical resources and raised awareness of the needs of our rural area. Before leaving the television industry, I earned awards for "Best TV Reporter" and "Best Spot News" from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.

My knowledge of the area and expertise in communications helps me promote and advocate for Carbondale and southern Illinois. Outside of work, I love listening to audiobooks, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors with my husband and dog.

— About Us

The Unifying Voice for Advertising

—Our Mission

Our Goals

Benefits of Membership

— Why Us

Why Leading Professionals Choose to Join AAF-Southern Illinois

Advance Your Knowledge

Lobby the Community

Education & Mentoring

Ethics

Volunteer

Accelerate your Career

AAF Southern Illinois Leadership Team

Bridget Lescelius

Amy Spiller

Dr. Deborah Barnett

Dr. Niki Davis

Steven Mitchell

Roni LeForge

Join. Belong. Expand Your Mind.

Success!

Office

Contact