ANA Launches Rising Marketing Star Program, Names Four Honorees from Member Companies | About the ANA | ANA
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ANA Launches Rising Marketing Star Program, Names Four Honorees from Member Companies

Allstate, American Express, Cisco Systems and Siemens honored at Annual "Masters of Marketing" Conference

October 15, 2010 - New York, NY - The ANA (Association of National Advertisers) today announced a new program to recognize member companies' Rising Marketing Stars. These individuals were nominated by senior executives in their companies for having met the following criteria:

  • Made valuable contributions to the overall excellence/effectiveness of their marketing organization
  • Demonstrated leadership, innovation, creativity and accountability in executing their marketing responsibilities
  • Exemplified skill in integrating marketing disciplines and working with other professionals
  • Exhibited knowledge of current issues in advertising and familiarity with the tools marketers are using to reach their audiences

"The inaugural class of Rising Marketing Stars personifies the exact reasons we chose to create this program," said Bob Liodice, ANA President and CEO. "Each of these young professionals has accomplished much already and has a bright future ahead of them. They serve as role models to the industry's younger workforce."

The 2010 Rising Marketing Stars are:


Hannah Cho, Brand Communications Manager, Cisco Systems, Inc.

Ms. Cho was described as an innovative marketer who understands Cisco's position in the technology marketplace. She was the brains behind a dynamic, real-world demonstration of Cisco's innovative collaboration technologies during a senior executive's speaking engagement. This industry-first garnered significant external media coverage and social media buzz. Ms. Cho's actions saved the company money, creatively built brand awareness and ignited a huge interest in Cisco's products.

Karen Hornberger, Marketing Manager, Allstate Insurance Company

Ms. Hornberger was touted for exhibiting exceptional leadership, creativity and skill in developing and executing "Save11," an integrated marketing campaign designed to save lives. With the goal of passing the STANDUP Act, a bill calling for stricter graduated drivers licensing requirements which have been proven to save teens' lives, the integrated campaign includes online, print, transit and dramatic public events. Ms. Hornberger also handled the sensitive task of finding families who had lost teens to be featured in the advertising professionally and maturely, and in doing so built a network of support for Allstate's advocacy efforts. She is responsible for catastrophe response advertising and agent recruiting communications as well.

Courtney Kelso, Vice President, Sports and Entertainment Access, American Express

Ms. Kelso garnered praise as a high energy, dynamic leader that has made valuable contributions to the organization and demonstrated leadership beyond her years. She has driven some of the highest impact integrated marketing programs for American Express and is a true expert in the branded entertainment and experiential marketing space. She leads the "Unstaged: An Original Series from American Express" project with VEVO and YouTube, and is a pioneer who uses her leadership and integrated marketing skills to break new ground and drive tremendous values for American Express, their partners and their customers.

Josh Kidd, Manager, Online Marketing, Siemens Corporation

Mr. Kidd was recommended as being a driving force behind Siemens' online marketing programs. He developed and implemented a corporate-wide key word search program, which increased web traffic and reduced overall costs. He was instrumental in developing online strategies, and as a result of his efforts, Google considers Siemens a best practice example of B2B advertisers using their products. He directs the brand's digital and social media platforms, and was responsible for many innovations in this area, including their live webcast of President Obama's visit to an Iowa Siemens plant.

Honorees were given their recognition at the ANA's Annual "Masters of Marketing" Conference, being held now at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida.

The Rising Marketing Stars program was enacted this year to commemorate the ANA's 100th Anniversary. It will now become an annual recognition program for the ANA. Submissions for the 2011 class will be solicited beginning in the summer of 2011.

Press Contacts

Lesley Neadel, CooperKatz & Company for the ANA
On-site at the Conference: 914.589.2187 or lneadel@cooperkatz.com

Luna Ross, CooperKatz & Company for the ANA
On-site at the Conference: 917.755.1655 or lross@cooperkatz.com

Shoshana Hochdorf, CooperKatz & Company for the ANA
917.595.3054 or shochdorf@cooperkatz.com