Recipients both noted for inspiring the next generation of creative professionals
Roanoke, Va. (July 10, 2018) – Steve Huff, communication design professor and entrepreneur and Katie Wallace, principal of The Wallace Agency have been awarded the 2018 American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award by the American Advertising Federation of Roanoke.
The two industry veterans received this prestigious award at the Silver Medal Ceremony on June 28. This event celebrates the lifetime achievement and creativity of its recipients.
The Silver Medal Award was established by the American Advertising Federation in 1959 to recognize men and women who have made outstanding contributions to advertising and who have been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern.
Silver Medal recipients have achieved success within an advertising agency, or as an advertiser, media or advertising service. They demonstrate outstanding creative ability and a consistent, high degree of original thinking in their field. Silver Medal recipients have worked to increase the stature and raise the standards of the advertising profession. Finally, they contribute to their community by being active in civic, religious, or other groups dedicated to human or social welfare.
Steve Huff
Recognized not only for his contributions as an educator at Virginia Western Community College, but also for his entrepreneurial and charity efforts, Steve Huff was the evening’s first honoree. His impact recognized in 2011 when he received the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE). The award is given annually to one teaching faculty member in Virginia who distinctly represents teaching excellence. In addition, as owner of Accuracy X, Steve displays his creativity by hand making firearms of exceptional quality. A highly respected marksman, Steve is frequently sought out as an instructor, helping train military and police special forces around the country.
Huff and his wife, Stacey, started a non-profit organization called World Relief Now (WRN) in 2005 after witnessing acute poverty during their travels to Africa. Through the organization, Huff has provided everything from vitamins to coloring books and helped build schools for people in places like Senegal, Nepal and South Africa.
Katie Wallace
For more than 30 years, Katie Wallace has helped clients build sustainable branding and marketing solutions with The Wallace Agency. Katie draws on her many years of business and marketing experience combined with an entrepreneurial spirit and passion to help clients identify opportunities for growth. With a national network of research, marketing and creative professionals, she finds hand-picked talent specific to her clients’ needs.
Katie was also recognized for her passionate about community building and “place-making” through the development of artist studios and the revitalization of underutilized properties. She has been a valuable member of numerous community councils and boards, including the American Advertising Federation, where she served as Addy Committee Chair, Vice President, and President (two years) and Ex-Officio (two years) and at the AAF district level as State Governor of Virginia.
“I can’t emphasize enough how much Steve and Katie have helped inspire creative minds in our region,” said Stefanie Brown, immediate past president, AAF Roanoke. “Whether through pushing students to reach new heights of academic creativity or giving a recent graduate that first shot at an exclusive agency job, Steve and Katie have made our industry stronger with their inspiring work ethic, professionalism and community impact.”
About AAF Roanoke
Founded in 1958, the American Advertising Federation, Roanoke Chapter, is Roanoke’s only professional organization devoted entirely to the business of advertising. Professionals in the areas of graphic design, marketing, TV and radio, photography, printing, web design and more, come together to represent a diversity of companies from our community.
Contact:
Stefanie Brown, APR
Immediate Past President, AAF Roanoke
sbrown@ndp.agency