As the President of the American Marketing Association Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter, it’s my honor to share the winners of our 2023 Marketer of the Year Awards announced at our annual Gala held this year at Arlington Hall in Dallas. This prestigious annual event highlights the best in our industry and brings together a diverse group of marketing professionals from the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
We were proud to celebrate all of our honorees under this year’s program theme of “UNITY,” which embodies AMA DFW’s commitment to the power of connection, collaboration, and inclusivity within our community. As marketers, our success depends on our ability to understand and engage with diverse perspectives and experiences. It is through UNITY that we can unlock our true potential by embracing our differences and drawing upon the collective wisdom of our peers. Together, we can create meaningful impact on the world around us, drive innovation, and shape the future of our industry. I’m proud to say that this year’s winners embody this ethos in how they approach their work and the work itself.
The winners of the AMA DFW 2023 Marketer of the Year Awards are:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Pedro Lerma CEO & Founder, LERMA/
Pedro’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring and transformational. His vision of a world where every individual and culture is valued and embraced has had a transformational impact on cross-cultural communications, marketing, and branding, and will continue to influence our industry in the years to come. LERMA/, the agency Pedro conceived and launched in 2009, stands as a testament to his commitment to creating an omnicultural agency that sets the bar for the future of advertising.
Campaign of the Year: #MissionToUranus for Colon Cancer Coalition by BeautifulBeast
CMO of the Year: Marissa Henderson Jarratt, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer, 7-Eleven
Marissa’s leadership impact has been felt not just within 7-Eleven but across the entire industry. Her vision of a more sustainable and convenient future for all has ignited a fire in others, and her influence has led to a ripple effect of change in the industry. Marissa’s passion for innovation and sustainability is contagious, and her many achievements are a testament to what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
Marketing Mavericks
- Ana Xavier, The Podcast Space
- Angela Vargo, Breeze Airways
- Bridget Ahr, McKesson
- Chris Bellinger, PepsiCo
- Cimone Key, Cimone Key Creative Studio
- Howard Terry, Golden Chick
- Jose Torrens, Tenet Healthcare
- Marissa Eddings, 7-Eleven
- Raji Behniwal, Captiv8
- Shawna Guevara, VMLY&R
- Simon Bennett, AOE CREATIVE
Advertising Agency of the Year: Spire Agency
Spire Agency’s stellar work this year proves that B2B doesn’t have to mean “boring-to-boring,” “bad-to-bad” or even “brochure-to-brochure.” The agency’s dedication, award-winning work, diversity, client relationships, and culture helped the company land the top spot this year.
Collegiate Excellence: Venture College – Texas A&M Commerce
Venture College’s entry, ‘Inside the Innovation at the Venture College Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Program,’ demonstrated a comprehensive program that achieved its goals for helping develop the entrepreneurial mindset of a future generation. These contributions will have positive ramifications in creating a positive impact on our shared communities for years to come.
As we honor these exceptional individuals and companies leading the way in the field of marketing, we must also remember the importance of cultivating a community of inspiration and learning. It is in these spaces, where every voice, experience, and idea is valued, that we can truly grow as marketers and contribute to positive change.
The Dallas/Fort Worth marketing community is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and insights. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the marketing industry and beyond. I encourage each of you to seize this opportunity to forge new connections, share ideas, and learn from one another. Let us embrace the spirit of UNITY, and as a united marketing community, pave the way for a brighter future.
Thank you for being a part of our AMA DFW family, and congratulations to all our deserving winners!
TRINIDAD AGUIRRE
PRESIDENT, AMA DALLAS/FORT WORTH CHAPTER