AAF Seattle Welcomes 2026–2027 Board of Directors
Meet the 2026–2027 AAF Seattle Board of Directors. Building on two years of renewed momentum, this group of returning leaders and new voices is ready to strengthen connections, expand our reach and help shape the next chapter for Seattle’s creative community.
A new year. New voices. Growing momentum. And an even bigger vision for Seattle’s creative community.
AAF Seattle is proud to introduce its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, a group of leaders from across advertising, marketing, communications, design, media, production, technology and the broader creative industry who are volunteering their time and talent to help strengthen our community.
The past two years have been a period of rebuilding and renewed momentum for AAF Seattle. We’ve brought people back together, expanded programming, strengthened the American Advertising Awards, created new opportunities for connection and professional development, and continued building a chapter that reflects the breadth of Seattle’s creative economy.
This year, we’re building on that foundation.
Our focus remains rooted in four pillars: Connection, Recognition, Service and Growth. But as AAF Seattle grows, so does our ambition for what those pillars can mean: reaching more corners of our industry, creating more opportunities for people to connect and learn from one another, celebrating the extraordinary work being created here, supporting the next generation of talent, and advocating for the people and businesses that make up our creative community.
“The last two years have shown us what’s possible when people come together around a shared belief in this community. We’ve rebuilt a lot, but we’re not interested in simply maintaining what we’ve created. This next chapter is about growing our reach, strengthening the organization and making sure more people across Seattle’s creative economy see themselves in AAF Seattle and know there is a place for them here.”
— Valentina Gomez Bravo, President, AAF Seattle
Meet the 2026–2027 AAF Seattle Board of Directors
This year’s board brings together returning leaders and new voices with experience spanning agencies, brands, technology, higher education, production, business development, strategy, events and community building.
Valentina Gomez Bravo — President
Executive Creative Director, University of Washington | Author | Speaker | Educator
Valentina returns as President, continuing to lead AAF Seattle’s growth and evolution with a focus on building a more connected, visible and inclusive creative community in the region.
John Line — Advisory Board Chair
Managing Director, Copacino Fujikado
After serving as Membership Director, John moves into the role of Advisory Board Chair, bringing decades of agency leadership, operations and client experience to help support the board and the organization’s long-term direction.
Bri Badili — Membership Director
Sales Professional | Community and Relationship Builder
Bri joins the board with a passion for bringing people together and creating meaningful connections. She will lead AAF Seattle’s membership efforts with a focus on belonging, professional development and expanding the community we serve.
Andy Farnum — Treasurer
Marketing Project Manager via Inviso Marketing — Microsoft
A returning board member and longtime technology marketing leader, Andy steps into the Treasurer role, bringing experience across finance, agency operations, project management and digital strategy.
Heather Alabado — Brand & Marketing Director
Creative Director / Director, Heatshe.com
Heather returns to lead AAF Seattle’s brand and marketing efforts, bringing her multidisciplinary background across advertising, branding, animation, production and creative leadership.
Frances Champion — Sponsorship Director
Senior Account and Project Manager, Copacino Fujikado
Frances joins the board to lead sponsorship strategy and partnerships. With agency experience spanning account management, business development and major new-business wins, she will help build relationships that expand what AAF Seattle can offer the community.
Kate Zavitnevich — Events Co-Director
Head of Client Services & Growth, HRVIST
Kate returns to help create events designed not simply to fill a room, but to foster meaningful relationships across Seattle’s creative community.
Kelly Lanes — Events Co-Director
Co-Founder, Fuze the Agency | Entrepreneur | Author | Podcaster | Public Speaker
Kelly returns as Events Co-Director, bringing her entrepreneurial energy, marketing expertise and passion for creating experiences that bring people together.
Andrés Rodriguez — Communications Director
VP of Strategy, C+C
Andrés returns to guide AAF Seattle’s communications, bringing expertise in brand strategy, multicultural marketing, data-driven storytelling and purpose-led communications.
Ana Noval — Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Director
SVP of Marketing, Quinn Thomas
Ana joins the board with more than 17 years of marketing experience and a deep commitment to inclusive representation. She will help AAF Seattle continue creating space for diverse voices, meaningful dialogue and practical approaches to DEI+B across our industry.
Dan Vanderhei — Advertising Education Director
Creative Director, DVDH
Dan returns to lead advertising education, continuing AAF Seattle’s work to connect emerging talent with industry professionals, mentorship, learning and opportunities to grow.
Cindy Pennington — Executive Director
Owner, Bayview Support
Cindy continues as AAF Seattle’s Executive Director, a role she has held for more than 25 years. Her institutional knowledge and longstanding commitment remain an essential part of the organization and its continued growth.
Built by the Community, for the Community
AAF Seattle has served Western Washington’s advertising community since 1909, but what that community looks like continues to evolve.
Today, our creative economy stretches far beyond any single discipline or type of company. It includes advertising, marketing, communications, design, media, PR, photography, film and video production, digital, technology, brands, independent creatives, entrepreneurs, educators, students and many others whose work shapes how organizations and ideas connect with people.
We want AAF Seattle to be a place where those worlds intersect.
That means creating more opportunities for collaboration instead of competition. More ways for emerging professionals and established leaders to learn from one another. More recognition for the incredible work happening throughout our region. And more reasons for people across our industry to feel connected to the creative community around them.
And because AAF Seattle is a volunteer-led organization, none of that happens without people willing to get involved.
There’s a Place for You Here
Our Board of Directors may help steer the organization, but AAF Seattle belongs to the community.
Whether you want to attend an event, become a member, volunteer your skills, join a committee, support our programming, sponsor an initiative or eventually serve on the board yourself, there are many ways to be part of what we’re building.
We’ve built tremendous momentum together.
Now, we’re ready to see where we can take it next.
AAF Seattle Welcomes 2025–2026 Board of Directors: Igniting a New Era of Connection, Recognition, Service & Growth
We’re thrilled to introduce the 2025–2026 AAF Seattle Board of Directors, an inspiring group of creative professionals, educators, strategists, and entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing the local advertising and marketing community.
The American Advertising Federation Seattle (AAF Seattle) is proud to introduce its incoming Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term. With a dynamic mix of returning leaders and new voices from across the region’s creative, media, higher education, and marketing industries, this board is set to champion a revitalized vision for the organization centered on connection, recognition, service, and growth.
Following a year of strategic reactivation, celebrated programming, and a surge in community engagement, AAF Seattle is entering a new chapter, one that invites the entire creative ecosystem to come together, get inspired, and shape the future of advertising in the Pacific Northwest.
“We are excited and energized,” said AAF Seattle Board President Valentina Gomez Bravo. “This new board is built on experience, passion, and a deep belief in the power of community. Together, we’re focused on elevating voices, sparking collaboration, and growing a space where creatives at every stage of their journey can thrive.”
Meet the 2025–2026 AAF Seattle Board of Directors
This year’s board reflects a remarkable mix of creative professionals, brand leaders, educators, strategists, and community builders, all committed to reimagining what AAF Seattle can be. From award-winning executive creative directors to fast-rising entrepreneurs and industry mentors, this group brings energy, heart, and a shared dedication to strengthening Seattle’s advertising and creative ecosystem.
Valentina Gomez Bravo – President
Executive Creative Director, University of Washington | Author | Speaker | Educator | Entrepreneur
An award-winning creative strategist and DEI champion, Valentina leads AAF Seattle with a vision rooted in empowerment, transformation, and community. With over 22 years of industry experience and eight ADDY Awards to her name, she believes in building conscious, purposeful brands and communities with intention and heart.
Lucas Rose – Treasurer
Sales Assistant, Pacific Outdoor Advertising
Lucas brings a grounded and joyful energy to the board, helping manage operations and finances. His experience spans national and local brand work in out-of-home advertising, and he’s a proud supporter of teamwork, softball, Seinfeld, and the 49ers.
Cindy Pennington – Executive Director / American Advertising Awards Co-Chair
Owner, Bayview Support
The longest-serving member of AAF Seattle, Cindy has led the organization’s operational backbone for over 25 years. In addition to serving as Executive Director, she co-chairs the ADDY Awards and represents District XI. Her institutional knowledge and steady hand continue to be essential to AAF Seattle’s success.
John Line – Membership Director
Managing Director, Copacino Fujikado
With a resume spanning top agencies like Ogilvy, VML, and 360i, John brings senior leadership and operations expertise to AAF Seattle’s membership strategy. He’s passionate about fostering connection, trust, and partnership within the local creative economy.
Dan Vanderhei – Advertising Education Director
Creative Director, Dvdh
Dan is a seasoned creative leader focused on clarity, storytelling, and mentorship. With 15+ years guiding major brands like Xbox and Acura, he’s revitalizing AAF Seattle’s education programs to support emerging talent and bridge generational knowledge gaps.
Maria Schnepf – Social Media Director
Social Strategist, GreenRubino
Maria brings a holistic, data-informed, and compassionate approach to social strategy. From early involvement with AAF as a student to now leading social campaigns for clients across sectors, she’s committed to building an inclusive, engaged creative community online and off.
Andy Farnum – Board Member / American Advertising Awards Co-Chair
Marketing Project Manager, Inviso Marketing – Microsoft
A Seattle-based tech marketing leader, Andy has spent 15+ years navigating global brand work at the intersection of business, cloud technology, and design. A Microsoft-certified AI engineer and RISD alum, he brings an interdisciplinary lens to every challenge.
Andres Rodriguez – Communications Director
VP of Strategy, C+C
Andres is a bilingual strategist focused on multicultural marketing, purpose-driven storytelling, and impactful campaign development. With deep expertise in public health and corporate narratives alike, he helps shape AAF Seattle’s messaging with nuance and intent.
Thomas Ackels – Government Affairs Director
CEO, Co-Founder & Producer, Offbeat Films
Thomas is an award-winning filmmaker and advocate who brings creative energy and civic focus to the board. As a storyteller, entrepreneur, and community connector, he leads AAF Seattle’s renewed engagement in local and national government affairs.
Heather Alabado – Brand & Marketing Director
Creative Director / Director, Heatshe.com
Heather is a multidisciplinary creative force, having led branding and post-production work for major brands like Microsoft, Amazon, and Pokémon. Her work has been featured by AdWeek and IDN Magazine, and she brings her artistic eye to AAF Seattle’s brand expression.
Kate Zavitnevich – Events Co-Director
Head of Client Services & Growth, HRVIST
Kate is a strategic connector and recruiting expert in the creative industry. Through HRVIST, she helps pair top talent with exciting opportunities, and through AAF Seattle, she’s crafting events that spark connection, magic, and momentum.
Kelly Lanes – Events Co-Director
Co-Founder, Fuze the Agency | Marketing Expert | Entrepreneur | Author | Podcaster
Kelly is a bold, purpose-driven marketing powerhouse. Known for helping brands break the mold and do “business unusual,” she leads with charisma, insight, and unapologetic creativity. She’s also a dynamic speaker, podcast host, and advocate for the next generation of creatives.
Join Us , We’re Building This Together
AAF Seattle is 100% volunteer-led and powered by people who believe in the future of our industry. And we want you to be part of it.
Whether you’re ready to take on a leadership role, lend your skills as a volunteer, serve on a committee, or simply show up to your first event, there’s a place for you in this community.