Chicago — 30 April 2018) The Chicago Advertising Federation (CAF) awarded Fay Ferguson, Co-CEO of Burrell Communications Group, as the 2017 Silver Medal Award recipient.
Fay is the first African-American woman and 22nd professional to receive the award. Nominated for outstanding service in the industry, both locally and abroad, Fay is among an elite group of individuals.
During the celebratory luncheon, advertising industry veterans, colleagues, family and friends honored Fay, not only for her contributions in advertising, but her dedication to community service.
“I’ve had the good fortune to work with Fay for several years and consider her to be the best of the best,” said Ed Laukes, Group Vice President, Toyota Marketing. “This lifetime achievement award confirms what I and many others know first-hand to be true. Her combination of leadership, expertise and compassion—especially in the area of diversity—raises the standard for all of us as marketers, as brands and as an industry.”
In addition to Fay’s CAF Silver Medal Award, she was named Chicago Advertising Woman of the Year in 2016 and she led the pitch team that won key accounts for Burrell—AARP, Comcast, Hilton and Toyota Motor Sales to name a few.
Also read: “The education featured in Burrell’s ‘Love Lessons’”
Continuing the winning momentum, Burrell was named to ADAge’s 2018 Agency A-List, recognized by ADAge as the #1 agency targeting African Americans, awarded Best Multicultural Campaign from Mediapost in the automotive category for Toyota and won the American Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Award for Comcast XFINITY.

“I believe that good, is not good enough,” said Fay. “I push myself and those I work with to always strive for greatness. That is the winning formula for our team at Burrell. Myself and those I work with are successful because we are committed to striving for greatness. I’m humbled and honored for this recognition.”
About Burrell Communications Group
Celebrating more than 40 years of best-in-class transcultural communications, Burrell Communications Group is the largest U.S. agency specializing in communications to diverse audiences. The agency is known for its strategic thought-leadership and creativity. The foundation of its success lies in uncovering rich insights and a deep understanding of the Black community. Burrell’s strong relationship with the Black community has influenced the development of humanitarian campaigns, such as Black Is Human, The Fatherhood Initiative, and Allies of Innocence.
About Chicago Advertising Federation
The Chicago Advertising Federation (CAF) is one of the most legendary and largest marketing and communication organization, representing and touching thousands of advertising professionals. CAF exists to connect the marketing industry across all types of companies, disciplines and professionals. We create opportunities throughout the year to celebrate, unite and grow the Chicago marketing community. Our mission is to elevate the marketing community to foster thought leadership in Chicago.
Send your news and updates to Reel Chicago Editor Dan Patton, dan@reelchicago.com.
