The DC Ad Club, in collaboration with the American Advertising Federation, will present the prestigious Silver Medal Award to David Hunke, chairman of USA TODAY. Recipients of the Silver Medal Award are recognized for their contributions to their companies, the general advancement of advertising and the community, and for their creative ability.
The DC Ad Club will present the award to Hunke at a luncheon held during Advertising Week DC (www.advertisingweekdc.com) on Monday, Sept. 10, at the Washington Plaza Hotel.
The award recognizes the significant contributions Hunke has made over the three-decade span of his career, both in the publications and advertising industries and in the community. Under Hunke’s leadership, USA TODAY has been the nation's top-selling print newspaper. USA TODAY and USATODAY.com reach an audience of 6.6 million daily.
Prior to being chairman, Hunke held the position of president and publisher of USA TODAY from 2009 – 2012. In that role, he oversaw USA TODAY, USATODAY.com, USA TODAY Travel Media Group, and USA TODAY Sports Media Group. During this time, USA TODAY launched a number of additional touchpoints to help advertisers reach consumers, including a leading iPad app. Hunke also held the title of publisher of USA WEEKEND.
Hunke’s impact continues outside of the office, through service on the ServiceSource Foundation board of trustees, and as Board Chair and Campaign Chair for the United Way in both Michigan and New York. His commitment to service is further demonstrated through his support of USA WEEKEND’s annual Make A Difference Day.
“David has personally worked closely with advertisers to meet their needs and find ways to help them engage hard-to-reach audiences. In addition, he has been a champion of communication innovation and creativity through USA TODAY’s sponsorship of The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity,” said Sherri Anne Green, DC Ad Club president. “Because of his commitment to and impact on the advertising industry and the community as a whole, we are pleased to honor him with the Silver Medal Award.”
Past recipients of the Silver Medal Award include Mike August of August, Lang & Husak, Doug Laughlin of LM&O Advertising, Robert Whittle of Williams Whittle, Cary Hatch of MDB Communications, Donald Graham of The Washington Post, Michael Jack of NBC4, Alex Orfinger of Washington Business Journal, Tom Curley of USA TODAY, Ted Leonsis of AOL, Robert Johnson of BET and Katharine Graham of The Washington Post.
The full schedule for Advertising Week DC can be found at www.advertisingweekdc.com.