FEAST YOUR EYES.
FEAST YOUR EYES.
The Mission
Guiding the next generation
The Saluki AdLab Advisory Board (SAAB) connects students with professionals who are actively shaping the advertising, design, media, pr, and marketing industries. SAAB helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice by mentoring students, providing feedback on projects, and sharing honest insight into the industry.
We welcome professionals with experience in advertising and creative strategy, graphic design and branding, media, content and production, marketing, business and entrepreneurship, public relations, community partnerships and event management, as well as digital, social, UX and emerging media. You don’t need to be an alum or academic just someone passionate about mentoring students and helping shape the next generation of creative talent.
About the Board
Meet The Team
Jesse Alkire Founder, Denver Ad School
I’m a utility player by nature—a creative leader who’s built a career across art direction, copywriting, and creative direction. My background in film, television, and comedy helped shape work recognized by outlets like Adweek, Fast Company, Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, and Brand New. I’ve partnered with brands including Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Corona, the NBA, MiLB, Yum! Brands, J.M. Smucker, and public sector campaigns in Colorado. I’m also passionate about mentoring emerging talent, which led me to co-found Denver Ad School in 2019. Before advertising, I spent years performing and writing comedy in Chicago at The Second City and iO Theater, experiences that still fuel the creative energy I bring to every project.
Tom Blim Strategic Consultant
After discovering Confessions of an Advertising Man in high school, I came to SIU determined to build a path into the advertising world. Influential mentors like Dr. Florence Rife and Dr. William Nevious sharpened my skills as a writer, strategist, and leader, while hands-on experience in the Student Advertising Agency and NSAC helped launch my career. I began in Chicago at Tatham-Laird & Kudner and later Bozell Worldwide, where I helped lead the iconic Pork. The Other White Meat. campaign. In New York, I co-built Group SJR, where a pivotal partnership with GE led to the creation of GE Reports. an early model for branded content and owned media. Today, I focus on strategic consulting, helping organizations shape narratives, strengthen brands, and communicate through owned platforms.
Rik Boberg Assistant Director, Design at Arizona State University
I am a seasoned design leader with over 30 years of industry experience. I currently serve as the Assistant Director of Design for Academic Enterprise Communications at Arizona State University, where I lead a creative team in developing high-impact marketing materials for prospective students. In addition to my work at ASU, I am the founder of Monroe68, a creative studio dedicated to the music industry. My work focuses on visual storytelling for musicians and bands, ranging from album art and CD packaging to posters and apparel. I hold a BFA in Visual Communications from Kendall College of Art and Design.
Chris Cole Senior Art Director, Anomaly LA
I am an art director hailing from Ohio. With that, comes the work ethic of a midwestern corn farmer but unfortunately none of the upper body strength. Since joining the team at Anomaly NY, I have worked on countless brands including: Johnnie Walker, Bulleit Bourbon, Dunkin', Google, Android, Captain Morgan, Topgolf, and Carnival. I have also helped win new business across multiple brands (and multiple offices) - Dunkin', Chevy, Google, Lipton, and Topgolf to name a few. Now I am a Senior Art Director for Anomaly, LA and led the Starbucks 2025 holiday campaign. Before my time directing art, I was the captain of my college swim team at Southern Illinois University and was the founder of Saluki AdLab. I love my wife, my cats, reality TV, and trying new hobbies. Curling anyone?
Grant Deady President, Zeno Group
I have been with Zeno Group since the agency opened in 1998. I was named the first-ever president of Zeno U.S. in 2023 and spent more than a decade running the Chicago office, growing it into the largest operation in the agency’s global network. My passion and expertise lie in brand storytelling—I work with C-suite executives and top communicators to craft stories that positively impact key stakeholder audiences, including consumers, employees, investors, and business partners.
I have deep experience marketing to families and working with brands that are staples in people’s homes and part of their daily lives. In addition to leading Zeno U.S., I also serve as the agency’s chief culture officer. During my time at Zeno, the agency has grown from a little-known boutique to an award-winning global communications firm, recognized multiple times by PRWeek and others as a top agency and one of the best places to work.
Casey Graham Digital and MarOps Consulatant and Digital Strategy and Execution at ArchCollective, INC.
As a well-established digital marketing expert, I focus on B2C lead generation and growth marketing. My experience includes developing unique solutions for success that elevate brand exposure, increase lead volume, and generate measurable results. I live in the numbers and love a good spreadsheet. Using data analysis, I develop projection models and strategies to exceed marketing goals for a multi-billion dollar company.
Dan Grimm Executive in Residence, Rutgers University
dg950@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
I am a seasoned communications leader dedicated to advancing global health and social impact, with nearly 30 years at BD, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies focused on improving care and outcomes worldwide . Over my career, I have held senior brand and communications roles, leading major initiatives such as integrating brands across nearly $40B in mergers, redefining the company’s Purpose Statement and long-term vision, and launching the award-winning global “Trusted Partners” campaign featured in major outlets.
I have also driven innovations in healthcare worker safety, introduced data-driven, customer-centric communications practices, secured government funding through advocacy efforts, and helped build impactful corporate volunteerism programs, while overseeing brand, digital marketing, creative services, and global communications functions.
Lisa Ludolph Vice President, Marketing Global Payments
Over 25 years experience as a marketing and advertising executive. I spent my early career at advertising agencies where I worked on accounts like Mazda, Autotrader and Right Guard. I then shifted into B2B marketing leading accounts such as Avnet, Insight and Lumension. I've spent the last 15 years leading a marketing team at Global Payments, a Fortune 500 company that provides payment technology and software to businesses in 33 countries. In my tenure at Global Payments I've supported 10+ mergers and acquisitions where I've lead integration teams through rebranding and business transformation. I believe this work has allowed me to become a problem solver and keeps things interesting. I also sit on the Board of Directors for the Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. They provide trauma informed art programming to children in Arizona.
Al Maag Al Maag, Founder MaagCommplus, Former CCO of Avnet Inc.
I’m a bad example of a retired person. Love helping people I like with their branding and communication efforts. I have had a unique career working in electronic distribution, component manufacturing, ANA and BMA associations, publishing, running 2 agencies and nonprofits. Last job - Chief Communications Officer of Avnet which grew from $6 to $27 billion in mt tenure…most admired by Fortune magazine. Love sports. 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame cofounder in 1996. Maag Toy Foundation 35 years Written 2 books and been a speaker on quite a few occasions especially at colleges which is really enjoyable.
Scott Mandl Sales Manager, Fox TV
Graduated SIU in 1991. Started my broadcast career in 1992 in radio advertising sales working for (2) radio stations in Muskegon , Michigan. I owe my start to networking with other SIU Communications Alum . The general manager was a fellow Saluki. From there went to Chicago radio, again, hired by an SIU alum. I worked as an account executive for what was then Infinity and later CBS radio (neither exist anymore). I moved over to the TV division of CBS working at WBBM (CBS 2 Chicago). From there I went to WFLD (FOX 32) as an account executive and was later promoted to my current role as sales manager. The business has evolved at a rapid pace in the last few years and looks very different from when I began my career. It's an ongoing learning process as the industry becomes more fragmented and hyper- data driven. That being said, relationships and customer service are still paramount. I'm excited to share with students my experiences in media sales and management and the ever-changing media landscape .
Why does it exist?
The Advisory Board exists to give students access to real-world perspectives and help them understand what it truly takes to succeed in the industry. It also ensures Saluki AdLab stays aligned with current industry standards, tools, and trends while creating meaningful connections between students, alumni, and professionals.
Advisory Board members may participate in a variety of ways, including reviewing and critiquing student work and campaigns, mentoring students through portfolio reviews or career conversations, speaking to classes or joining panels either virtually or in person, helping guide the direction of AdLab projects, and sharing ideas for new partnerships or learning opportunities. Advisors are also encouraged to find their own ways to support students based on their expertise and interests. Involvement is flexible, we respect busy schedules, and virtual participation is always welcome.