Steve Pacheco Named President and CEO of AAF
The American Advertising Federation, based in D.C., named Steve Pacheco as its new president and CEO. He succeeds James Edmund Datri, who announced in October 2018 his plans to step down after 10 years of service. Pacheco most recently was CMO of Ducks Unlimited, a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and wildlife.
According to Ad Age, Pacheco “sat on all sides of the industry, having previously served as managing director of advertising and sponsorship marketing for FedEx and a partner at Memphis-based advertising and design agency Humphreys Ink. Pacheco will be tasked with evolving and developing the AAF’s existing and new programs, services and membership while lobbying on key issues such as free commercial speech and the advancement of diversity and inclusion.
““The advertising industry faces a number of headwinds and challenges—clients, agencies and media companies are all challenged to find growth—and that includes growth and development of our people,” Pacheco said in a statement to Ad Age. “Creating a diverse talent pipeline for the next generation of marketers is a priority and an area that the AAF can continue to lead.””
Pacheco, a Memphis native, has more than 30 years of experience in advertising and marketing, including more than 20 years with FedEx, where he was managing director of advertising and sponsorship marketing.
