The American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Charlotte honored John Roberts, vice president and executive creative director at Wray Ward, with the organization’s prestigious Silver Medal award for outstanding contributions to advertising. The award was presented at the American Advertising Awards gala on Thursday, February 24.

Established in 1959 by the American Advertising Federation, the Silver Medal award honors men and women who have made outstanding contributions to advertising and who have been active in furthering the industry's standards, as well as recognizes creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern. AAF clubs around the nation grant this honor annually to exceptional members of their local advertising communities.

“As a lifelong creative, I’m humbled to receive the Silver Medal award and have my name on a list with so many of our city’s greats,” Roberts said. “I’ve been in Charlotte for more than two decades, and for many of us, Charlotte is a love affair that doesn’t want to end; this city’s ad scene just keeps getting better and better. I’ve been thinking about other ways Charlotte can continue to set the bar in our industry, and diversity, equity and inclusion is critical. This is no dig at the past, but a friendly nudge that we can do so much better. The doors to our community need to be permanently bolted open and I’m committed to using my talent and position to make sure it happens.”

A New York native, Roberts received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Throughout his more than 30 years in the creative field, Roberts has applied his talents at nationally recognized advertising agencies such as Young & Rubicam in New York and TBWA/Chiat Day in St. Louis. At Wray Ward, he oversees all the agency’s creative work, continually challenging and inspiring the writers, art directors, designers, photographers, videographers and editors to reach unanticipated solutions for the agency’s clients. In his career, Roberts has acted as art director, creative director, photographer and film director, leading national and international campaigns for a portfolio of brands including Bank of America, Champion, ESPN, Rack Room Shoes, Samsung, Palmetto Bluff, Crescent Communities, GE Appliances, LEVOLOR^®, Moen^®, Sunbelt Rentals, and more.

Roberts has been enriching the Charlotte creative community for more than two decades. He joins an elite group of creative thinkers recognized by AAF Charlotte since the award’s inception in 1959. Past recipients include Wray Ward Founder Bob Ward (1990), Wray Ward President & Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Appleby (2004) and Wray Ward Vice President & Insights Strategist Charlie Elberson (2012).

“John’s passion, brilliant creativity and commitment to never stop asking ‘what if?’ has helped advance our work, inspire our people and grow our agency in ways we could have never imagined,” said Jennifer Appleby. “Anyone who’s worked with him has been privileged to be in the room with a generous soul who brings a higher, broader perspective to any encounter with colleagues and clients.”

In addition to numerous American Advertising Awards, Roberts’ work has been recognized at creative competitions and awards programs including the One Show, Communication Arts, Archive, Effies, Art Direction Magazine and the New York Festivals.