Here We Are, Two Years Later: Kelsey Hanks Says Goodbye

The Ad Club year is winding down, and that means some board members are leaving us. Before they do, we caught up with these talented individuals to hear about their experience and advice for future board members.

This time around, we’re chatting with Kelsey Hanks. Here’s what she had to say:

How did you first become a part of Ad Club? Where did you hear about it?

I met Charlie Fashana and his wife, Karen, while stuffing 400+ swag bags in their backyard for an event…long story. I started attending AdLabs, and Charlie told me about the opportunities that existed for someone like me – a person with communications and event experience, but with no prior board role. And here we are, two years later.

What is your fondest memory or favorite Ad Club event as of today?

As the co-chair of AdLab, my view is slanted… But the past two years of AdLabs have been filled with variety, in every sense of the word.

To our all star casts of panelists and above and beyond moderators – thank you for your expertise and also your willingness to present to our club.

We experimented with discussions focused on industry topics including experiential marketing, digital advertising and social media – but also topics as they pertained to certain subject matters or methods of advertising – you remember beer marketing and using humor in advertising.

We also kept our members on the move with venue experiments. The Saturn Club, Pearl Street, Iron Works, Cole’s, and the Pan American Grill have all been good to us as we have traveled throughout Buffalo to network.

And finally, you asked and we listened – we surveyed our AdLabbers and took a step back before planning next year’s events… Keep your eyes peeled for what’s to come!

Do you have any fun stories, maybe of discussions that went from regular conversation into a potential event for the club?

The first (annual?) bowling tournament was a last-minute idea that turned into tense competition: agency vs. agency, boss vs. employee, board member vs. board member… See you on the lanes December 2015.

What advice would you give to those thinking of stepping up into a board position role?

Joining a board is one of two things: a way to use your skills for the benefit of an organization, or an opportunity to work on something you don’t get to do as part of your daily job. All the while, making friends and “building your network,” as they say – but mainly, meeting and learning from people in the biz.

What kinds of qualities are expected in board members?

Leadership. Whether it’s a committee, event, or ordering pizza logs for the table, being on this board requires leading others through delegation, or taking the lead yourself.

Interested in joining the Ad Club Board of Directors for 2015-16? Click here to learn more and submit your nomination.