As we close out another fiscal year of innovation and impact, we’re thrilled to welcome Rita Ferro, president of global advertising at The Walt Disney Company, as the new chair of our Board of Directors. She brings the type of bold leadership and deep industry expertise that will help take our mission to new heights. Next, we’re proud to announce Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, as this year’s Public Service Award honoree—celebrating his lasting impact and influence beyond the game. And, in our latest buzzed driving creative, we continue our partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to highlight the dangers of impaired driving as we work to prevent one of the deadliest threats on the road today.

Keep reading. We have a big year ahead–you won’t want to miss what’s next!

We’re thrilled to welcome Rita Ferro, president of global advertising at The Walt Disney Company, as the new chair of the Ad Council’s Board of Directors. The board is made up of industry titans across multiple sectors whose leadership and expertise help us address the nation’s most pressing issues. Rita has been a trusted partner of the Ad Council’s for more than five years and brings decades of experience leading one of the world’s most iconic brands. As chair, she will work closely with our executive leadership and board to build on our momentum and elevate the reach and impact of our mission. Learn more about our new board chair!

Each year, the Ad Council brings together leaders from the media, marketing, advertising and technology industries for our largest fundraising event—the Annual Public Service Award Dinner. At this year’s dinner, held on December 4, we are looking forward to honoring the Commissioner of the National Football League, Roger Goodell, for his longstanding efforts to drive change on and off the field. From mental health to supporting military families, Roger has helped lead the NFL in embracing causes that matter to communities and families nationwide. Read more about our honoree!

Buzzed driving remains one of the deadliest threats on our roads today, with someone killed in an alcohol-impaired crash every 42 minutes, according to the latest available data. In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, we’ve launched new creative to prevent buzzed driving, especially during the summer months when crashes spike. Developed pro bono by creative agency MEL, the spot shows that buzzed driving can impact more than just the person behind the wheel—especially at a time when 30% of traffic fatalities involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Watch the life-saving creative today!

Following thousands of high school and college student submissions from across the country, we are proud to congratulate the winners of our 14th annual Project Yellow Light scholarship competition. With distracted driving contributing to 8% of fatal crashes and 13% of injury crashes, students submitted TV, radio and billboard ads to help their peers understand what’s at stake. Winning content was featured on a digital billboard in Times Square, in space donated by Clear Channel Outdoor. We’re also grateful to Elephant Insurance, iHeartMedia, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and PIX 11 for helping empower young voices and save lives on the road. Check out the winning creative!

• On the blog, the Ad Council and OMD spotlight the inaugural Young Lions Bold Impact Award winners as they reflect on standout moments from Cannes and the future of purpose-driven work through the eyes of a new generation.
  

• Campaign Insight: Since 2016, millions have taken the first step toward preventing type 2 diabetes—completing more than 25 million risk tests and getting connected to life-changing resources through our campaign.