NEW YORK, NY (July 16, 2025) – Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising for The Walt Disney Company has been named Chair of the Ad Council’s Board of Directors. She succeeds Tara Walpert Levy, Vice President, Americas at YouTube.
For more than 80 years, the Ad Council has championed pivotal issues impacting people across the United States. Representing marketing, media, technology and business sectors, Board Members leverage their unique expertise, strong leadership and financial contributions to ensure the continued success and growth of the organization. The Ad Council’s Board of Directors works closely with the organization’s leadership to build fully integrated national initiatives on gun violence prevention, mental health, the overdose crisis, anti-hate and more.
As Chair, Ferro will partner with Ad Council leadership, its Executive Committee (the governing body of the Ad Council’s Board) and the full Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission of leveraging the power of communications to tackle the nation’s pressing social issues. Kirk McDonald, CEO, Sundial Media Group and Carla Hassan CMO, JPMorgan Chase currently serve as Vice Chairs of the Ad Council's Board of Directors. Additionally, Ferro will co-chair the Ad Council’s 2025 Annual Public Service Award Dinner, the organization’s largest annual fundraising event, which will be held on December 4, 2025, honoring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
“Rita has been a dedicated member of the Ad Council Board of Directors since 2019, and the Executive Committee since 2020. I am honored to partner with her as she steps into this new role” said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council. “I deeply admire her passion, and know our organization will benefit from her focus toward driving significant impact on the nation’s most pressing issues.”
As President, Global Advertising, Ferro leads global advertising sales for The Walt Disney Company’s significant portfolio of entertainment, news and sports properties, including Disney’s linear, digital and ad-supported streaming businesses including ABC; Disney Channels Worldwide, Disney+, ESPN; and Hulu. A remarkable industry leader, Ferro has been with Disney for 26 years, transforming the company’s advertising strategy and global presence. Her impact transcends her day-to-day business responsibilities, earning her the distinction as a strategic thought leader and luminary amongst industry peers, leaders and brands.
For a complete list of the Ad Council Board of Directors, see here.
THE AD COUNCIL
The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country's most iconic social impact campaigns – Smokey Bear, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more.
To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council's communities on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and view campaign creative on YouTube.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ben Dorf
bdorf@adcouncil.org