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Michelle Hillman

Chief Campaign Development Officer

Michelle brings together leading creative agencies, corporate partners, media and technology platforms, and nonprofit and government clients for the Ad Council and its over 30-plus public service campaigns.

Under her leadership, the Ad Council implemented groundbreaking and iconic campaigns like Smokey Bear’s “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires,” the longest running social good campaign in U.S. history, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk” and Buzzed Driving Prevention work, and “You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be a Perfect Parent” foster care adoption efforts. Her campaigns have won numerous accolades, including a Daytime Emmy and an Effie.

She has also led the organization’s Creative Review Committees, made up of nearly 30 of the industry’s top agency leaders. The Committees meet regularly to review, refine and raise the bar on the Ad Council’s campaigns. With over 25 years of experience, Michelle has proven ability in enacting change around pressing social issues like opioid abuse, gun safety, refugee support, and girls in STEM.

Michelle serves as a frequent judge for industry awards, including Advertising Week’s D&D Impact Awards, the 4A’s Impact Awards, Effie Awards, and also for the Project Yellow Light and End Family Fire Scholarship Competitions.

Michelle has made social good a priority outside of her Ad Council work as well. She has participated on the selection board for the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s IF/THEN Ambassadors program, and also works with the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue, the Gun Safety Alliance to Reduce Gun Violence, and Just Tryan IT, which assists families struggling with childhood cancer.

She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Michelle currently resides in Washington, DC with her family, and is the proud owner of a shelter pet.