DAVID CRAWFORD

Chief Creative Officer

Grew up in the mountains of North Carolina.

Went to Western Carolina University. Graduated cum laude with a BFA in Graphic Design.

Took a job with McKinney & Silver in Raleigh North Carolina.

Became an art director. Learned the craft from some of the best in the business and worked on stuff like Piedmont Airlines, North Carolina Tourism, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Karastan Carpets and Fannie Mae.

Worked and learned there for six years.

Took a job with GSD&M in Austin Texas.

Worked on and ran accounts like Southwest Airlines, Don’t Mess With Texas, RC Cola, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Texas Monthly magazine, Pebble Beach Resorts, Rock the Vote, Kohler, Land Rover, American Legacy Foundation, Rolling Stone and BMW. Named an Adweek Creative All-Star. As a Senior VP/Managing Group Creative Director, I was part of the agency’s leadership team and helped build the agency’s reputation over 25 years.

Before making my way to The Richards Group, I headed to Wisconsin as the Executive Creative Director/CCO for the Kohler Company and all the brands they represent globally. Currently, I am the Co-Chief Creative Officer at Zimmerman advertising.

Partnering with my creatives, account management and clients to bring the best creative solutions is one of my greatest joys. Mentoring and passing along what I know is an even greater one.

Honored to have judged The One Show, The Art Director’s Club, The Kelly Awards, The National Addy’s, The AICP Show and The Effie's. 

Have been lucky to work with some of the best people in the business and won a bunch of awards in all the major shows along the way.  Love spending time with my family…and their dogs.

Still miss those mountains.