2011 ADDY JUDGES

BRO. MIKE ROVNER, Creative Director, Agency 212

Mike began his career over 15 years ago at margeotes fertitta + partners as an account guy. Two years later, he followed a new path — joining the creative department as a copywriter and finally realizing his calling as a champion of the written word. Over the next six years, Mike created advertising for almost every category our industry covers (alcoholic beverages, telecom, fast food, luxury, B2B, investing). Then in 2002, he saw the light and leaped at the opportunity to become a creative director and copy chief at Agency 212, working on everything from Quaker State to Loews Hotels. Along the way, much praise has been presented to him, including a local and regional ADDY Best of Show, a host of Telly Awards, One Show, London International Advertising Awards, Luerzer’s Archive, even a regional Emmy in 2005.

BRO. JOHN TOPACIO, Freelance Copywriter

John believes “ads” are inherently wicked. The way they pound people’s souls into purchase. How they too often talk down to fine upstanding folks. So why would he partake in an industry full of that which he loathes? So he could be in a position to create “righteousness.” And that’s exactly what he’s done — launching virtuous campaigns at Leo Burnett and Doner Advertising in Michigan before heading to Chicago to work for Organic and Euro RSCG. Now, he’s making use of all that acquired knowledge as a freelance writer for brands such as Audi, FBI, OnStar, and Remington. And before judging ADDY shows or even landing at Leo, the AAF has been part of his life. As a student at Michigan State
University, the AAF named him one of the 25 Most Promising Minority Advertising Students from the class of 1999.

BRO. MARK BAZIL, Professor, Savannah College of Art and Design

Mark has been an art director, designer, writer and creative director for over 25 glorious years. His experience in the advertising field is as broad as it is thorough — from the large, corporate environment of Young & Rubicam Detroit to his own boutique agency, Bazil-Victory Advertising. During his career he has performed miracles for clients such as Uniroyal, MTV, DirecTV, Wachovia, and Canadian Club. And in return, he has been blessed with over 140 advertising awards. Now, as a founding member of the Advertising Department at Savannah College of Art and Design, he focuses exclusively on what he loves about advertising, and what he does best— nurturing, inspiring and developing the spirit of young art directors in the making. Including our ADDY Revival, Mark has now judged local and regional ADDY Awards 11 times.