The Alex Osborn Award
Keith A. Crippen,
Senior Creative Services Manager,
Delaware North Companies
As a young boy growing up on Buffalo’s east side, Keith Crippen
knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up. Watching a couple
episodes of “Bewitched” was all it took. “I wanted
to be Darren Stephens and work for Larry Tate.”
With a strong fine arts background and a true love for words, fashion
and poetry, Keith has spent the last 27 years making his mark on the
Western New York advertising community. From copywriter and creative
director to producer and vice president, he has earned local and national
recognition for his work on numerous ad campaigns. Most importantly,
his involvement in our advertising community continues to help position
Western New York as a strong and dynamic creative market.
As one of the few African-American advertising professionals in our
region, Keith is committed to educating and raising awareness among minority
students about the exciting career opportunities that exist in our industry.
He is an active United Negro College Fund Student Mentor and has been
a frequent guest lecturer at the University at Buffalo, Medaille College,
and Buffalo State College. A true believer of saluting the creative achievements
of his peers, Keith has offered his expertise as a guest judge for ad
club competitions across the country. He is also responsible for developing
and supervising college internship programs for many of the companies
he has worked for.
Keith believes giving back to the community is the best way to ensure
that ‘change’ will improve the quality of our lives. Over
the years, he has supported countless organizations by volunteering his
creative services and as an active member on boards and committees throughout
Western New York.
In his present position as Senior Creative Services
Manager for Delaware North Companies, Keith is the head creative
liaison for corporate communications and marketing. This role affords
him the opportunity to partner with Buffalo-based creative shops to produce
marketing materials that showcase our local talent nationally and internationally.
Keith’s enthusiasm, style and humor continue to be an inspiration
to us all.
Words of Wisdom: “You can never have too many pairs of shoes.”
Criteria: Named in honor of Alex Osborn of Batten, Barton,
Durstine & Osborn
fame, this awards recognizes individuals who, through outstanding creative
achievements, have left anindelible mark on the Western New York creative community. A recipient
doesn’t have to be a Brainstorm member or work primarily in the advertising arts. The key requirement
is that the individual’s achievements have
helped strengthen the local advertising, graphic arts and communication
disciplines – as well as gained recognition outside our market. |