Alex Osborn Award

Keith A. Crippen

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.