by Jade Nguyen Swanson, Director, Client Services, MESG Marketing

Before we rang in the new year, industry professionals gathered together to celebrate at the 2023 DMAW and DMAW Educational Foundation Best of Direct Awards Ceremony and Holiday Party!

Back by popular demand, Tiffany Neill and Allison Porter hosted the festivities and led us through an evening filled with laughter, gratitude, and inspiration.

To earn the recognition of your peers is a high honor and these awards are an affirmation that years of hard work, volunteering, and leadership have not gone unnoticed. Our honorees are some of the finest in our sector and in our region – whether they are being recognized for years of leadership and innovation, or for showing the potential to take our industry forward to new heights in the future.

A heartfelt congratulations to:

DMAW Hall of Leaders
John Bell, Vice President of Sales, MMI Direct

DMAW-DMAW Educational Foundation Industry All-Stars
Joanne Wilson, Vice President, Advancement Operations
The Humane Society of the United States
Justin McCord, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications
RKD Group

The Inaugural DMAW Changemaker Award
Phil Wiland, Chairman & CEO, Wiland

DMAW Volunteer of the Year
William "Bill" Tighe, Senior Account Director, RR Donnelley
Mark Gould, Direct Marketing Director, American Israel Public Affairs Committee

The DMAW Board Appreciation Award
Erica Waasdorp, President, A Direct Solution

DMAW Rising Star
Aidan Wheeler, Associate Director, Business Development, SimioCloud,
a division of Moore

DMAW Emerging Leader
Leigh Ann Doyle, Production Manager, PMG

DMAW Partner of the Year
The Harrington Agency

DMAW Board Superhero
Melissa Ford, Principal and Senior Vice President,
Mal Warwick Donordigital

A special thank you to Rhea McVicker, Founder and Board President of Nick’s Place, and this year’s Best of Direct beneficiary. She shared with us her touching story, and the impact Nick’s Place has served for the hundreds of young men and their families. There is still time to make a donation!

And of course, thank you to all of you who have united with us in celebrating their contributions to our industry and the DMAW community. Here's to a successful 2024!