“The individuals honored last night embody the leadership and dedication that sets an example not just for their peers, but for all American service industry professionals,” said OAAA President and CEO Nancy Fletcher. The 2007 inductees were as follows:

Distinguished Achievement Award, Myles Standish Award of Excellence:
Wally Kelly, CBS Outdoor
The Myles Standish Award is the outdoor industry’s highest honor. Since 1954, it has been presented at each OAAA National Convention to recognize an individual who has made the greatest contribution to the outdoor advertising industry.

This year’s winner, Wally Kelly, chairman and CEO of CBS Outdoor located in Phoenix, AZ, has been in the outdoor advertising business for 24 years. Wally has unmatched enthusiasm for the industry and has stayed focused on sales and the importance of serving customers. He is determined to work smart, be aggressive, stay visual, and lead by example. He actively serves on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for OAAA and the Board of Directors at TAB, where he provides influential leadership for the entire outdoor industry.

L. Ray Vahue Marketing Award:
Rocky Sisson, Clear Channel Outdoor
The L. Ray Vahue Award was established in 1979 by the Texas Outdoor Advertising Association, in memory of the talented marketer who served as OAAA Chairman of the Board from 1973-1975. It honors a person who embodies the marketing aims of the outdoor advertising industry.

This year’s winner, Rocky Sisson, the global director of sales and marketing for Clear Channel Outdoor located in Phoenix, AZ, has been with Clear Channel for more than a decade.  He is responsible for the development and implementation of the overall sales and marketing strategy. This includes national and local sales, new business development and multicultural sales. Rocky understands the value and the power of a strong outdoor industry. He personifies the creativity and marketing savvy that makes the outdoor advertising industry shine brightly.

OAAA Hall of Fame Award
The Hall of Fame Award was established at the 1991 OAAA Centennial Convention to recognize individuals who have made unique and enduring contributions to the outdoor advertising industry.

Robert Campbell— Lamar Advertising Company, Mobile, AL. Roger began his career as a posting manager more than 30 years ago. Today, he is the regional manager, known for his loyalty and his fierce protection of the outdoor industry.
David Feldman—Park Outdoor Advertising, Ithaca, NY. For 36 years, David has been an integral leader of Park Outdoor where he currently serves as executive vice president and CEO. His leadership extends to the outdoor industry where he works on behalf of the state outdoor advertising association and the OAAA. 
Robert Fessler—Lamar Advertising Company, Kansas City, MO. As general manager, Robert revived the outdoor industry’s partnership with law enforcement by helping Roger Kemp, a father who sought the help of the outdoor industry to find his daughter’s killer. Robert’s contribution to crime fighting initiatives has spread across the country.
James Pridgen—Fairway Outdoor Advertising, Greensboro, NC. James started his career in the outdoor advertising industry over 35 years ago. Today, he serves as the director of community development, where he has a strong voice in the industry. He knows the people in his community, the City Hall, his advertisers, state representatives, and his members of Congress. He is an effective leader of the North Carolina state outdoor association.
James Shuptrine—Vincent Printing, Chattanooga, TN. James started his career in sales as a door-to-door Bible vendor before starting with Vincent Printing. James led Vincent Printing to its current success and 25 years later, he is the executive vice president of sales and marketing. He also led the OAAA Suppliers Council. He consistently supports the industry.
Myron Laible—Outdoor Advertising Association of America, Washington, D.C. For over 20 years, Myron has worked in the outdoor advertising regulatory environment. As vice president, state, local & regulatory affairs, he has worked with industry companies and regulators alike, forming a thorough knowledge that has helped shape and lead the industry.  

Head shots of winners are available by contacting Heidi Kershaw at 202-833-5566 or hkershaw@oaaa.org.

The OAAA is the largest trade association representing the outdoor advertising industry. It is dedicated to leading and uniting a responsible outdoor advertising industry that is committed to serving the needs of consumers, advertisers and the public. OAAA’s nearly 1,000 member companies generate $6.8 billion annually in ad revenues, represent more than 90% of industry income, and donate space to charitable organizations in excess of $390 million each year.

The Outdoor Advertising Association of America, Inc. (OAAA)
1850 M Street, N.W., Suite 1040
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 833-5566
E-Mail: hkershaw@oaaa.org
Website URL: www.oaaa.org