The Silver Medal Award program was created in 1983 by the American Advertising Federation as a lifetime achievement award to recognize a distinguished member of the Chicago advertising community for their contributions to the advertising profession, mentorship, support for the broader community, and their accomplishments.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Silver Medal Award! Nominations close on August 21, 2026.
Past CAF Silver Medal Recipients
- 2026: TBD
- 2025: Sam Armando
- 2024: Judy Yeh
- 2023: Louis Carr
- 2022: Andrew Swinand
- 2021: Shelby Saville
- 2019: Renetta McCann
- 2018: Kathy Ring
- 2017: Fay Ferguson
- 2016: Chris Boothe
- 2015: Tony Weisman
- 2014: David W. Selby
- 2013: Rishad Tobaccowala
- 2012: John Muszynski
- 2011: Ron Bess
- 2010: Howard Draft
- 2009: Carla Michelotti
- 2008: Betsy D. Holden
- 2007: William "Bill" Lamar Jr.
- 2006: John Johnson
- 2005: Jack Klues
- 2004: Bob Scarpelli
- 2002: Ralph Campagna
- 2000: Rick Fizdale
- 1999: Bud Frankel
- 1998: Tom Burrell
- 1997: Ralph Rydholm
- 1996: George Lazurus
- 1985: Joe Sedelmaier
- 1984: William E. Ross
- 1983: Keith Reinhard
Interested in attending next year’s event? Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when the registration and nomination windows are open.