Friday Forum

The path taken by Rick Boyko over his 30 year career has held many twists and turns. Starting out in the art department at Montgomery Wards, he soon became an art director working on major brands at agencies including Leo Burnett and Chiat/Day, which culminated in his becoming Co-President, Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy&Mather, North America.

In 2003, at the height of his career he decided to follow a new path, stepping out of advertising into academia, becoming the Director of the VCU Brandcenter. Over his nine year tenure as Director he helped lead, evolve and elevate the school into one of the best graduate schools for the business of marketing communications in the country.

Throughout his career in advertising, Rick has been dedicated to improving the industry. He has served on the Boards of the Advertising Club/International Andy’s, One Club, Art Directors Club, 4A’s, Marcus Graham Project, and Advertising Week. While at the Brandcenter he was named Dean of the Roger Hatchuel Academy of the Cannes Festival for seven years. In 2011 he conceived of and produced “Pursuit Of Passion, Diversity in Advertising” for the Brandcenter/4A’s. Since retiring from the Brandcenter in 2012, Rick has remained dedicated to elevating the industry by creating the “Inspiration” documentary film series, produced in conjunction with The Advertising Club, which highlights the paths taken by some of advertising’s creative icons.

In honor of his many contributions to the industry, Rick was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of fame in 2012.