2024 Judges

Emily Foster

Director, IHAF

Emily is responsible for advancing the premier professional membership association for internal agencies, The In-House Agency Forum (IHAF). In leading the IHAF program team, Emily is responsible for the development and delivery of benefits and thought leadership content in support of nearly 300 member companies. She is also dedicated to cultivating the IHAF community to enhance the influence and impact of corporate advertising and creative services organizations. Prior to her current role, Emily was a Program Manager and then Associate Director of IHAF, facilitating targeted research, member events and networking among the in-house community.

Cathy Ihler

Senior Vice President, Goldmind, Synchrony

Cathy oversees a team of close to 100 designers, writers, animators, and other creative professionals. Goldmind serves over 300 internal client partners, producing creative solutions for brands such as Lowe’s, TJX, Virgin, J. Crew, Sam’s Club, and CareCredit, as well as Synchrony’s branded specialty credit cards, bank, and general-purpose credit cards. With over 20 years’ experience, Cathy is passionate about developing creative talent, finding ways to leverage technology, operational capabilities to enable faster and more successful creative outcomes, and championing the role that smart, imaginative creative can play in organizational success.

Angel Maldonado

Director, Brand, Design & Copy, Yelp

Angel is a marketing leader with over 20 years of experience managing creative teams and agencies like DDB NY, Concept Farm, and 72andSunny on behalf of brands such as ExxonMobil, BMW, and Deloitte Consulting. At Yelp, he leads a team that delivers campaigns that boost user engagement and brand awareness. He also consults for MIT Technology Review and other clients, specializing in strategy, creative direction, operations, and digital production. Angel is passionate about mentorship and promoting diversity within the marketing industry, drawing on his expertise in creative leadership and brand strategy.

Meghan McDonnell

President, Pile and Company

Pile and Company is a consulting firm focused on marketing resources and relationships. Meghan oversees Pile Consulting’s suite of practice areas including agency search, performance evaluation, agency compensation, agency model assessment, onboarding and more. Her deep knowledge of and perspective on the external agency landscape and client/agency best practices are why so many companies initially select and frequently return to Pile. Meghan has worked with hundreds of marketing organizations and outside agencies, spanning industries and disciplines to successfully establish more productive, valuable, mutually rewarding partnerships and agreements that deliver on clients’ business needs.

Amy Spears

SVP Brand, Creative & Media, Highmark Health

Amy oversees brand, creative, and media for Highmark Health, a $26 billion national, blended-health organization that includes one of America’s largest Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers and a growing regional network of hospitals and physicians. She also leads Tonic, a 125+ member enterprise and reigning In-House Agency of the Year, to support the company’s mission of creating remarkable health experiences that free people to be their best. Amy leverages 25+ years of experience in advertising and marketing with multiple Fortune 40 retail and healthcare companies to build and develop high-performing and award-winning brands and teams with one infectious culture.

Noel True

Senior Director of Creative Services & Communications, Kaiser Permanente

Noel leads creative services and communications for Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California and Hawaii markets, overseeing an in-house agency that produces design, video, websites, photography, events, and executive communications. Previously, Noel co-founded Little Pictures, a full-service video production agency where she managed business operations, client relations, and creative projects for clients in education, healthcare, and non-profit sectors. Throughout her career, Noel’s dedication to storytelling and creative leadership has earned her multiple industry awards and recognitions including Tellys, Communicator Awards, and a CINE Golden Eagle. She is also a classically trained actor who spent many years performing in television, film, and theater.