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2010 Silver Medal Winner: Diane Krajicek(Monday, March 1, 2010)  As she was being introduced, audience members couldn't help but agree that Krajicek was a perfect fit based on the award's criteria: a member who has achieved success in his or her career; shown a consistent high degree of creative and original thinking in work endeavors; worked to increase the stature and raise the standards for the advertising profession; and been active in civic groups including the AAF Lincoln. During her acceptance speech Krajicek, a North Platte native and graduate of Kearney State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism, was filled with emotion. She remembered all the people who had helped her along the way, many of whom were in attendance to help honor her. Rich Bailey. Jim Lauerman. And especially Chuck Piper, Bailey Lauerman's former vice president of account planning who hired her at the agency in 2000. In a video honoring Krajicek, Bailey Lauerman president Pam Hunzeker joked that "Chuck would always take the credit. He'd always say this is what Diane meant to say and steal her words from her, but it was always Diane." But Piper credited AAF Lincoln with their choice: "In all the years that this award has been made, nobody is more deserving of it than Diane is." Krajicek's body of work made the committee's decision much easier. She can look back on a career that has spanned the departments of research, branding, media and strategic planning. Hunzeker said it best in her nomination of Krajicek: "She adds value to all the work she touches. When Diane talks, people listen, resulting in her achieving significant credibility both inside and outside the agency." Her peers admire Krajicek's work ethic, respect her as a team player, patient and thoughtful but always setting the bar high and bringing a unique insight to the table. Lance Koenig, EVP/Account Planning at Bailey Lauerman, described Diane as an excellent researcher who knows how to interpret information and data, uncovering facts and truths that lead to a great strategy. "Her insights into clients' businesses have improved the agency's processes and have helped position Bailey Lauerman as a strategic resource and brand builder." Krajicek's work in the ad industry has occurred in more than just an agency setting. She has been a member of AAF Lincoln for more than 30 years, chairing both the Education and Program committees during her tenure. Krajicek is also a member and past president of the American Marketing Association's Lincoln chapter. She served as an adjunct professor for the University of Nebraska's College of Journalism, teaching Advertising Media Strategy for five years. And, her work with students has been quite noteworthy, as she has been dedicated to providing them with a quality learning experience. The coaching, mentoring and training have helped launch many careers in the industry. As Krajicek closed her remarks, she thanked her husband Steve and children Eddie and Callie for putting up with the long hours and a mind that didn't always turn off when the work day was over. But her professional career is far from over as was summed up by a colleague in the video. "This certainly isn't the end for Diane. Shoot, the agency hopes to get another 30 or 40 years out of her." |
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