AAF Memorial Scholarship
Sean with UVA students during his guest lecture in 2022
Sean Finnegan was a supporter of the AAF for over three decades, dating back to his work as a competitor and Judge for the AAF National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) and as President of his college AAF Chapter at Murray State University as a student where he received a B.A. degree in Advertising & Marketing in 1993. Sean was a member of the AAF National Board of Directors. Additionally, he was a member of the AAF Advertising Hall of Achievement (Class of 2006) and the Jack Avrett Volunteer Spirit Award recipient. Sean was leading our plans for a special 30th AAF Hall of Achievement Anniversary event in November 2022. Sean started the original AAF Digital Committee and led that work for years as a labor of love and from the desire to bring the AAF into digital relevancy.
His work with students was always a focus for Sean. He was committed to mentorship and as such, was a Guest Lecturer at such venerated institutions as Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Harvard Business School, Northwestern’s Medill Integrated Communications School and more. Indeed he was guest lecturing at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville when he passed away. Sean Finnegan was a highly respected digital media, marketing and advertising executive, with a wide range of industry knowledge and leadership in agency, client, media and non-profit disciplines. In addition to his support of the American Advertising Federation—Sean was deeply immersed in a number of companies and organizations that advanced the state of the Advertising, Media and Marketing industries.
Throughout his Media career, Sean was instrumental in mentoring young people who wanted to pursue a career in digital Advertising and Media. Sean’s heart was always with the AAF and he was a solid supporter of the AAF’s efforts to remain as “The Unifying Voice for Advertising.” He was always supportive of me and of the AAF’s efforts to continue to be relevant to a wide range of members, supporters, sponsors, and volunteers. Using his unmatched skills as a connector and team builder—he would often make introductions that benefitted the AAF. Sean will always be remembered as a truly sincere and gracious person. Freely giving of his time and talents to others who wanted to succeed in Advertising. He was always striving to be a true inclusive industry leader and to connect others to the AAF and the Advertising industry. His storied career had an impact on so many and he was always committed to bringing about positive change for the Advertising industry.
The Sean Finnegan Memorial Scholarship will help ensure that his active role in the lives of others is chronicled and memorialized (American Advertising Federation, 2024).
Sean was committed to mentorship and as such, was a frequent Guest Lecturer at such venerated institutions as Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Harvard Business School, Northwestern’s Medill Integrated Communications School, and more.