Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
John Zimmerman, legendary Birmingham advertising executive, honored by American Advertising Federation
Reading time: 3 minutes
On February 28, the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Birmingham hosted the American Advertising Awards to celebrate industry experts across The Magic City.
This year’s award show honored the late John Zimmerman and his 20+ years of advertising service to Birmingham.
AAF Birmingham pays tribute to John Zimmerman
Founded in 1943, AAF Birmingham promotes excellence in advertising through professional education, networking, community service, ethics, quality and creativity.
The American Advertising Awards is one of the largest creative competitions in the advertising industry. With over 40,000 submissions each year, this event celebrates bold ideas and innovative work that define creative excellence.
Those who enter AAF Birmingham’s local competition take the first step toward earning national recognition with a prestigious ADDY® Award.
The video above shows local leaders and friends of Zimmerman reflecting on the eclectic energy he brought to every room.
Featured in the video:
- Gene Hallman, Eventive Sports
- Jim Fraser, Independent Brand Strategist
- Chris Miller, Copywriter
- Howard Pearlstein, Copy Rocket
- Mark Harrelson, Boutwell Studios
- Ford Wiles, Apostle
- Sam Burn, Cayenne Creative
- Leisa Cole, Photographer
- Roger Ellenburg, Brand Neue Co.
- Ian David, C Spire
- Cindy Martin, Bham Now, Hville Blast + The Bama Buzz
- Lyndale Smithson, SME Nielsen
- Ken Jackson, Remy’s Fund for Pets and Animal Services
- Andy Campell, Media Director
John Zimmerman’s creative impact in Birmingham
For 20 years, Zimmerman was a chairman, Chief Creative Officer and owner of local advertising agency o2 ideas.
He changed the game for advertising in Birmingham, bringing national brands like Verizon and Home Depot to our city’s growing market.
At the 2025 ADDY® Awards, Zimmerman was recognized with the Legacy in Advertising Award. Recipients of this award are celebrated for:
- Creative Excellence
- Leadership and Vision
- Mentorship and Generosity
- Dynamic Presence and Charisma
“The Legacy in Advertising Award was inspired by and modeled after John Zimmerman’s extraordinary life and contributions.
John helped put Birmingham on the map as a top advertising city. It’s been my sincere honor to recognize him with this special award.”
Dee Dee Mathis, Vice-President/Chairperson, American Advertising Awards
Whether it was his advertising prowess or his pet parrot, Zimmerman easily became a friend to everyone he met.
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