Backstory, please.

In her 25 years in the industry, Lara has sharpened her pencil for the likes of Adobe, Fiat, Intel, Bud Light, Jeep, Disney, KFC and more.

As Executive Creative Director at Energy BBDO, Lara runs the Bayer and Aveeno Baby accounts. She has brought home the industry’s biggest awards including Cannes Lions, One Show, Clios, Webbys, Shortys and more. Beyond creating big ideas that move the world, Lara most enjoys building teams who give a damn about the work and each other.

In her spare time, Lara can be found running in inclement weather, devouring library books and convincing her preschooler not to feed the toddler jagged plastic of unknown origin.

BRANDS

Disney - Intel - McDonald’s - Bud Light - Fiat  - Famous Footwear - US Open

JEEP - Marriott - KFC - Coors Light - JP Morgan - Blue Cross Blue Shield - Pizza Hut

Kingsford - Advil - Miller Lite - Cool Whip - Fresh Step - Olive Garden - Chevron

Triscuit - Lunchables - JELL-O - Herbalife - HALLS - Burt’s Bees

GIGS

2025 - present / Energy BBDO, Executive Creative Director

2022 - 2025 / Dentsu Creative, Executive Creative Director

2020 - present / EPIC: Engaging Philanthropy, Inspiring Creatives, Volunteer Creative Director

2018 - 2022 / Dentsu Creative, Group Creative Director

2014 - 2018 / Dentsu Creative, Creative Director

2010 - 2014 / Dentsu Creative, Associate Creative Director

2006 - 2010 / FCB Chicago, Senior Copywriter

2001 - 2006 / Fry Hammond Barr, Copywriter

1998 - 2000/ Multiple internships at places you've never heard of

1997 - 2001 / U of Florida, Advertising major, English + Business minors

METAL

#22 Most Awarded ECD, The Drum 2024

Cannes Gold, Silvers, Bronzes, Shortlists

Creative Pool “Top 100 Creative Leaders of the Year” 2024

One Show Shortlist

Gerety Award Silver

Shorty Award Winners

WEBBY Winner

Clio Bronzes

Clio Shortlists

Hashtag Sports Award Winner

ADDY Best in Show

Telly Winners + Golds + Silvers

AAA Silvers

Chicago Ad Fed AAA Best in Category + Gold + Bronze

Chicago Int'l Film Fest Audience Award + Gold + Silver Hugos

Dentsu Global Innovation Award - Creativity