After 24 years in the ad agency business, I decided it was time to call it quits. Leading a growing department and agency has been fun, stressful, and painful, and forced me to grow in ways I couldn't have predicted. I helped conceive, sell and create a lot of work I'm really proud of. I mentored a lot of smart and talented people who have become the types of teammates and leaders any organization should covet. I pitched and won a bunch, and lost a bunch, and have the scars to show for it all. And as I approach my 50th trip around the sun, I want to, as Arthur Brooks says, "accept the gifts of the second half of life with grace, joy, and ever deepening purpose." I don't know where this will lead me. But I'm excited to find out.

I oversaw strategy at McKinney as the Chief Strategy Officer for 5+ years at the place I've called my agency "home" for the past 15+ years. I'm supposed to list all of "my" achievements in this role, but if I'm proud of a single personal contribution during this time, it's managing a lot of change that's been good for the agency but wasn't easy. I think the department (and agency) are in better shape now than when I took this job, and it's only because of the collective efforts of a lot of people. That, and a lot of luck. I wish I'd realized much earlier that the best part of the job (and it's not close), was getting to witness firsthand the growth and development of some of the smartest and most caring people I'll ever work with. It was a privilege, and I'm grateful for it.

Clients: ESPN College Sports, ESPN College Football Playoff, SEC Network, ACC Network, Samsung, Nationwide, Mizuno USA, Sherwin-Williams, CarMax

Got Account Planning up and running within the agency.Clients: CenturyLink, Marucci Sports, Zatarain's, New Orleans Tourism, Reily Foods

Clients: Nationwide, Mizuno USA (Running, Golf, Baseball), Sherwin-Williams, Ruby Tuesday, Lenovo, Radio Flyer

Clients: Nationwide Insurance, Nationwide Financial, Sherwin-Williams, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Virgin Mobile, Brown-Forman liqueurs and wines, Aprica baby products, ONDCP 'Above the Influence.'

Clients: Audi, Polaris ATVs and Snowmobiles, Polaris Ranger utility vehicles, Victory motorcylces, Southern Comfort, Square One Bank.

Clients: Shiner Beer, Frost Bank, McCoy's Building Supply stores, Celis Beer, ObrA Homes, Whataburger.

I talked to senators and members of Congress about defense and foreign affairs. And then wrote about it.