Our Creative Warrior program recognizes colleagues who demonstrate creative bravery beyond their everyday roles.
“AW’s Creative Warriors show up with the courage to push past ‘good enough,’ the curiosity to challenge convention, and the commitment to turn big ideas into meaningful outcomes for our clients,” said Eva LaMere, president of Austin Williams. “They embody our belief in ideas that inspire action, not just in the work we create, but in how we collaborate, solve, and lead every day.”
Most recently, copywriter James Walsh and senior account executive Jenny Klaum were named AW’s latest Creative Warriors, where the two were celebrated for making the agency stronger and client work sharper in two very different but equally impactful ways. The award earns each honoree ownership of a warrior-like shield emblazoned with words that embody the spirit of creativity, a dinner for two, AW-branded sneakers, and much more.
James Walsh
Nominated by his colleagues, James was recognized for his calm, cool, and collected demeanor and his ability to translate client feedback into smart, strategic solutions. Here’s what they had to say, “Can’t isn’t in James’ vocabulary. No matter the challenge, his immediate response is always, ‘I got this.’ Whether it’s big, small, routine, or wildly outside the box, James brings a combination of curiosity, creativity, and calm that make every job mission possible.”
Whether he’s helping a client find clarity in revisions, developing new site content, or bringing a sharp point of view to creative concepts, James builds trust by showing up prepared, eager to collaborate, and committed to finding the best solution.
But James’ impact goes beyond just elevating client work; he elevates the people around him. His nominators described James as “the ultimate chill guy” and “a ray of positivity” with the “patience of a saint.” A mentor to young talent on the team and always the first to offer a hand, James inspires AW’s teams to think bigger, work better, and bring their best, which is exactly what the Creative Warrior award is all about.
Jenny Klaum
Jenny was recognized for spotting friction in processes and taking ownership of improving them, benefiting both our teams and our clients.
“When conversations began about client-facing PowerPoint decks lacking efficiencies and consistency, Jenny didn’t just raise her hand; she led the charge,” her colleagues wrote in Jenny’s nomination letter.
From exploring AI-powered tools to spearheading our transition to Figma, Jenny immersed herself in the platform, quickly recognized its potential, and drove adoption across the agency. She played a hands-on role at every stage and has trained the entire AW team–no small feat!
In addition, Jenny is pioneering something transformative for both the agency and one of our clients, helping design the architecture of an innovative platform that streamlines asset management and media trafficking at scale. The result is a faster, more connected workflow, improved visibility, strengthened version control, and confident execution across thousands of assets.
Jenny’s impact extends beyond process and platforms, though. As an active member of AW’s Culture Committee, she brings that same laser precision to the moments that bring our people together. From team-building activities to coordinating our food and essentials drive for Long Island Cares, Jenny’s contributions strengthen connections among our team and make Austin Williams an even better place to work.
We’re proud to celebrate James and Jenny as AW’s latest Creative Warriors. Our Creative Warrior program regularly recognizes those who push boundaries and inspire innovation. Check back soon to meet the next outstanding honoree. In the meantime, meet our other Creative Warriors.
About Austin Williams
Austin Williams is a full-service advertising, marketing, digital, and public relations firm that creates ideas that inspire action for clients in the healthcare, higher education, financial, nonprofit, and professional services industries.
Certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by the State of New York, the Long Island-based firm was founded in 1992 and was named one of the 100 fastest-growing agencies in the nation. In 2024, it was recognized as the Best Advertising Agency and PR Agency by Long Island Business News in their Reader Ranking Awards for the second year in a row, and in 2020, it was named a Newsday Top Place to Work. Learn more about AW.