Meet Judy Franks

Judy Franks brings a unique set of experiences and skills to The Marketing Democracy. Judy is an advertising agency executive turned professor. She has over 35 years of experience translating the complex marketing and media landscape into easy to understand and actionable ideas for audiences of all experience levels. 

Agency Leader

Judy worked at Chicago’s top advertising agencies where she rose to executive ranks across the creative and media sides of the industry. Her 23-year agency resume spans: Leo Burnett, FCB, Euro RSCG Tatham (now Havas), Starcom, and Energy BBDO. She worked for Clients: Allstate, Hallmark, LEGO, P&G, Red Lobster and Wrigley among others. Judy led teams whose marketing ideas and plans earned numerous awards: Clios, EFFIEs and Media Plan of the Year. She also served as the Director of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) prestigious Institute of Advertising Studies (IAAS). And she currently designs and teaches courses in Marketing and Media for the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) Learning Institute.

Award-Winning Professor

In 2008, Judy joined the faculty of Northwestern University (Ranked #9 by U.S. News) where she teaches Consumer Insight and Media courses in the IMC degree programs at the Medill School. Judy has earned numerous teaching honors including: IMC Teacher of the Year and the ASG Faculty Honor Roll. In Fall 2023, she was promoted to the rank of Professor. Judy is widely published in both the industry and academic press. She is the author of the popular text, “Media: From Chaos to Clarity.” 

Industry Speaker

Judy is often sought out for her expertise on marketing in a changing media world. She is frequently quoted in the press and she is also a seasoned guest speaker and panel moderator for numerous conferences hosted by leading marketing organizations and large multinational companies. Judy has been a guest on Chicago public television’s “Chicago Tonight” to explain political advertising strategy in a digital media world. She has also developed customized marketing training programs for several large corporations including: LEGO and Wrigley.

Marketing Consultant

In 2008, Judy launched The Marketing Democracy to help marketers and their agencies develop a more integrated and effective marketing process. She advocated for “marketing checks and balances” where three branches of marketing: Brand Management, Creative and Media could work together to create and implement business-building marketing strategies and plans. The Marketing Democracy has fostered “we-powered solutions” for brands such as: Anheuser Busch, LEGO, McDonald’s, MTV, Nickelodeon, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, and Wrigley.