Silver Medal Award
The American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award Program was established in 1959 to recognize men and women who have made outstanding contributions to advertising and have been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence, and responsibility in areas of social concern. Annually, AAF member clubs bestow the honor upon outstanding members of their local advertising community.
DEADLINE TO NOMINATE: DECEMBER 31, 2025
Nominees are judged on the following criteria:
Contribution to His/Her Company
The recipient must have achieved success in one of the following areas of work: advertising agency, advertiser, media or advertising service.
Creative Ability
The recipient must have shown a consistent, high degree of original thinking in their field.
Contributions to the General Advancement of Advertising
The recipient must have worked to increase the stature and raise the standards of the advertising profession.
Contributions to the Community
The recipient should be someone who has been active in civic, religious, or other groups dedicated to human or social welfare.
Service to the American Advertising Federation
The honoree should have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the American Advertising Federation Black Hills chapter. Service to the corresponding AAF District and AAF National further solidifies the depth of service.
Meet the 2026 Silver Medal Recipient: Megan Batteen
As President of Midwest Marketing, Megan Batteen leads strategic marketing initiatives for businesses across many industries. She also leads the team and agency in day-to-day business operations.
Megan wears many hats each day, jumping from client meetings and campaign planning to analytics deep dives and creative. She is Google Certified, a graduate of the SD CEO’s Women in Leadership program, and was named one of Elevate Rapid City’s 2025 40 Under 40. She is also a past recipient of AAF-Black Hills' Unsung Hero of Marketing Awards.
A Black Hills State University graduate, Megan holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management.
When she’s not working, Megan can be found in Deadwood, Camping, or playing tourist around the Black Hills with her husband and doting on her German Wirehaired Pointer, Schatzi.
Past Silver Medal Award Recipients
Megan Batteen, 2026
Tiffany Smith, 2025
Dave Smetter, 2024
Dan Daly, 2023
Judy Darling, 2022
Mike Stec, 2021
Beth Hottel, 2020
Marnie Herrmann, 2019
Mutch Usera, 2018
Dawn Claymore, 2017
Michael Goodroad, 2016
Carol Brown, 2015
Jason Alley, 2014
Ross Johnson, 2013
Tim Reilly, 2012
Margaret Skillman, 2011
Robert Sharp, 2010
Dan & Kathy Simpson, 2009
Michelle Lintz, 2008
Gogie Enstad, 2007
Bob Laskowski, 2006
Debbie Ketel, 2005
Kevin Phillips, 2004
Wes Haugen, 2003
Lia Green, 2002
Kyle Mattison, 2001
Carmen Derby, 2000
Bill Honerkamp, 1999
Shirley Stec, 1998
Bill Fleming & Susan Turnbull, 1997
Joan S. Martin, 1996
John Thomas Kearns, 1995
Ronda Meyer Oman, 1994
Carolyn Helfenstein, 1993
Michael Derby, 1992
Linda Peterson, 1991
Stan Lieberman, 1990
Tom Franklin, 1989
Vern Anthony, 1988
John Derby, 1986
Helen Duhamel, 1985
Verne Sheppard, 1984
Morris Hallock, 1983
Dean Nauman, 1982