AIR’s New Board of Directors Set Ambitions for 4 Years of Championing and Change

The Alliance of Independent Representatives (AIR) has an election every four years and this summer saw Ann Asprodites, AIR co-founder and previous vice president, appointed as president.

She succeeds another of AIR’s co-founding members, Veronica Lombardo, who has now moved into the role of managing director. After her four-year presidential term, Veronica will now oversee partnerships and future forecasting and also remains as the moderator of the quarterly panel discussion, Straight Talk.

“One of the privileges of co-founding AIR with my colleague-in-crime Veronica is the joy of community,” Ann tells LBB. “In the isolated world of very small businesses, the coming together on common issues, the celebration of our individual wins and consolation at the losses adds purpose. This purpose is emphasised by my pride in being a rep, of partnering with the companies I represent, of being a resource to agencies and brands.” 

Above: New AIR president Ann (L) and outgoing president Veronica (R)

Looking ahead to the next few years under her tenure, Ann - who owns Asprodites Reps - says that AIR’s “core mission of best practices” remains the primary goal. “However, I hope that we can continue to cultivate respect from the community,” she adds. “I always say that we have the best job, standing at the intersection of art and commerce.”  

Though, the job isn’t without its challenges - several of which Ann describes as ‘looming large’ over the role of the modern rep. “One is, of course, agencies absorbing production. We have seen this before - it seems cyclic - but it is a troublesome trend that prioritises cost over craft. We support AICP in their efforts to resolve this.”

She adds, “Another is the decentralisation of agencies. Reps have operated within territories and now we are trying to manage agencies that either have no brick and mortar [offices] or have many locations. And then there is the eroding of budgets which affects us all.”  

Laying out the action which AIR plans to take in response, and to help its membership overcome these challenges, Ann highlights the importance of facilitating positive and productive communication.

“We can talk,” she says. “We can invite conversation among all the branches of our industry.  If our common goal is to create meaningful messages, then transparency is the first path to any resolution. AIR will continue with Straight Talk, a panel talk helmed by Veronica - she is fierce with tough questions - and my roundtable, ‘Clear the AIR’, where different factions come together.”

Also assuming a new role following AIR’s 2024 board member election is the new vice president, Dani Jackson, founder of The Cre8tors creative management agency and former chair of the Diversity in Talent Committee. As well as Dubay owner, Dana Dubay, who was previously on the Evolution & Growth Committee and is now Director-at-Large.

Above: New AIR vice president Dani (L) and director-at-large Dana (R)

“I joined the AIR Board because I believe in the power of reps to champion creative companies,” says Dani. “However, there’s a clear need for more diverse representation in our industry. I’m excited to help change that narrative and ensure underrepresented voices are heard and celebrated.” 

“Evolution and growth have long been the mantras of my business,” says Dana. “Acting on those words, I am thrilled to step into the role of director-at-large on AIR’s board. This position offers a very real opportunity to drive meaningful and positive change within our industry, which is a mission I am deeply passionate about.” 

Amanda Rosenberg, an agent with Carolyn Reps, has also joined the board as secretary. Beforehand, she played a key role in the development of the Representation Bootcamp and consultation programmes, in collaboration with the Evolution & Change Committee. 

Above: AIR board secretary Amanda (L) and treasurer Julie (R)

“These initiatives provide emerging executive producers, directors and editors with valuable insights into the advertising industry from a representative's perspective, while also educating them on best practices for working with reps,” she explains. “As a board member, I am committed to further expanding these programmes and creating more opportunities for our members to serve as thought leaders within the industry.”

Julie Koellner, founder of Remedy Reps, has been the treasurer of the board since AIR was founded in 2020, and maintains her position. “I’ve loved being a part of AIR,” she says. “The best part has been getting to know other like minded individuals, but it’s also been rewarding trying to make positive change for our industry. I’m looking forward to another term on the AIR board.”