I’m the Executive Creative Director of Special Group, in Los Angeles. I've been nominated for the commercial Emmy three times but have never won it (I’d rather not talk about it). I have actually won some awards, though, including a Cannes Lions Grand Prix. I’ve created seventeen Super Bowl commercials for nine different brands, at three different agencies. I made it into the Guinness Book of World Records with one brand, and onto a Trivial Pursuit card with another, and I inspired twelve-years-worth of halloween costumes with one low-budget idea. My Uber rider rating is 4.98, because I’m tidy and a good listener. Also Shaquille O’Neal once flipped me the middle finger (and meant it).
I do some non-advertising writing on the side, primarily focused on conservation, the environment, and the outdoors. I serve on the Board of Directors of Chicago Voyagers (www.chicagovoyagers.org), a non-profit organization serving Chicago’s at-risk youth through trauma-informed outdoor/adventure-therapy programming.
Work Experience:
Special Group, Los Angeles • Executive Creative Director • Aug 2025-Present
Highdive • Group Creative Director, then Executive Creative Director • Sep 2019-Aug 2025
Ogilvy & Mather, Chicago • Creative Director, then Group Creative Director • Nov 2016-Sep 2019
Energy BBDO, Chicago • SVP Creative Director • Jan 2016-Nov 2016
McGarryBowen, Chicago • Creative Director • Dec 2013-Jan 2016
DDB Chicago • Copywriter, then Associate Creative Director, then VP Creative Director • May 1998-Dec 2013
J Walter Thompson, Chicago • Copywriter • May 1995-May 1998
Volunteer Work & Activism:
Chicago Voyagers • Board of Directors, Member • Sep 2020-present
Education:
University of Illinois • BS Advertising, May 1995
Awards, etc.:
Three-time Emmy nominee. Lost all three times. Cannes Grand Prix Lion (Radio/Campaign). Cannes Silver Lion. Cannes Bronze Lions. Two Radio Mercury Awards. A few One Show Pencils. Gold, Silver, Bronze Clios. Gold and Silver Andy. Communication Arts. Art Directors Club silver. Kinsale Sharks (Grand Prix, Gold, Silver). D&AD, in the book. London International Festivals. Chicago International Awards. Spike TV - Worlds Funniest Commercials.
Contact:
Email: pburke5@me.com
Phone: 773.502.0148