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 multiple Cannes Lions Grand Prix. I’ve created eighteen Super Bowl commercials for ten different brands, at four 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.:
AdAge “The List” 2025
Three-time Emmy nominee (lost all three times.) Multiple Cannes Lions Grand Prix, plus multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Cannes Lions. D&AD Yellow Pencil & multiple Wood pencils. One Show multiple Gold, Silver, Bronze. Two Radio Mercury Awards Best of Shows. Clios multiple Gold, Silver, Bronze. Gold and Silver Andy. Communication Arts. Art Directors Club. Kinsale Sharks (Grand Prix, Gold, Silver). London International Festivals. Chicago International Awards. Spike TV - Worlds Funniest Commercials.
Contact:
Email: pburke5@me.com
Phone: 773.502.0148