Rick Boyko

For nine years prior to founding Sparkstarters, Rick was Director and Professor at the VCU Brandcenter, considered to be the best graduate school for the Business of Marketing Communications. Under his leadership, the school doubled in size while its curriculum changed constantly, earning it the "Most Innovative Business School in the World" title in 2012.

Prior to the Brandcenter, Rick spent 30 years working on major brands at agencies including Leo Burnett, Chiat/Day, and Ogilvy & Mather. As Co-President, Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy North America, he integrated Ogilvy’s North American offices leading the agency to be named Agency of the year by Advertising Age in 2000.

Throughout his career, Rick has been dedicated to improving the industry having served on the Boards of the 4A’s, Art Directors Club and One Club. Currently, he sits on the Board of Advertising Week, where for eight years he led project inspire. He also served as the Dean of the Roger Hatchuel Academy in Cannes for six years. He has previously sat on the boards of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Napster and Butler Shine Stern & Partners.

Rick was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of fame in honor of his many contributions to the industry in 2012.