Marlena Peleo-Lazar

Major / Graduation Year:

    

Liberal Arts (Media Studies and English) '72

Residence:

    

Chicago

Job Title / Description:

    

Chief Creative Director for McDonald’s Corporation, overseeing the creative of four national and more than 100 local ad agencies in addition to a team in Oakbrook, Ill.

Early jobs or career experiences:

    

My first job was a copywriting job at Leo Burnet ad agency.

Most Useful Career Skills I've learned:

    

Advertising turned out to be the best field for me. I get to use all of the skills I acquired at U of D and in my early jobs. Good writing, theatre, film making, business experience-all are used to create great advertising campaigns.

Significant Achievement(s):

    

Instrumental in developing McDonald's creative campaign-"I'm lovin' it TM"-the company's first-ever global campaign. And I was recognized by the Women’s Advertising Club of Chicago as Advertising Woman of the Year in 2004

What I like best about my job (best perks):

    

Being involved in the creative process for the most recognized brand in the world is daunting, but thrilling. I learn something new every day that makes this journey so incredibly interesting.

Volunteer or Community Activities:

    

Mentoring women in advertising field; doing pro bono work with the Ronald McDonald House team; serving as president of the Chicago Ad Federation.

Name one great thing about UDM:

    

The Jesuit philosophy to have a well-rounded life always resonated with me. My life became more balanced when I married and had children; they ground you and remind you there is more to life than work.

Printer Print-friendly