Advertising Federation of Minnesota Inc

Richfield, MN · Founded 1915

Professional trade association advancing Minnesota's advertising industry through education, networking, and advocacy

Primary audience
Advertising Professionals
Work area
Professional Development
Topic
Advertising Industry
Contact
Kate Kearns
Website Contact

About Organization

The Advertising Federation of Minnesota serves advertising professionals including agencies, advertisers, suppliers, and students across the state. Based in Richfield, MN, the organization has operated since 1915 and generated $229,247 in revenue in 2024, supported by 55 volunteers. As part of the American Advertising Federation, it promotes professional development and high standards of advertising practice.

What They Focus On

Professional Development

Training and education programs that help advertising professionals advance their skills, knowledge, and career growth in Minnesota's advertising industry

Industry Advocacy

Representation of advertising community interests with government bodies and promotion of ethical standards and best practices across the profession

Community Building

Networking events and connections among agencies, advertisers, suppliers, and students to strengthen Minnesota's advertising ecosystem and collaboration

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$229K

+9.2% vs 2021

Expenses (2024)

$324K

+68.9% vs 2021

Assets (2024)

$62K

-61.5% vs 2021

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $229,247 $323,910 $62,022 0
2021 $209,866 $191,801 $161,003 0
2020 $147,547 $106,642 $132,151 0
2019 $228,119 $143,253 $91,246 0
2018 $250,882 $280,379 $6,380 0
2017 $258,751 $250,780 $37,519 0

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Member Engagement

    Connect advertising professionals through networking events and industry forums across Minnesota

  • 02

    Education Delivery

    Provide training programs and professional development opportunities for members and students

  • 03

    Standards Promotion

    Advocate for ethical advertising practices and high professional standards throughout the industry

  • 04

    Government Relations

    Represent industry interests with federal, state, and local governments on regulatory issues

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Advertising Federation of Minnesota Inc

Professional Development

Educational programs and training to advance skills and knowledge of advertising professionals across Minnesota agencies and companies

Industry Networking

Events and forums connecting advertising professionals, agencies, advertisers, suppliers, and students to build relationships and collaboration

Standards Advocacy

Promoting ethical advertising practices and representing industry interests with federal, state, and local government bodies on regulatory matters

Student Programs

Supporting advertising students through education, mentorship, and connections to Minnesota's professional advertising community via Ad2 chapter

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Advertising Federation of Minnesota Inc.

KK

Kate Kearns

Executive Director
Full-time
Compensation: $30,000
AL

Althea Larson

Vice President
1 hrs/week
AF

Anton Friant

President Emeritus
1 hrs/week
CP

Caleb Peabody

Ad2 President
1 hrs/week
HC

Hana Chughtai

President
1 hrs/week
HO

Hanna Olson

Ad2 Vice President
1 hrs/week
MF

Megan Faykosh

Program Manager
1 hrs/week
VJ

Vanessa Johnson

AdVocation
1 hrs/week

Milestones

1915

Organization Founded

1915

Advertising Federation of Minnesota established to serve the state's advertising community

1984

Federal Tax Exemption

1984

Received IRS ruling recognizing nonprofit status as professional trade association

2018

Peak Revenue Year

2018

Reached highest revenue of $258,751 supporting expanded programming and member services

2020

Pandemic Adaptation

2020

Revenue decreased to $147,547 as organization adapted programming during COVID-19

2024

Revenue Recovery

2024

Revenue rebounded to $229,247 as in-person events and membership engagement returned

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AO
Alex Ostermann Finance Chair 1.00 hrs/week
BC
Brian Casey Membership Chair 1.00 hrs/week
CG
Chris Gould Technology Chair 1.00 hrs/week
DL
David Lovett Membership Chair 1.00 hrs/week
ER
Emily Rinde WLP Chair 1.00 hrs/week
ED
Emy Dominguez Marin Community + Inclusion Chair 1.00 hrs/week
JS
Jack Swift Membership Chair 1.00 hrs/week
JG
Jonny Grubb Programs Chair 1.00 hrs/week
KB
Kevin Besikof Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week
ML
Marc Liu Sponsorship Chair 1.00 hrs/week
MO
Melissa O'Keefe Secretary 1.00 hrs/week
MC
Michaela Clubb Community + Inclusion Chair 1.00 hrs/week
SS
Sara SJ Johnson The Minnies Chair 1.00 hrs/week
WH
Whitney Hansen Programs Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$30K

Highest Paid

$30K

Kate Kearns

Compensated Officers

1

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Kate Kearns Executive Director $30,000 — $30,000 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
1 Registrations
1 Client
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 1 total

American Advertising Federation
1 filing
Self

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with Advertising Federation of Minnesota Inc

Phone

(612) 306-6848

Social

Visit Website
2200 W 66th Street 145 Richfield, MN 55423