Interviewed in 2013 Sponsored by University of the Arts Zachary Pritchard, Intern Rob Kates, Video Producer Phil Schulman, Directror Mary Phelan, Advisor
Jerry was the first person to rise from the creative ranks to become Chairman of CEO of Ayer Worldwide, one of the largest and most respected agency networks in the world. As he moved from art director to creative director and ultimately to chief executive, Jerry was instrumental in creating a number of campaigns that are considered advertising "classics”.
"Reach Out and Touch Someone” (AT&T)
"Be All You Can Be” (U.S. Army)
"The Best Part of Waking Up" (Folger's]
"Catch The Fire Before The Flame” (1992 Olympics)
Jerry has also worked on campaigns tor Right Guard, GE, Light 'N Lively Ice Milk, Avon, Lip Quencher, Bayer and many others.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jerry commuted from his home in the Philadelphia suburbs when he worked in Manhattan. After leaving Ayer Worldwide, Jerry opened an art gallery in Philadelphia's Olde City and was soon lured back into the advertising business when he joined his boyhood friend, Joe DiLeanardo, and former associate Joe Caserta to Form DSC Advertising.
At DSC, Jerry continued his hands-on involvement in crafting brand-building campaigns, including "The Force Behind the Field" for Amplifier Research; "Helping People That Need Your Help" tor US Claims; "Catch People Care" for Catch, Inc; and "Foundations For a Brighter Future” for Foundations, Inc.
Jerry served on the Board of Directors at Philadelphia's University of the Arts. He was a member of the Standards and Education Committees of the American Association of Advertising Agencies and the Creative Review Committee of the Partnership for a Drug Free America. His numerous awards for advertising excellence include Best of Show at the CLEO Awards, the Cannes Film Festival Lion Award, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor First Generation Business Achievement Award.
