Linda Fanaras
CEO/Strategist
Millennium Agency

“Serving as a juror this season was both inspiring and energizing. The caliber of work submitted was exceptional, showcasing a strong blend of creativity, strategy, and innovation across industries. It was clear that entrants are not only pushing boundaries but also delivering meaningful impact through their work. The diversity of ideas and execution made the judging process both challenging and rewarding. I’m honored to have played a role in recognizing and celebrating such outstanding talent!”

Alphonso Van Marsh
Chief Digital Content and Events Officer
African Development Bank Group

“I’ve spent most of my career in communications and journalism living outside my country of origin and have long appreciated the expanding global reach of the Communicator Awards. This season’s entries showed how the competition’s ‘Well Said’ theme recognizes work shaped by context – communications and creative outputs that carry clarity and intent across cultures, continents, and perspectives.”

Kim Strickland
Vice President & Senior Art Director
Kelley & Associates Advertising

“I was honored to serve as a first-time AIVA juror this year. The diversity and quality of submissions were truly inspiring, and I enjoyed seeing such strong creative work across categories. The platform made the process seamless, and I appreciated the flexibility to judge over time. It’s a privilege to help recognize such outstanding talent.”

Peter Hriso
Professor of Digital Animation
Kennesaw State University

“Serving as a judge for this season’s Communicator Awards was both rewarding and inspiring. The entries showcased impressive creativity, refined craft, exceptional talent, and innovation. Many submissions balanced technical skill with meaningful storytelling, which is not easy to achieve. It was a privilege to review projects of such high quality.”

Matt Dean
Co-Founder, CEO
Dean&Co.

“Judging the 2026 Communicator Awards was an absolute delight. The bar was raised this year, where we saw some of the most creative entries to-date. Thank you to everyone who submitted their work, and congratulations to all of the winners!”

Ana Sarai Peña
COO
HCN Global

“Serving as a juror for the first time has been an inspiring experience. I was truly impressed by the creativity, innovation, and diverse perspectives reflected in each submission. The level of passion and talent on display continues to raise the bar across the industry. It’s a privilege to evaluate such outstanding work and to witness firsthand the dedication driving excellence in communication and digital media.”

David LaRosa
Creative Director & Owner
Verso

“Serving as an AIVA juror this year has been a rewarding look into the current state of digital excellence. The submissions displayed an impressive blend of strategy and artistry, making the selection process both challenging and inspiring. It is a privilege to celebrate such high-caliber work alongside my fellow industry experts.”

Eric Grotenhuis
CEO
Page Design

“Being a juror for AIVA’s Communicator Awards this year was genuinely one of the highlights of my professional year. What struck me most wasn’t the volume of work, but the caliber. Designers, writers, strategists from agencies, in-house teams, and solo practitioners from all over the world brought their absolute best. The global range alone was mind-expanding. Great creative work isn’t concentrated in just a few zip codes — it’s really everywhere. Honestly, the exposure to all this excellent work really helped to raise my own bar. If you ever have the opportunity to judge the Communicator Awards, take it. It’s not just an honor, it’s energizing.”

John Hinkson
Chief Operating Officer
Matrix MKTG

“Serving as a judge this season was an incredibly rewarding experience. The level of creativity, craft, and strategic thinking across the submissions was exceptional. It was clear that the work not only pushed boundaries but also reflected a deep understanding of audiences and storytelling. I’m inspired by the talent and innovation shaping the industry right now.”

Alyssa Nyen
Managing Partner & Chief Story Officer
DELANEY

“This season, I was struck by the caliber and ambition of the work we received. The submissions demonstrated remarkable originality, craft, and a clear refusal to play it safe. It was a privilege to engage with stories that are pushing the boundaries of form and voice. As a judge, I appreciated the opportunity to witness such a wide range of talent and vision, and I’m genuinely encouraged by the strength of this year’s cohort.”