Gary Creek Named Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Gary Creek has been named assistant vice president for marketing and communications at The University of Alabama.

Creek joined UA in May as director of marketing communications. He came to UA with more than 25 years experience in advertising and marketing communications, including 22 years with TotalCom Marketing Communications. He had served as creative director and co-owner of the firm since 1989.

“Gary Creek is an experienced professional in branding, advertising and marketing. He has made significant contributions to our marketing efforts in his first six months at the University and we will benefit greatly from his creative energy and expertise in this new leadership position,” said Thomas A. Martz, UA vice president for University advancement.

The Office of University Advancement oversees UA’s fund-raising and development programs, alumni affairs, and public relations and marketing.

At TotalCom, Creek was responsible for creating brand identities, advertising and integrated marketing campaigns for such clients as DCH Health System, Line-X Corp., Columbus, Ga., Regional Health System, Bank of Tuscaloosa and Sunshine Mills. He managed numerous creative projects simultaneously and led creative teams of art directors, writers and production personnel.

Creek joined TotalCom in 1983 as art director and creative director, before becoming a partner in the firm in 1989. Earlier in his career, he spent three years at Perkins & Associates Advertising, also in Tuscaloosa. He holds a master’s degree in advertising and public relations from UA and a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual communications from Auburn.

Creek has won numerous awards for his work, including the American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal, the federation’s highest honor. His work has been recognized by “The One Show,” the nation’s most prestigious advertising competition. His awards also include 15 “Best of Show” awards from the American Advertising Federation; the “Copywriter of the Year” award from the Huntsville chapter of the American Advertising Federation, and the “Best Campaign” award from the Public Relations Council of Alabama.

An active volunteer in the Tuscaloosa community, Creek served two terms as president of the board of directors of Hospice of West Alabama, where he played a role in the design, fundraising and construction of a $5 million inpatient hospice hospital.

He has also served on the board of directors of ARC of West Alabama, as a member of the volunteer steering committee of Easter Seals of West Alabama, as an elder and deacon of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa and as a basketball and baseball coach for the YMCA.