The AAF Western Region is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Best of the West Media Awards and the Western Region Summit Award.
These awards recognize the vital role the media industry plays in informing, serving, and connecting our local communities. From major regional players to local gems, this year’s winners represent the hard work, dedication, and innovation that drive the Western U.S. media landscape forward. We were excited to receive the most entries the Awards have ever received, and to celebrate the great work in our region!
Western Region Summit Award
The Summit Award is the highest volunteer honor presented by the AAF Western Region. It celebrates an individual whose lifelong commitment to community, mentorship, and the advancement of the advertising industry has left an indelible mark on our region.
2026 Recipient: Rik Shiki
Rik Shiiki is the 2026 recipient of the Western Region Summit Award — the highest volunteer honor presented by the AAF Western Region. With more than four decades of service, Rik has led at every level of the federation, including Chair of the AAF Western Region and Chair of the AAF Council of Governors.
A true builder, Rik helped launch the very first AAF Western Region “Best of the West” program, established the District XI Student Ambassador Program, and shaped the Club Development Fund to keep local chapters strong. A recipient of the prestigious Barton A. Cummings Gold Medal, Rik’s legacy is one of mentorship, structural leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities that make the Western Region thrive. We are honored to celebrate him in Los Angeles this September.
2026 Best of the West Media Award Winners
We are thrilled to honor the following organizations and individuals for their outstanding achievements.
Advertising Agency of the Year ($10-50M): Drake Cooper
Advertising Agency of the Year (Under $10M): Neon Pig Creative
Agency Professional of the Year: Laura Schnarr, Neon Pig Creative
Student Media Representative: Julia Baboc, University of Oregon SOJC
Blog/Podcast of the Year: Reframing Rural, Tree Ring Records
Government Media Outlet of the Year: Arizona Department of Health Services
Locally Produced Radio or Television Show of the Year: MedWatch Today, Community Health Systems
Magazine of the Year: Edible Renoe-Tahoe
Media Agency of the Year ($50M+): Vision Media
Media Agency of the Year ($10-50M): Drake Cooper
Media Agency of the Year (Under $10M): CCMedia
Media Professional of the Year: Liesl Doggett, Drake Cooper
Media Talent of the Year: James Patrick, The Hive Studios
Public Service Campaign or Event of the Year: Radon Awareness & Education Campaign, ADHS
Website of the Year: Colorado Springs Sports Corp
Young Achiever of the Year: Nolan Havig, AIGA Los Angeles
Join Us in Los Angeles!
We invite all winners, nominees, and industry professionals to celebrate these incredible achievements in person. Trophies will be awarded and our community honored at the AdWest Conference.
- 📅 Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- 📍 Location: Los Angeles, CA
- 🎟️ Register Here: https://www.aafdistrict15.org/adwest-2026
Congratulations to all of our 2026 winners! Your work inspires us and strengthens the fabric of the Western U.S. media community.
