What are the LEXY Awards?
Marketing in Lexington doesn’t happen in silos—it happens through collaboration, passion, and people who care about their craft. The LEXY Awards shine a spotlight on Lexington’s marketing talent— the unsung heroes whose creativity, strategy, and dedication extend far beyond a single campaign.
Being nominated isn’t just an honor—it’s a testament to the impact you’ve made on the people and projects around you.
Who Qualifies?
The LEXY Awards celebrate the marketing pros who make Lexington shine. Nominees must
- Live in the Lexington market. (Fayette, Jessamine, Scott, Clark, Woodford Counties)
- Work for a Lexington-based company. (Headquarters or satellite offices qualify)
If you work in a brand/company’s in-house marketing department, for a small business, freelance on the side, or work in an agency environment, you qualify! The LEXY Awards are open to all professionals, no matter how big or small your company is. Self-nominations are welcome (and encouraged!).
Each nominee can be entered in only one category, and all nominations recognize individuals—not companies, teams or departments. This is all about the unsung heroes.
Award Categories
- Account Manager of the Year
- Media Buyer/Planner of Year
- Strategic Planner of the Year
- Social Media Manager of the Year
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Public Relations Executive of the Year
- Rising Star (Under 35)
- Marketing Director of the Year
- Rookie of the Year (Under 25)
- Project Manager of the Year
- Business Development Manager of the Year
- Freelance/Contractor: Media Specialist of the Year
- Nonprofit Marketer of the Year
How to Nominate?
Ready to snag a LEXY? 🎉 First, fill out the nomination form on our website — then seal the deal by completing your payment through the separate link.
- Submit your nomination form
- Finalize your nomination by completing payment.
In your nominations, please give us an overview of individual milestones and achievements that make them worthy of this recognition. The more context the better! If you have questions, please email Tracie-Ruth Miller at tracie.miller@aaflexington.com.
Submission Deadlines
Submissions open November 15th, 2025, and close on January 27th, 2026.
Judging Criteria:
(Deadline is January 27th for submissions)
Submissions will be judged by the AAF Lexington Award Committee. The committee will consist of senior industry leaders from Lexington, Louisville and the Cincinnati markets.
Each submission will be judged based upon the criteria listed below for each unique category. Finalists will be notified, and the winner will be presented with a LEXY award at the American Advertising Awards Gala on February 26, 2026.
Nominate Today!
To complete your nomination please submit payment.
Category Options
Account Manager of the Year:
This award honors an account manager who has demonstrated exceptional success in driving account growth, maintaining strong client relationships, and delivering measurable business results. The recipient consistently exceeds performance goals, acts as a trusted advisor to clients, and develops strategies that create long-term value. They collaborate effectively across teams, serve as a role model for colleagues, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and client service.
Media Buyer/Planner of Year:
This award recognizes a media professional who has demonstrated outstanding expertise in planning, negotiating, and executing media strategies that deliver measurable impact. The recipient skillfully leverages data, insights, and creativity to maximize ROI, build brand visibility, and reach target audiences with precision. They consistently drive innovation in media strategy, collaborate effectively with partners and internal teams, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and results-driven execution.
Strategic Planner of the Year
This award honors a strategic planner who has demonstrated exceptional ability to uncover insights, shape brand strategy, and guide creative direction. The recipient combines data, cultural understanding, and business acumen to create strategies that drive growth, strengthen positioning, and inspire bold creative work.
Social Media Manager of the Year
This award recognizes a social media professional who has successfully built and engaged communities while driving measurable business impact. The recipient demonstrates expertise in strategy, content, and analytics, delivering innovative campaigns that spark conversation, deepen brand loyalty, and grow audience reach.
Digital Marketing Manager (Email, CRM, Data/Insights, etc.) of the Year
This award celebrates a digital marketing leader who has excelled in leveraging technology, data, and insights to deliver measurable results. The recipient demonstrates expertise in channels such as email, CRM, and analytics, creating personalized, data-driven campaigns that strengthen customer relationships and drive growth.
Public Relations Executive of the Year
This award honors a PR professional who has demonstrated exceptional skill in building brand reputation, managing communications, and delivering impactful storytelling. The recipient consistently drives positive visibility, fosters strong media and stakeholder relationships, and manages challenges with professionalism and integrity.
Rising Star (Under 35)
This award highlights an emerging professional under the age of 35 who has already made a significant impact in marketing, media, or communications. The recipient demonstrates exceptional talent, drive, and innovation, positioning themselves as a future leader in the industry.
Marketing Director of the Year
This award recognizes a marketing director who has demonstrated visionary leadership in building brand strategy, leading teams, and delivering outstanding results. The recipient skillfully balances creativity and data, driving innovation, measurable growth, and long-term brand success.
Rookie of the Year (Under 25)
This award honors a young professional under the age of 25 who has made an immediate and impressive impact early in their career. The recipient demonstrates exceptional talent, curiosity, and drive—bringing fresh ideas, energy, and a fearless approach to their work. They represent the next generation of marketing and creative leadership, already proving that passion and potential can create powerful results.
Project Manager of the Year
This award recognizes a project manager who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, organization, and communication in guiding projects from concept to completion. The recipient consistently delivers excellence under pressure—balancing timelines, budgets, and teams with precision and care. Their ability to anticipate challenges, foster collaboration, and keep creativity and strategy aligned makes them the backbone of every successful campaign.
Business Development Professional of the Year
This award honors a business development professional whose drive, strategy, and relationship-building skills fuel the foundation of every campaign. The recipient excels at identifying opportunities, forging partnerships, and opening doors that make creativity and execution possible. Without their vision and persistence, there would be no campaigns to create and no stories to tell—just potential waiting to be unlocked.
Nonprofit Marketer of the Year
Recognizes an individual making a major impact through creative, purpose-driven marketing in the nonprofit sector. Nominees should demonstrate innovative campaigns that increased awareness, engagement, or donations; effective storytelling that advanced their organization’s mission; and measurable results achieved with limited resources.
Questions?
If you need help or have questions about the new LEXY Awards, feel free to reach out to Tracie-Ruth Miller at tracie.miller@aaflexington.com.