2014 Outstanding Alumni

Don't ask James Hering to draw a hard distinction between “traditional” marketing and the digital kind. Solid, smart marketing, irrespective of medium, is what he believes in.

Hering graduated from Texas Tech University's College of Media & Communication in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and a minor in music composition. After graduation, Hering began working as an assistant media planner at Waddington and Associates. Hering also worked at Ad Group One, Ackerman McQueen, and Bozell throughout his early career. During this time, Hering worked with clients such as Dr. Pepper and Pizza Hut.

In 1995, Hering began working at TM Advertising as an account supervisor where he managed the staff assigned to the American Airlines domestic advertising account. In 1998, he was promoted to vice president and began handling the growth of the American Airlines website, AA.com. In 1999, he was promoted to senior vice president and began executing a business plan for a fully interactive advertising department. In 2005, he was promoted to executive vice president and also began serving as the chief innovation officer. During this time, he led a team of over 60 employees responsible for developing the leadership and marketing of an integrated communication discipline for all clients.

In 2008, Hering began working at The Richards Group where he currently serves as a Principal overseeing marketing efforts, digital and otherwise, for AAA, American Airlines, ExxonMobil, Nationwide Insurance, Pier 1 Imports and TGI Fridays.  Today, he brings his green thumb to the fastest growing segment in financial services via Charles Schwab and Co.

When he's not helping grow clients' businesses, he's involved with various professional and nonprofit organizations – growing ones, no doubt.