Shelley Rosen, CEO and Founder of Airlift Ideas, Inc. based in Chicago, has the experience and proven track record to develop innovative new business strategies to create wealth for both emerging and traditional brands. Airlift Ideas specializes in creating brand vitality through brand story telling.

Ms. Rosen’s 20+ year career in advertising and marketing, on both the client and agency sides, led her to launch Airlift, Inc. As an executive at McDonald’s, she directed major efforts in the areas of new business development, brand leadership and issues management. She most recently led the global strategy for McDonald’s on the Balanced Lifestyles issue bringing over $500 million in new business and repositioned the brand. This led to the introduction of new menu items globally, building alliances with advocates in the U.S. government and leading scientists and expert doctors around the world. Prior to this role, Shelley was responsible for new business invention and brand positioning reporting to the CEO of McDonald’s. In addition to working for Fortune 50 brands for leading advertising agencies for blue chip companies.

Ms. Rosen holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan. She has attended Executive Development courses at Harvard University on Leadership and Management and Strategic Business Management Classes at the University of Chicago. She has been a Board Member and Trustee of Columbia College to help inspire tomorrow’s creative leaders.

Mike Valenti is a creative director with over 25 years of experience. He has worked on both consumer and businessto- business audiences. His focus has been in consumer goods and services in print and television. Mike has had key roles in agencies in Boston, Chicago and recently Miami, managing creative groups as well as working with creative partners.

Valenti is a leader in creating ideas for campaigns and executing those ideas across as many consumer touch points as possible. Developing a voice for a client that wasn’t there before. Helping them either reach new markets or change what their consumers thought of them. Creating ideas that work now while building a strong brand reputation with future consumers.

His creative includes; Hills Department Stores/In-House Agency, Art Director, Robinson Associates, Boston, ACD, Art Director, Cabot Advertising, Boston, SVP/CD, Art Director, Leo Burnett Advertising, Chicago, EVP/ECD, Cooper & Hayes Advertising, Miami

Mike has worked on the following brands: Allstate, Always, Disney, Carnival Cruise, Elations, Encompass, Evista, Ferrell Law, Hallmark, Kraft, Kellogg’s, McDonald’s, Morgan Stanley, New England Telephone, Prime computer, Prozac, Reebok, Round Barn Winery, Timberland, Vibram Soles

Valenti is a graduate of Vesper George School of Art in Boston. He is an avid cyclist and just launched a new cycling community. Visit: www.veloist.com