Since 2018, Dr. Graves has served as Executive Director of the Brandcenter at Virginia Commonwealth University (“VCU”), a master’s program for advertising, branding and creative problem-solving that is part of the VCU School of Business. Prior to joining the Brandcenter, Dr. Graves served as Chief Creative Officer at the advertising agency of J. Walter Thompson, Atlanta, from 2015 to 2018; EVP, Global Executive Creative Director and Group Creative Director at the advertising agency of McCann New York from 2009 to 2015; Chief Creative Officer at the multicultural marketing and advertising agency of Uniworld Group, New York from 2007 to 2009; VP, Creative Director at the advertising agency of BBDO New York from 1993 to 2007; and he was a CoFounder at FL+G, a full-service branding agency in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Graves is also a veteran of the United States Army, where he served as Public Affairs Officer.
Dr. Graves brings creative and business expertise, having worked on some of the world’s leading global brands (including Coca-Cola, MasterCard, the U.S. Army, GE, M&M’s, Snickers and Visa). Throughout his career, he has put a high value on collaboration and commitment to support innovation and high-quality creative work. In addition to time spent on the Ad Council’s Creative Review Committee and One Club for Creativity’s AdVersity Board, he currently sits on the boards for 600 & Rising, 4A’s Foundation, Virginia Public Media and The 3% Movement.
A Fulbright scholar, he received a B.B.A. from Howard University, a M.S. in Communications Design from the Pratt Institute, an A.L.M. from Harvard University and an Ed.D in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Graves’ work in marketing, branding and design brings valuable knowledge and insights to the board of directors.