Honored for: Contribution to the Advertising Industry

There are very few people who control as many production dollars as Regina Ebel. As EVP/director of TV production of BBDO, New York, a post she assumed in 1998, Ebel produces for blue-chip clients including Pepsi, GE, Masterfoods and FedEx, and has probably produced more Super Bowl spots than most people can even recall.

Ebel joined BBDO in 1986 and quickly rose through the ranks. She was elected a VP in 1988 and was made SVP in 1991. She's also a member of the Board of Directors at BBDO.

Predictably, after 20 years producing for BBDO, Ebel's career highlights are blockbusters: "Bill Denby" for Dupont featuring a Vietnam vet with a prosthetic leg; HBO "Chimps" featuring Dr. Jane Goodall and recipient of the first-ever Emmy award for commercials; and The New York Miracle campaign for the Mayor's office following 9/11, featuring Woody Allen.

Still, colleagues say she handles it all in stride. "Regina is a consummate professional," says BBDO VP/executive producer Elise Greiche. "She manages one of the biggest production departments with the utmost grace, no matter how big the pressure. She continues to guide her producers with a rare ethical hand as well. She is admired and respected."

IN HER WORDS:
What are your future aspirations?
To continue to learn and lead and grow in this ever-evolving business; to continue to mentor and train young people; and to be able to watch the Super Bowl like any other viewer and not worry about how the agency's commercials will be received.
What do you love about the industry?
The people (how bright and smart and creative they are), the experiences, the pressure, and the responsibility of delivering highly creative and successful work on budget and on schedule. And having the work be successful, both in the creative world, and as a sales and marketing tool.
What would you change?
Not much. The business changes every day. Every project is unique, every client is different, every creative director approaches the work with their own style. Whatever I would change is probably changing as I speak. I feel like I'm the constant in a world of change.
"I got into advertising..."
...by chance. I wanted to work in NYC, took an entry level position at Grey and never looked back. I loved the opportunity to mix the arts with the ad business; to create entertaining and compelling advertising.
What advice would you give to future generations of women in advertising?
Hard work pays off, do what you love, follow your instincts, be true to yourself...all the clichés that are oh so true.