Annual award recognizes outstanding leadership and achievement in marketing, branding and vision
CHICAGO, IL – Oct. 9, 2026 – The American Marketing Association Chicago Chapter (AMA Chicago) today named Lisa Nucci as its 2026 Marketer of the Year, a distinction that recognizes a Chicago-area professional whose strategic vision, creative leadership and measurable impact have helped lead a brand forward.
Announced at the organization’s Chief Marketing Officer Forum, Nucci was selected for her combination of strategic thinking, creative execution and successful leadership in her position as the Chief Marketing Officer for Choose Chicago, the destination marketing organization that supports the city’s tourism and hospitality economy. Under her leadership in 2026, the organization was honored to receive the Palmer Marketing Award for two outstanding the marketing campaigns: Never Done, Never Outdone and For the Love of Chicago.
Previously, Nucci has also served as Chief Creative Strategy Officer at the Chicago Architecture Center, and the Executive Director of Marketing for the Chicago Bulls.
The 2026 award continues AMA Chicago’s tradition of recognizing the exceptional marketing execution that has made Chicago one of the country’s most influential centers for marketing and brand leadership.
“Our Marketer of the Year Award showcases the outstanding talent that makes Chicago a hub for creative minds who are promoting brands of all sizes,” said Karen Hatfield, the board president of AMA Chicago. “And Lisa’s work demonstrates the vision and adaptability that’s needed to navigate today’s complex and constantly shifting brand landscape. Her strategic insights and creative execution have made a very significant impact for Choose Chicago—and for Chicago, in general.”
Since 2021, AMA Chicago has named its Marketer of the Year to honor Chicago-area professionals and their notable accomplishments such as evolving a brand and changing consumer perceptions; building significant engagement and awareness; successfully leading a brand or product pivot; or developing campaigns that deliver exceptional results.
Photo: Lisa Nucci (left), CMO of Choose Chicago, receives the 2026 Marketer of the Year Award from AMA Chicago President Karen Hatfield at the annual CMO Forum, held October 8 in downtown Chicago.
