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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Tuscaloosa advertising executive Gary Creek has been named director of marketing communications at The University of Alabama.

Creeks comes to UA with more than 25 years experience in advertising and marketing communications, including 22 years with TotalCom Marketing Communications. He has served as creative director and co-owner of the firm since 1989. The agency has offices in Tuscaloosa and Huntsville.

“Gary Creek brings a wealth of experience and creative energy to the University,” said Janet Griffith, assistant vice president for university relations at UA. “We know that under his leadership, the University’s integrated marketing communication efforts will be enhanced. He is a great addition to our award-winning team of professionals.”

At TotalCom, Creek was responsible for creating brand identities, advertising and integrated marketing campaigns for such clients as DCH Health System, Line-X Corp., Columbus, Ga., Regional Health System, Bank of Tuscaloosa and Sunshine Mills. He managed numerous creative projects simultaneously and led creative teams of art directors, writers and production personnel.

Creek joined TotalCom in 1983 as art director and creative director, before becoming a partner in the firm in 1989. Earlier in his career, he spent three years at Perkins & Associates Advertising, also in Tuscaloosa. He holds a master’s degree in advertising and public relations from UA and a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual communications from Auburn.

Creek has won numerous awards for his work, including the American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal, the federation’s highest honor. His work has been recognized by “The One Show,” the nation’s most prestigious advertising competition. His awards also include 15 “Best of Show” awards from the American Advertising Federation; the “Copywriter of the Year” award from the Huntsville chapter of the American Advertising Federation, and the “Best Campaign” award from the Public Relations Council of Alabama.

An active volunteer in the Tuscaloosa community, Creek served two terms as president of the board of directors of Hospice of West Alabama, where he played a role in the design, fundraising and construction of a $5 million inpatient hospice hospital.

He has also served on the board of directors of ARC of West Alabama, as a member of the volunteer steering committee of Easter Seals of West Alabama, as an elder and deacon of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa and as a basketball and baseball coach for the YMCA.