Telisa Yancy, chief marketing officer for American Family Insurance, has been promoted to the company’s Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Jack Salzwedel, the company announced in a statement today.

In her expanded role, Yancy will have chief executive accountability for American Family’s Communications, Customer and Marketing divisions, according to the statement.  

Yancy joined American Family in 2009 after serving in marketing leadership positions at several companies, including Ford Motor Co. and Burger King. She has since overseen all branding, marketing and advertising activities for the company, including launching the award-winning “Dreams” campaign in 2011 and its numerous extensions. She also introduced the concept of inspirational brand ambassadors to serve as “dream champions,” and the company now has seven brand ambassadors, including Kevin Durant, Derek Jeter, J.J. Watt and Steve Stricker.  

“Under Telisa’s leadership, American Family has become a standout brand leader in the insurance industry,” Salzwedel said in a statement. “In addition to her marketing expertise, her passion for our customers, strategic vision, and innovative thinking are valuable assets I know Telisa will bring to the Senior Leadership Team.”

In 2016, Yancy was named to the prestigious EBONY POWER 100 list, along with many notable and influential leaders, including the Obamas, Michael Jordan and Beyoncé. She also earned spots on Savoy magazine’s 2014 list of Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America, and the 2016 Top Influential Women in Corporate America. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois and earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Business.