At its best, advertising is about more than campaigns and creative—it’s about leadership, impact, and the ability to shape both an industry and a community.
That’s exactly what Sheila Hatch has done throughout her career.
AAF Silicon Valley is proud to recognize Sheila Hatch as our 2026 Ad Person of the Year, an honor that celebrates individuals who have achieved excellence in the advertising field while demonstrating a deep and ongoing commitment to their community.
A Career Built on Vision and Consistency
Sheila’s journey is one defined by vision, commitment, and long-term leadership. Beginning her career at Decca in 2000, she rose through the organization and, in 2012, took the reins as owner—guiding the agency into its next era of growth and recognition.
Under her leadership, Decca has evolved into one of San Jose’s most respected creative agencies, known not only for the quality of its work but for the strength of its culture. In an industry often marked by constant turnover, Sheila has built something rare: a team of long-tenured professionals and a roster of enduring client relationships.
That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful leadership, a commitment to people, and a clear understanding of what it takes to build something that lasts.
Creative Excellence with Real Impact
Sheila’s work has consistently delivered results at the highest level. Decca has been recognized year after year by the Silicon Valley Business Journal as one of the top ten largest advertising agencies in the region, while also earning honors from organizations such as Cisco and numerous industry awards including the American Advertising Awards and Summit Awards.
But beyond accolades, what sets Sheila apart is her ability to balance creative excellence with strategic clarity—ensuring that the work not only looks great, but performs and resonates.
Her leadership has helped shape campaigns across the tech sector and beyond, positioning Decca as a trusted partner for organizations looking to make meaningful connections with their audiences.
A Commitment to Community
While Sheila’s professional achievements are significant, her impact extends far beyond the agency walls.
She has long believed that businesses—no matter their size—have a responsibility to contribute to the communities they serve. Through her leadership, Decca has supported numerous nonprofit organizations, offering both professional services and advocacy to help amplify their missions.
As Sheila puts it:
“Our community is created by our actions. Even a small business like ours can help define our community by providing our time and our professional services to local non-profits or by promoting the impact that a non-profit is making.”
In addition to her agency’s work, Sheila has personally invested her time in mentorship and service—volunteering with the Career Launch Initiative at San José State University, supporting scholarship programs, and organizing fundraising efforts for local causes.
Her commitment to giving back reflects a broader philosophy: that success in this industry isn’t just measured by awards, but by the impact we leave behind.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Sheila’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as a Woman of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal and honored by the YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley Tribute to Women—further underscoring her role as a leader both within and beyond the advertising community.
With a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Santa Clara University, she brings both academic foundation and real-world experience to her leadership—an uncommon combination that continues to drive her success.
Join Us in Celebrating
AAF Silicon Valley’s Ad Person of the Year award is reserved for individuals who embody the very best of our industry—those who lead with purpose, elevate the work, and invest in the people and communities around them.
Sheila Hatch exemplifies all of this and more.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Sheila and the region’s top creative talent at the 2026 American Advertising Awards on April 29.
Come celebrate the work.
Celebrate the people behind it.
And celebrate a leader who continues to shape the future of advertising in Silicon Valley.