Jen Mamlet returns to the Ad Council as our new chief development officer, working to cultivate our strategic partnerships and deepen support for our initiatives and campaigns. Next, the Ad Council Research Institute and Deloitte release a new study with actionable insights to help sustainable brands close the gap between what consumers want and what they actually buy. Also, our president and CEO, Lisa Sherman, reflects on purpose-driven leadership in an interview with The NonProfit Times. And new data illustrating the impact of our Skills-First Hiring campaign reveal employers’ growing openness to candidates without traditional degrees. Keep reading to see how these moments and more are shaping the future of our work.

We’re excited to welcome Jen Mamlet back to the Ad Council as our chief development officer. Jen, who previously served as our senior vice president of development, brings with her a deep understanding of our unique business model and two decades of experience in the philanthropic space. In her new role, she will lead all corporate and philanthropic giving, forge strategic partnerships and expand critical funding to support high-impact initiatives—from mental health to firearm injury prevention. She’ll also oversee our Board of Directors, a distinguished group of senior leaders across media, marketing, tech and advertising, whose insights and support help guide our work. Her return marks an exciting moment for our organization—and for the communities we serve. Get to know Jen!

Higher prices make it harder for sustainable brands to break through—but they also open the door to rethink how these brands can connect with consumers. In Unpacking the Sustainability Dilemma, a new study from the Ad Council Research Institute and Deloitte U.S. Sustainability, we explored what really influences shoppers when it comes to choosing sustainable products. What we found makes it clear: when brands emphasize the health, wellbeing and cost-saving benefits of sustainability, they help close the gap between consumer intent and behavior. To learn more, download the report today!

As we close out the quarter, here’s a quick recap of the launches, learnings and partnerships that shaped our summer. First, Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL, will be honored at our Annual Public Service Award Dinner for championing causes that support mental health and military families. Next, we launched Ad Council Entertainment, a new effort to embed our social impact messaging into pop culture through film and television, beginning with a partnership with Sugar23. And we released new creative from our “Pause to Heal” campaign with the Illinois Department of Public Health and Brady, raising awareness of Firearm Restraining Orders and empowering communities to intervene safely. The issues are big, the work is bold—and the updates are built to keep you in the know. Share with fellow changemakers and have them sign up for monthly updates!

• In her conversation with The NonProfit Times, our president and CEO, Lisa Sherman, explains how leaning into purpose and amplifying trusted voices can unlock real progress—especially when we do it together.

• Join the Ad Council at Advertising Week New York for two insightful discussions: "Driving Industry Impact Through Creator Partnerships" on Tuesday, October 7, and "Power in Partnership: How Brand Alliances Drive Results" on Wednesday, October 8.

• On the blog, we share how our “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” campaign continues to evolve and create—introducing new strategies to better connect Veterans and their families with life-saving support.

• Campaign Impact: Employers who’ve come across content from our Skills-First Hiring campaign are showing a meaningful shift in mindset, with 80% saying they’re now more likely to consider candidates without bachelor’s degrees for roles—up from 74% just a few years ago. It’s a sign that the hiring landscape is evolving, and fast.