• by September 21, 2006

It's our second annual Online All Stars issue, honoring nine individuals who've shown extraordinary leadership and vision in online media, marketing, and advertising. We've selected media strategists, marketers, and creatives who are the innovators and evangelists you would want in your starting lineup when facing a tough opponent or a tough client. Individually, these nine are exceptional; together they would form a dream team.

When it comes to media minds, we salute: David Cohen, executive vice president and U.S. director of digital communications for Universal McCann Interactive; Sean Finnegan, U.S. director of OMD Digital; and Nick Pahade, president of Denuo. On the creative front, we give a nod to Kirk Drummond, vice president of creative and innovation at T3; Hillary Evans, creative director of digital at BrandBuzz; and Peter Kang, creative director of interactive and emerging technology, Saatchi & Saatchi, L.A. And in the world of marketing, we honor Mary Bermel, director of interactive and emerging media, Hewlett-Packard Co.; Ted Moon, director of interactive and innovative media, Sprint Nextel Corp.; and Gillian Smith, senior director of media and interactive, Burger King Corp.

We chose people who were proponents of online marketing before it was cool and who understand how to integrate online with offline media. They understand and embrace emerging platforms. On the field and off, these nine are heavy hitters who challenge the status quo and aren't afraid to try new things. They continue to grow and learn about the latest digital media platforms and features, and inspire those around them to do great work.

Meet the All Stars in the pages that follow. And if you want to meet them in person, come to MediaPost's All Stars reception during the OMMA Conference & Expo. Tickets are available at mediapost.com/allstars.

Tobi Elkin, Editor