Shaping the work.
Shaping the people.

Honoring Dahlia’s 40 Years of Creative Leadership

Some leaders shape the work. Others shape the people. For 40 years, Dahlia has done both. She has guided creative vision with clarity and conviction, while quietly mentoring generations of designers – and teaching the rest of us what it means to pair creative excellence with business wisdom.

We asked a handful of the designers and account strategists who have worked alongside her to share what her leadership has meant to them. Their words say more than we ever could.

DOUG HEBERT

There are so many ways Dahlia has shaped my life over the past 28 years. She has a deep love for the craft of design and isn’t afraid to put in the hours to see a project through – something we’ve always seen eye to eye on. At the same time, she somehow manages to prioritize her own wellness, which I’ve always admired (and honestly, tried to emulate).

I’ve also always been in awe of her emotional and verbal restraint. Whenever I came to her fired up – often with many four-letter words – she’d meet me with calm, thoughtful, and completely non-judgmental perspective. And while she’s patient, she’s also real – never afraid to call me out when I need it.

Her devotion to her big, beautiful family is unmatched – truly ride-or-die energy – she’ll cut you if you mess with any of them. And on a completely different note, I never told her this, but I love how this poised, well-dressed, strong woman has such a lead foot. While not whipping around corners on two wheels in Houston, I’m pretty sure she could give Lewis Hamilton a run for his money on an F1 track.

She was my person at Savage, and I miss working with my friend very much.

DAVID IRIAS

Congratulations on forty years of shaping brands and narratives. Your greatest legacy, however, may be the creatives you’ve guided along the way.

Thank you sincerely for the impact you’ve had on my career journey. When reflecting on my growth and body of work, your influence is present in everything I’ve produced.

DOUG TIMMERMEYER

Not a week passes that I don’t ask myself, WWDD—What Would Dahlia Do? She taught me what it truly means to be a Designer: intentional, compassionate, strong, generous and creative. On my last day working with her, I promised I’d strive to make her proud in whatever came next. That promise still guides me. She’s a badass mofo.

EDMEE MICHELI

I will always remember Dahlia’s steady leadership—firm when needed, yet deeply caring. She modeled integrity in every interaction, unwavering devotion to her work and family, and calm composure in all situations. Dahlia brought detailed creativity to everything she did, and approached all things with thoughtfulness and heart—qualities I strive for every day.

ASHLEY RUNDALL

Dahlia taught me that you lead better with trust and compassion versus force. Dahlia meets you where you are. She sees strengths over weaknesses. She fills Savage with empathy and love but also with a protectiveness for her people. I am forever grateful for her trust and guidance. I would not be the designer or person I am today without her.

RUTH ANN JOHNSON

Dahlia is an inspiring talent and a deeply influential mentor whose impact has shaped me both as a designer and as a person. Early in my career, her patience, dedication, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail refined my growth. From late nights perfecting kerning in annual reports to refining branding strategies, her tenacity, love for typography, and devotion to her clients and team set a standard I carry forward. Working with Dahlia was the highlight of my career as a designer.

IRMA BURNS

Happy work anniversary to an amazing friend and mentor! Even though it’s been over 20 years since we worked side-by-side, I still ask myself “WWDD”… What Would Dahlia Do! You’ve sharpened my eye for detail, all those years working on Annual Reports would do that! You are an inspiration in everything you do, and I’m so grateful we keep creating together!

SARAH HAASIS

I started my career at big ad agencies in NYC, where many creatives had egos the size of the Empire State Building. Working with Dahlia over the past decade has been a refreshing contrast. She doesn’t just chase great ideas, she seeks a deep understanding of a client’s business, their challenges, and how design and creative execution can solve complex problems.

As a strategist, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that thoughtful, strategic design can have on driving business results and cultural shifts. When Dahlia touches something, I know it will be handled thoroughly and intentionally, with every detail considered – every I dotted and T crossed.

I’ve watched her weather many seasons and storms at Savage and in her personal life, carrying it all with remarkable calm and grace. That steadiness is something I deeply admire and strive to emulate.

ABBY LASAINE VAZQUEZ

Dahlia expanded how I think about design, strategy and business. She taught me to look beyond the literal and see the idea beneath it, connecting creative decisions to real business outcomes. Under her leadership, creative excellence and client service have always been inseparable. Beyond the work, she has cared for me with a generosity that has meant more than I could ever put into words.

Dahlia’s Legacy of Shaping People

Forty years of creative leadership is remarkable. Forty years of shaping people is a legacy. Dahlia, thank you for the standard you’ve set, the talent you’ve developed, and the example you continue to model for all of us.