PEGGY ATKINS, president

Throughout her more than 25 years in the ad business as an account executive, producer and manager, Peggy Atkins hearkened to the words of her professional hero. “All of us who professionally use the mass media are the shapers of society,” legendary adman Bill Bernbach wrote. “We can vulgarize that society. We can brutalize it. Or we can help lift it onto a higher level.” Bernbach’s observation inspired Peggy just as Paul McCartney’s (her other idol) philanthropic activities provided a model for her. Following Bernbach’s and McCartney’s examples—and her own dream—Peggy founded imagine works, an entirely new kind of advertising agency. Peggy now devotes her time to matching advertising professionals who want to give back to society with clients who wish to promote their green efforts. The result? A win-win that publicizes initiatives designed to make the world a better place. Peggy believes Bill and Sir Paul would approve.