John Schnatter Named Louisvillian Of The Year

At an awards luncheon yesterday, the Louisville chapter of the American Advertising Federation presented it’s 2015 Louisvillian of the Year Award to John Schnatter, Founder and CEO of Papa John’s Pizza.

Schnatter got his start working in a converted broom closet at the back of his father’s restaurant in 1983. Today, Papa John’s Pizza boasts more than 4,700 restaurants in 50 states and 38 countries and territories. The Advertising Federation cited Schnatter’s commitment to providing opportunities for his community as making him a clear choice for this year’s Louisvillian of the Year award.

A panel of past honorees selected the winner of the Louisvillian of the Year. Tori Murden McClure, the first woman and American to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean and current president of Spalding University, was recognized as the 2014 Louisvillian of the Year. Previous honorees include: Rick Pitino, George Fischer, Bernard M. Trager, Sam Swope, Alice Houston, Mary Bingham, Muhammad Ali, Tom Jurich, Junior Bridgeman, and Mary Griffith.

John Schnatter works with several local organizations including Junior Achievement, WHAS Crusade for Children and the University of Louisville. Most recently Schnatter partnered with UofL and the Koch Foundation to establish the John H. Schnatter Center for Free Enterprise which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2015.

Since its inception, Papa John’s and its Foundation have contributed more than $40,000,000 in charitable giving through local market projects, such as UofL's Cardinal Stadium, UK's Rupp Arena, 21st Century Parks "Ring of Parks" project, Water Park at the Louisville Zoo, and the Anchorage Walking Trail.

Dating back to 1908, AAF-Louisville (affectionately known in our community as "The AdFed") supports the professional enhancement of all advertising and communications professionals in the Louisville area through informational, educational, social, and community programs.