Jerrold Austin Dow

Class of 1982

Upon graduating from PHS in 1982, Jerry earned an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree from Northwestern University, Chicago.

He then joined a top international advertising agency, Leo Burnett, in Chicago, where he was a senior-level advertising executive handling well-known national brands such as Kraft, Maytag, Jenn-Air, and Sealy.

Jerry went on to become a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), or led the highest level in corporate marketing, across global industries and national brands such as National and Alamo car rental, Pella Windows, Suddenlink Communications, Brinks Home Security, Metronet (high speed internet) and United Airlines. During his tenure, he earned two Emmy nominations, one for his United “Rhapsody” campaign and one for Pella Windows.

Jerry was at United when the sad events of 9/11 happened. Two of the four passenger planes that were hijacked were United Airlines planes. Not only did Jerry have to inform the United CEO of the tragedy, but he also had to manage United communications and steer this global brand out of a terrible crisis.

His career experience includes public, private, start-up and family-owned businesses. He has received seven Effie awards. The Effie is an industry award for effective marketing communications strategies, ideas and results. Also, Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism inducted him into the Medill Hall of Achievement, which recognizes alumni who have had a positive effect on their fields, including journalism, the arts, business, academia, nonprofit or other industries.

Jerry is father to triplet boys (Grant, Parker and Elliott). He notes that he was in the same class as the Clark triplets. (Was he inspired by fellow classmates?)

Although he and his wife, Sarah, of 33 years, live in St. Louis, and have lived in and traveled to many places, he has always been known as “Jerry from Perry.” He thanks the many people in Perry who encouraged him along the way.