Dave Popelka

President

Dave has distinguished himself as a leader in the Pittsburgh advertising community for nearly three decades. His career began at Ketchum Advertising, and he has since held executive positions at several top agencies in the city, including serving as Senior Vice President at Mullen.

Throughout his career, Dave has contributed to the success of many of the region’s most influential brands, including FNB, Pennsylvania Tourism, The Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development, The Pittsburgh Pirates, The Pittsburgh Zoo, UPMC, GNC, Giant Eagle, Highmark, and Eat’n Park, among many others.

In 2015, Dave joined GH Advertising (formerly Garrison Hughes), starting as Director of Strategy and Business Development, later advancing to EVP, and being named President in 2020. Under his guidance, the agency’s revenue rose from $8.74 million to a record $28 million in 2022, expanded to nearly 100 employees, and became the third largest agency in Pittsburgh. Dave successfully led the organization through a major leadership transition, spearheaded a comprehensive strategic planning process, and oversaw the agency’s rebranding in 2023. While many companies moved out of the city, he punctuated GH’s ongoing commitment to the community by moving their office to FNB Financial Center in early 2025.

Dave’s achievements have been recognized with his induction into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement in 2017. He serves as an Alumni in Residence at the University of Pittsburgh and as a member of the Session at Shadyside Presbyterian Church. He is also a Corporator at Union Dale Cemetery. Dave is an avid tennis player. He and his wife Heather live in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.