Reflections on Professionalism and Human Touch—A Tribute

As we move through this 50th anniversary year of the Journal of Advertising (JA), I would like to recognize and pay tribute to the former editors of JA. When an editor’s term is complete, it may mark the conclusion of an individual’s service, but it is not the end of that editor’s presence in the journal. Indeed, each editor has brought novelty, creativity, and advancement, resulting in a constant effort to raise the journal’s profile. These contributions can be seen in the pages of JA and through a virtually untapped resource: their editorials. This editorial was written based on the available editorials of former JA editors; my own reflection on JA as its current editor in chief will wait until a later issue. My aim is not to provide the reader with numbers, bullet points, or chronologies. Instead, this editorial aims to show how the alliance of professionalism and the human touch of the editors in governing JA has continually shaped the journal through the years, gradually creating its distinctiveness within the broader discipline.