Jeff graduated from LSU in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science, Marketing/Business Administration.

Jeff launched Zehnder Communications in 1996 with a mission—to change the advertising industry. He believes that great strategy and great creative must drive everything the agency produces, and that everything must deliver measurable results. It is but one reason that Zehnder boasts such a high client and staff tenure—a rarity in the industry. Since day one, the agency’s mantra of “doing great work, making a difference for clients, earning a fair profit, and having fun along the way” has driven him.

Jeff also believes in innovating. At every opportunity, he has pushed the agency to adopt new services and technologies. Today, the agency is a leader in offering the latest in digital development, social media, and research & analytic technologies to assist client marketing efforts.

From a single client in New Orleans, Zehnder Communications has grown to serve clients regionally, nationally and internationally from offices in New Orleans, Nashville and Baton Rouge.

Jeff is a recipient of the American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award, which recognizes lifetime achievements in the field of advertising. In 2018, he was awarded the Distinguished Practitioner Award from the Academy of Marketing Science, an international scholarly organization. In 2019, Jeff was inducted into the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business Hall of Distinction, which recognizes individuals who make significant contributions in the areas of business, academia, government or the community.

In addition to leading Zehnder, Jeff is actively involved in both industry and community. He presently serves on the board of directors for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and the Dean’s Advisory Council at LSU’s E.J. Ourso College of Business.

He has been married to Ansley Zehnder for 22 years and they reside in Baton Rouge, LA and Rosemary Beach, FL.

Jeff began visiting Walton County more than 25 years ago and fell in love with the region. Since 2012, Zehnder Communications has represented the Walton County Tourist Development Council. Their efforts help to drive awareness for Walton County as a whole and specifically help to drive visitation during off-peak periods.