Bergen County resident Darren Magarro, founder and president of The DSM Group, is among six industry leaders selected for induction into the 2026 Advertising Hall of Fame of New Jersey. The NJ Ad Club will recognize this year’s honorees at a dinner and induction ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, at The Highlawn in West Orange.
Magarro founded The DSM Group in 2007, building the marketing agency into a four-time Inc. 5000 honoree, a distinction recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies. His individual accomplishments include being named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and receiving NJBIZ 40 Under 40 honors.
Magarro’s contributions extend beyond the business community. He serves on the board of Backpacks for Life, a nonprofit supporting homeless veterans, and has helped raise more than $2.5 million for charitable initiatives benefiting veterans, children, and families.
Honoring New Jersey’s Advertising and Communications Leaders
Established in 1981, the Advertising Hall of Fame of New Jersey recognizes professionals whose leadership, creativity, and professional integrity have made significant contributions to the advertising and communications industries. Past inductees include renowned pollster George H. Gallup and broadcaster John B. Gambling.
Joining Magarro in the 2026 Hall of Fame class are Beverly E. Barnes, president and CEO of SGW Integrated Marketing; Steve Guberman, founder of Agency Outsight; Karen J. Kessler, founding president and CEO of Kessler PR Group; Nicholas Kraus, founder and CEO of Kraus Marketing; and John Martorana of Oxford Communications.
An Evening Celebrating Industry Achievement
The November 11 ceremony will bring together advertising, marketing, media, and communications professionals to recognize the six inductees and hear firsthand about their careers, accomplishments, and experiences in the industry.
Beyond honoring professional achievement, the event offers an opportunity to meet the inductees and their colleagues, make industry connections, and learn from the experiences of established leaders. The ceremony also reflects the NJ Ad Club’s broader mission of supporting professional development and inspiring the next generation of advertising and communications professionals.
Ceremony Details and Information
The 2026 Advertising Hall of Fame of New Jersey dinner and induction ceremony will take place Wednesday, November 11, at The Highlawn in West Orange.
Tickets, event sponsorship opportunities, and congratulatory advertising in the event journal are available through the NJ Ad Club.
For tickets and additional information, visit the NJ Ad Club Hall of Fame event page or contact the organization at 201-998-5133 or [email protected].
