In 2006 Rich Zirkel and John Whelehan opened Accountability Advertising, and a new chapter in advertising excellence began. Accountability Advertising is a product of a half century’s experience in marketing, advertising and media. The agency is well versed in creating, planning, negotiating and executing successful campaigns. They listen and learn to help accurately identify opportunities and challenges for each client. Philosophically, the agency employs a full range of skills to recommend the appropriate campaign strategy, negotiate the most efficient program and execute the plan efficiently and effectively. Whether the task is a National TV Campaign, a Regional sales event, an on-line program, or a major league sports sponsorship, the professionals at Accountability Advertising always do what they say they will do, with integrity and dedication.

“I had the pleasure of working closely with Rich, John and Jackie during our tenure with KNBR, KFOG, KSAN. The three worked great as a team back then, and I'm positive their commitment to delivering the best possible results for all of their clients remains the focus or their business; they deliver on what they promise and never take anything for granted.”

Dick Kelley, Senior Director of Acquisition,
Monster.com Worldwide

Rich Zirkel (925) 934-2860 email Rich Zirkel

Rich has spent twenty five years in media. In 1985 he graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Radio and Television, and a concentration in Sales and Marketing. After working in local radio and cable he moved back to Chicago to seek his fortune, but the west coast was calling.
In 1987 Rich moved to California, eventually settling in the Bay Area, where he continued his broadcast career. Over the years, he worked with Alternative, Top 40, Urban, Rock, and Sports formats, serving as an Account Executive, Local Sales Manager, National Sales Manager and eventually, the General Sales Manager of KNBR/KTCT from 2003-2006. Rich has spent over twelve successful years as a major market Sales Manager.
He has served as a member of the San Francisco Giants Community Fund since 2002, currently serving as the Chairman of Junior Giants Baseball. Rich can often be found hiking with his family, entertaining friends or on a local basketball court trying to relive his glory years.

“One of the straightest shooters you ever want to do business with. This guy knows how to get things done.”

Bob Fitzgerald, Television Play by Play announcer for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors

John Whelehan (925) 934-2865 email John Whelehan

John has also spent the last twenty five years in media. Before graduating from UC Davis with a degree in Rhetoric in 1983, he was an outfielder for the UCD baseball team and earned Far Western Conference honors his Senior season.
A week after college graduation he accepted a sales position for MCI Communications, but spent his weekends producing the sportscasts at KXTV in Sacramento in pursuit of his dream to become a sportscaster. His opportunity came in 1985 at an NBC affiliate in Louisiana where he began a seven year career as a TV Sports caster. Highlights included doing play-by-play for Louisiana Tech while Karl Malone was a sophomore and junior, and covering the Lakers during the ’88 NBA Finals.
In 1990, he added radio sportscasting to the mix until he eventually transitioned from on-air to radio sales at KWCD in San Luis Obispo. In 1991, he began a fifteen year career in sales at KNBR Radio in San Francisco. He distinguished himself with two President’s Award honors and being a team leader on the sales staff. He currently serves on the Lafayette Little League Board and Nomination Committee.
John enjoys time with his family, exercising, playing the drums, managing Little League, taking Karate with his son, and watching his kids participate in sports and other activities.

“Whether he’s on the field or in the board room, John has always been a fierce competitor.”

Steve Sax, former All Star and World Series Champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers
and New York Yankees. Currently the Regional Manager with RBC Dain Rauscher.

Jackie Zirkel (925) 934-2800 email Jackie Zirkel

Jackie has a unique background that includes media, global agency work, athletics, and business experience. After receiving All-State honors in High School, she accepted a softball scholarship to Oklahoma State University in 1995. She was also invited to try out for the 1996 Olympic Softball team later that year. She eventually transferred to California State University, Chico to finish her athletic career and graduate with a degree in Economics in 2000.
After graduating, she moved to San Francisco and accepted a job with renowned global agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. In 2001 Jackie accepted a position with Susquehanna Broadcasting, working in the Business Department for KFOG, KSAN, KNBR and KTCT. She became the Traffic Manager for San Francisco’s legendary rock station KFOG in 2003.
Jackie left KFOG in 2006 to open her own Advertising Agency, which eventually merged with Accountability Advertising later that year.
She has been running the show ever since!

“Program Directors always worry about the traffic department messing things up. When Jackie was KFOG’s Traffic Manager, I worried about me messing up. Jackie’s attention to detail and quality has always been spot on.”

Dave Benson, Program Director for KFOG, San Francisco