At the center of Avenue Z’s strategic braintrust is Whitney Hart, our Chief Strategy Officer and one of the sharpest minds in AI-powered communications, reputation management, and influence at scale.
With nearly two decades of experience leading marketing innovation across web2, web3, and beyond, Whitney is redefining how modern brands harness technology to shape perception, accelerate growth, and lead their categories.
Her background blends global advisory work, blockchain innovation, brand storytelling, and institutional leadership. From Fortune 500s to government organizations to next-gen startups, Whitney’s playbook delivers both reputation and revenue, the core outcomes that define Avenue Z.
The Rise of a Digital Strategist with Vision
Before joining Avenue Z, Whitney was already shaping the next wave of digital transformation.
As Executive Director of Feral File, she led the cultural institution’s evolution into a global hub for software art and museum partnerships. Before that, she served as Interim CMO of Trilitech, where she scaled the Tezos blockchain ecosystem through a strategic communications lens that bridged finance, tech, and culture.
But Whitney’s impact didn’t begin in web3. For over 18 years, she helped shape marketing firms across North America and Europe, driving adoption for some of the world’s most influential companies, like Fruit of the Loom, DeBeers, Rolls-Royce, and Tarte Cosmetics. She has advised on digital transformation initiatives for governments, museums, consumer brands, defense orgs, and global CPG companies alike.
A Foundational Force at Avenue Z
Whitney is instrumental in igniting the fire behind Avenue Z.
She helps position the agency as a go-to leader in crisis management, brand positioning, and AI Optimization. Her strategies bridge AI, blockchain, and finance to deliver actionable insight and industry-leading results.
As Chief Strategy Officer, Whitney oversees Avenue Z’s most high-impact client initiatives, developing proprietary frameworks that translate technology into market-ready, measurable influence. Whether helping financial institutions navigate regulation or DTC brands win in AI-generated search, she brings vision and velocity to every engagement.
“Modern influence is an engineered outcome,” says Hart. “By aligning AI-optimized content with real-time media signals and platform-specific algorithms, we enable brands to surface in high-intent moments, where reputation converts to measurable business value.”
Leading Conversations at the Intersection of Tech, Culture, and Communications
A seasoned thought leader and speaker, Whitney has headlined events such as:
- PR News: AI’s Influence on SEO – What PR Teams Should Know
- Gorgias DTCx9 Summit: Your New Top Influencer? ChatGPT.
- Blockhash Podcast: Intersection of AI and Marketing with Avenue Z
- New York Tech Week: AI & The Social Contract Hosted by Kaboom AI
- Driving Influence: What Every CMO Needs to Know About AI Search
- Driving Influence: How to Rank on ChatGPT and Other Search Engines
Whitney in the press:
- O’Dwyer’s PR News: On the Move: Hart to Lead Strategy at Avenue Z
- PR News: How PR Can Win in AI Search: SEO Strategies for the LLM Era
- The Ethical Reckoner: WR 65: When AI is just… people
- Cybernews: Advertising moves past AI hype at Cannes Lions 2025
- Machine News: The anatomy of evil AI
- NACD: What Trump’s AI Action Plan Could Mean for Boards
Her expertise spans key innovation verticals:
- AI Optimization (AIO) for search and PR
- AI-driven media strategies for public relations and narrative control
- AI in eCommerce strategy and consumer behavior
- Generative AI and its impact on art, culture, and creative industries
- NFT strategy and blockchain-based brand storytelling
- Web3, blockchain, and emerging tech integration for communications
- Strategic positioning in fintech and financial services
Whitney also serves on the advisory boards of Feral File and the Blaffer Art Museum, and is a member of the Rhizome Council, where she continues to shape dialogue at the intersection of art, tech, and society.
Welcome to the New Era of Influence
Whitney Hart represents the new model of strategic leadership: equal parts technologist, cultural operator, and communications expert.
At Avenue Z, we’re proud to have her at the forefront, shaping the future of reputation, reach, and relevance for our clients.
Read more from Whitney on Driving Influence and on her website.
Want expert consultation from Whitney, need high-level commentary for an article, or looking for an engaging speaker at your industry event? Get in touch.
Optimize Your Brand’s Visibility in AI Search
Millions turn to AI platforms daily to discover and decide. Make sure they find your brand.
