An Award-Winning, Sales Leader, Marketing Executive, Data Scientist and Product Wizard.
CV
Professional Summary
I'm Hassan Spruill, a seasoned Marketing & Product executive with 15 years of experience, based in Brooklyn, NY. My career has been built on leveraging data science, marketing, and product development to drive growth across various industries.
Data Science Expertise
I specialize in data science, focusing on Python, and machine learning. I bring a data-driven approach to solving business challenges. I’ve developed skills in audience analysis and data-driven strategy to fuel growth and engagement.
Professional Experience
My work spans across leading companies like Paramount, BET, Vox, Okayplayer, and OkayAfrica, where I've led audience growth through organic, paid, and real-life marketing strategies. I have a strong background in product and podcast development, video monetization on YouTube, social media, and websites, and newsletter program management, including managing a million-subscriber email list at Thrillist. I also played a key role in designing and implementing content monetization programs for Okayplayer and OkayAfrica.
In the Salesforce ecosystem, I worked as an acquisition marketer, holding certifications as a Salesforce Administrator and a Marketing Cloud Email Marketing Specialist. Additionally, I co-produced Season 3 of the Webby Award-winning podcast "The Almanac of Rap."
Education & Certifications
I studied Business Management from SUNY Stony Brook and have studied videography and computer animation at the School of Visual Arts. I earned a specialization in Connected Leadership from Yale University, along with multiple specializations from Wharton Business School in AI for Business, Fintech, and Culture-Driven Team Building. Additionally, I completed a Machine Learning specialization from Stanford University and am currently working toward a Python & Data Science specialization from Harvard University.
In the realm of Agile frameworks, I am a certified Scrum Master and Product Owner through the Scrum Alliance. I am also certified as a Salesforce Administrator and as a Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Marketing Specialist. Beyond these technical qualifications, I have a keen interest in newsletters and their strategic use.
Awards & Achievements
I won a James Beard Award for the Night Market digital tentpole at Thrillist and have supported the BET Awards, NAACP Awards, and BET Hip Hop Awards with social media coverage for several years. In 2025 I won a Webby Award in Podcasts / Experimental & Innovation category as a producer on Okayplayer Presents: The Almanac of Rap.
Experiential & Activations
I’m one of the original founders of the House of Yes nightclub in Brooklyn, NY, where I contributed to a long history of experiential activations and community engagement. I've organized day parties for Okayplayer and OkayAfrica, as well as collaborated on the development of the Okayplayer House at Art Basel 2024 in partnership with BET.
Additionally, I ran a video production studio specializing in business creatives and music videos for the New York hip-hop scene utilizing my video and animation skills developed at SVA. I grew this business to a 6 figure business before shifting to focus on marketing & audience development full-time.
My diverse background equips me to drive change and innovation in data, audience growth, and digital marketing.
Skills
Content Strategy Data Science Leadership Campaign Management Branding Social Media Events Content Monetization Creative Initiatives Product Development Machine Learning SCRUM Agile
Work Experience
Dec 2022 - Present
Director of Audience Development & Audince Development @ Areya Media
Representing the brands Okayplayer, OkayAfrica, and OkayFuture Labs.
Sept 2021 - Dec 2022
Audience Development Manger @ Thrillist / Vox Media
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Nov 2018 - Dec 2022
Social Media Strategst @ BET / Paramount
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Mar 2020 - Sep 2021
Director Of Content Development @ Food Street by Main Point Media
Black-owned media company startup focused on African American lifestyle and food culture.
Nov 2017 - Jan 2020
Co-Owner @ Water and Stone Agency
Co-founded a Full-service digital marketing agency supporting record labels, small businesses, artists, and fortune 500 companies.
Feb 2018 - Jan 2019
Full Stack Creative @ CentSai
Create and implement social media strategy for financial education fintech company.
Mar 2017 - Nov 2017
Marketing Manager @ Wellthie, Inc
Create and implement marekting acquisition strategy for a healthecare insuracnce company.
an 2016 - Nov 2016
Acquisition Marketing Manager @ Powerlinx, Inc.
Scale a B2B partnership tech platform to acquisition by Altares Dun & Bradstreet.
Aug 2015 - Nov 2015
Acquisition Marketing Manager @ AccentHealth
Grow that newsletter program and client base for a healthcare marketing firm owned by CNN.
Jan 2015 - Aug 2015
Digital Marketing Strategist @ Shared Ink
Create digital marketing and social strategies for 12 accounts for digital marketing agency including brands owned by Shark Tank alumn Kevin O'Leary.
Aug 2013 - Jan 2015
Owner @ Chroma Pixel NYC
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Sept 2008 - Aug 2013
Co-Founder, Marketing & Events Booker @ House of Yes
Co-founded the iconic cultural nightclub experience in Brooklyn by promoting and curating legendary events.
Education
2025 - 2026
Illinois Institute of Technology
MBA Stuart School of Business
2004
Stony Brook University
Business Management
2013
School of Visual Arts
Videograpy & Adobe After Effects
2024 - 2025
Stanford University
Machine Learning
2024
Wharton School of Business
AI For Business | Fintech | Culture-Driven Team Building
2024
Yale University
Connected Leadership
2024
John Hopkins University
Exeucutive Data Science
Interests
I'm passionate about staying active as an avid cyclist and weightlifter. If you're into #bikelife I ride a 2022 Wabi Lightning Single Speed with the carbon fork and Columbus Spirit Steel frame. I named her, my bike, Raikō. Which is Japanese for "The Lightning God". I enjoy exploring new cuisines as a foodie and wannabe chef who still gets teary-eyed when thinking about Anthony Bourdain. I travel as often as possible, with adventures taking me to Spain, Morocco, Mykonos, Santorini, London, Alaska, Maui, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Mexico, and Japan just to name a few. A former guitarist with a mohawk in an all-Black punk band, I’m also a beginner house music dancer who loves hitting any Soul Summit dance floor across NYC.