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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

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.

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

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.

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.  

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