# Marc Paulenich

> Marc Paulenich is the Toledo-based CEO of independent marketing agency Hart and author of the forthcoming Brand Mover. He joined Hart in 2002, left to lead consumer insights at Teach For America, returned as COO in 2011, became president in 2021 and CEO in January 2026. His work connects business strategy, customer research and brand experience.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at Hart
- **Organizations:** Hart, Teach For America, The University of Toledo, 4As Central Region Board, Forbes Agency Council, ANA Educational Foundation, TutorSmart Toledo
- **Education:** High school graduation, Warren G. Harding High School, Dual degrees in economics and communications; summa cum laude; Phi Beta Kappa, Hiram College, MBA specializing in marketing, The University of Toledo
- **Known for:** Led Hart through senior strategy, operations and executive roles during a period in which the agency more than doubled revenue and expanded from one to four offices., Warren City Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, 2019., Graduated summa cum laude from Hiram College and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

## Career timeline

- **2001** — Graduated from Hiram College and moved to Toledo.
- **2002** — Joined Hart.
- **2005** — Earned an MBA from The University of Toledo.
- **2008** — Joined Teach For America as a managing director; his work focused on consumer insights.
- **2011** — Returned to Hart as chief operating officer.
- **2019** — Inducted into the Warren City Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.
- **2021** — Promoted to president of Hart.
- **2023** — Joined the marketing and international business advisory board at UToledo’s business college.
- **2026-01** — Became CEO of Hart, succeeding Mike Hart; joined the 4As Central Region board.
- **2026-10-27** — Scheduled publication of Brand Mover: How to Lead Audiences from Apathy to Advocacy.

## Achievements

- Led Hart through senior strategy, operations and executive roles during a period in which the agency more than doubled revenue and expanded from one to four offices.
- Warren City Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, 2019.
- Graduated summa cum laude from Hiram College and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

## Latest updates

- **2026-01** — Appointed CEO of Hart, effective January 2026.
- **2026-02** — Published reflections on employee experience and brand after speaking at From Day One in Washington, D.C.
- **2026-09** — Hart announced his Brand Movement Model and forthcoming book, due October 27, 2026.
- **2026-10** — Listed as a speaker for the October 14 Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit in Washington, D.C.; event is upcoming as of October 6.

## Links

- Website: https://marcpaulenich.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulenich/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/marc-paulenich
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-06