Alec Foster, CIPP/US
an Ethical Marketer, Certified Privacy Professional, and AI Strategist based in the Bay Area, leading the charge for responsible AI advancement at AI Alignment, Inc.
My Journey
A firm believer in technology as a tool for empowerment and not control, I am driven by my commitment to projects that harness the power of AI to redefine marketing and privacy norms. As a marketing and AI consultant, I guide startups in leveraging cutting-edge AI technology ethically and effectively. In this dynamic landscape, I continuously seek transformative opportunities that align with my mission and passion.
As a pioneer in values-based marketing, I am the first marketer to be certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals. This unique expertise equips me to develop compliance strategies, mitigate risks, and construct marketing initiatives that adhere to privacy principles, paving the way for responsible AI utilization in marketing.
Presently, I'm the Head of Marketing and Public Policy at AI Alignment, Inc., where I advocate for algorithmic transparency in the defense industry, and the Director of Communications at the Fair Internet Coalition. My professional journey has seen me through significant roles at FairShake, Jumbo Privacy, Creednz, Canonic Security, Hustle, and Google and board services at Fair Internet Coalition, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and Student Net Alliance.
To further my commitment to responsible AI, I am studying AI Ethics and Society at the University of Cambridge, Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence. Join me on this intellectual journey on my blog and newsletter.
Beyond my professional life, I flex my creativity by curating large-scale immersive art projects and teaching electric hydrofoil lessons.
Balancing my passion for AI, marketing, and privacy, I am dedicated to championing a future where technology serves people with transparency, respect, and integrity. Join me as I work towards this vision.
Over a decade of experience.
Marketing
Privacy
Public Policy
Responsible AI
Recent Projects
Marketing
Building on my substantial experience in growth and product marketing at companies including Creednz, Canonic Security, FairShake, Hustle, and Google, I've leveraged innovative strategies to drive customer acquisition and engagement.
At FairShake, I developed an efficient referral program that became our second-largest source of customer acquisition. Simultaneously, my creation of a dedicated consumer complaints platform yielded unprecedented user interaction, amassing over 30,000 submissions in just a year.
Artificial Intelligence
My enthusiasm for AI and marketing has driven me to embed AI in product and marketing teams, transforming operations and workflows. An example is my work at FairShake, where machine learning significantly streamlined our claim evaluation process, decreasing waiting time, improving accuracy, and reducing moderator burnout. I've also created proof-of-concept AI products, like an interactive installation featuring a conversational AI band member, underlining AI's creative potential and the importance of ethics in its use.
Product Management
Drawing from a solid foundation in AI ethics, marketing, and communications, I've successfully developed impactful product strategies at companies like Jumbo Privacy and Cloakery. By focusing on user needs and market trends, I created a multi-year feature roadmap for Jumbo Privacy and laid the groundwork for Cloakery's initial product journey, always focusing on an optimal user experience.
Policy
In my role at FairShake, I spearheaded our policy programs, creating a petition platform from scratch and orchestrating all advocacy campaigns.
While at Google, I was an integral part of Google Take Action (2014-2016), fostering actions and events for our massive 2 million-strong email audience.
Nonprofit Leadership
Currently, I lead as the Head of Public Policy at AI Alignment, Inc., pushing for algorithmic transparency in the defense industry, and serve as Director of Communications at the Fair Internet Coalition, opposing corporate monopolization.
In 2013, I founded the Student Net Alliance to highlight the implications of government and corporate surveillance on the younger generation.
I was honored to be a part of the Board of Directors of Students for Sensible Drug Policy from 2013-2016.
Academic Achievements
I graduated from NYU with a double major in Politics and Media, Culture and Communication, and earned prestigious honors including the Arch Award (highest undergraduate honor) and the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service.
I completed Harvard's CopyrightX course in 2017, passed the CIPP/US exam in 2021, and am studying AI ethics at the University of Cambridge.
E-foil
During my downtime, I impart electric hydrofoiling skills to individuals across various expertise levels. Interested in a lesson? Reach out!
Immersive Experience Design
With 8 years under my belt, I have crafted 20+ large-scale art installations and interactive performances for high-profile events, engaging thousands of attendees.
My portfolio includes a series of published magazines and newspapers, responsive digital art, and leading teams of 5+ collaborators to produce performances that challenge societal norms and assumptions.
Get in touch
Eager to chat or need some advice? Drop me an email or ping me on LinkedIn.
Ready for a consultation?
Browse Alec's AI marketing consulting services for marketing teams, companies, and investors.
