Who

Anthony Citrano (Photo: Asa Mathat

While studying political science, religion and philosophy at the University of Southern Maine, I authored a 1993 thesis on the societal impacts of networked technology. Later that year, I published The Virtual Journal, the world’s first web magazine.

From 1994-1997, I served as chief technology advisor to Maine Governor Angus King, helping Maine set an early example of responsive online government. In 1995, the Governor appointed me to the Highway One Advisory Board, where I served with Senate and Congressional leaders to support the use of technology in the democratic process.

I co-founded Pop!Tech, the world’s preeminent conference about the intersection of technology and culture, and was president of the conference from 1999 to 2001.

In 1999, I started BrainPaste.com, the company that invented dynamic customer acquisition. Industry guru Don Tapscott said BrainPaste posed “a new challenge to the old order” and USA Today said it “uncorks an idea that can never be put back in the bottle.” This once-radical e-commerce method now facilitates billions of dollars in online commerce each year. In 2000, BrainPaste was acquired by Internet entertainment network R3Media, and I became their chief communications officer.

In 2002, I teamed up with PR pros and started fama PR, a Boston-based communications agency. Over four years, we built the agency into one of the leading independent PR firms in the northeast. I departed fama PR in 2006, embarked on a year-long travel and thinking sabbatical, and then relocated to coastal Los Angeles. In 2008, I served on the Grassroots Finance Committee of Obama for America.

Now, I professionally consult for organizations on branding, communications, and business development matters. I am also a frequent commentator on American culture, regularly pontificating in and contributing to media outlets including Consumerist, The Huffington Post, Money, the New York Times, Investor’s Business Daily, the Wall Street Journal, WIRED, and my own blog, The Cosmic Tap.

Last but not least, I am a photographer; mostly a fashion photographer these days, but also doing a touch of commercial stuff – and whatever else my gaze happens to light upon.

I live in Venice, California.