Navigating the Digital Frontier

Embark on a journey through the digital landscape with me, Michael G. Hurston. While my previous ventures, Morbidgames Publishing closed in 2009 and then MGHurston Creative Services LLC gracefully bowed out in 2018, my passion for digital innovation continues undeterred. As a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience spanning program and project management, web operations, and MarTech, I invite you to traverse the highs and lows of my career.

In this space, I share insights garnered from navigating CMS migrations, orchestrating marketing technology initiatives, and embracing the agile ethos. While I’m occasionally open to freelance opportunities, my primary focus now rests on nurturing a balanced and fulfilling life. Updates may be sporadic, but each post, penned either by myself or a guest, offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving digital landscape.

So, settle in and explore the Michael G. Hurston experience – where past endeavors pave the way for future adventures in digital creativity. From reflections on industry trends to anecdotes from the trenches, this is a chronicle of growth, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the digital realm.

Summary, Achievements, Resume / Curriculum Vitae

MarTech leader with a 20-year track record in platform migrations and 12 years in Adobe (Marketing Cloud → Experience Cloud → CX Enterprise). I leverage AI tooling to build and scale enterprise applications that streamline operations and drive measurable results across global organizations.

Digital Experience Platforms:
Adobe Experience Manager (AEM Sites & Assets), Adobe Target, Adobe Campaign, Adobe Journey Optimizer (AJO), Adobe Experience Platform (AEP), Responsys, Eloqua, Marketo, ExactTarget, Constant Contact, iContact, Salesforce (SFDC), Drupal 7, WordPress, Magento.

Analytics & Reporting:
Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics, Google Data Studio (Looker), Domo, Quantcast.

Collaboration & Project Management:
Workfront, Jira, Rally, Smartsheet, BaseCamp, HighRise, Bugzilla, Remedy, Mingle.

Advertising & SEO/SEM:
Google Ads (AdWords), Bing Ads, LinkedIn Ads, OpenX, HallData, Adcenter.

Development & Technical:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, Hadoop, CRX, ACS AEM Reports, Query Builder. Built and deployed Python/Flask internal tools via Gradle to KSAP (Kubernetes), integrating SSO, KMS, and Kraken for GAAP compliance.

Miscellaneous Platforms:
Stensul, Litmus, GitHub, Apache Airflow, SQL, Glean, SFDC Live Agent, Live Person, NoHold, WebIM, Launchpad, Social Media management tools, Amazon EC2, Rackspace.

Generative and Agentic AI Tools:
Adobe Firefly, Adobe GenStudio, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude Code, Copilot CLI, MS Gen Studio, Obsidian.

More:
Driven by curiosity, I thrive at the intersection of technology, marketing, and analytics. Outside of MarTech, I am the creator of the dystopian d20 campaign setting Ave Molech (2006) and the science fiction trilogy Hachi + Araine // The Dream Series (2023).

Highlights

  • 15 years leading CMS migrations and digital transformation initiatives.
  • 15 years in program and project management, product ownership, and cross-functional team leadership.
  • 10 years building and scaling chatbot integrations (Live Person, Live Agent, Voiceflow).
  • 6 years leading MarTech/WebOps professionals, driving operational excellence and measurable improvements.
  • 3 years of platform integrations and API automation, including Tray.io, Domo, Salesforce, Eloqua, and Workfront.

Experience

  • LinkedIn, Sr MarTech CX Email Tech Lead 7/24 – Current
  • FocusGTS (Clients: Adobe / LinkedIn), AEM Product Owner 12/23 – 7/24
  • Genesis10 (Client: LinkedIn), Sr Web MarTech & Ops Manager 10/22 – 10/23
  • MRM (Client: Cisco), Activation Manager, Marketing Technology Manager 10/19 – 10/22
  • Experis (Client: Cisco), Technical Project Manager, Program Manager, Product Owner 5/14 – 10/19
  • Smart Meetings Magazine, Web Director 1/13 – 2/14
  • Miramar Labs, Web Manager 9/11 – 1/13
  • Tek Systems (Client: Stanford University), Webmaster, Web Manager 3/11 – 9/11
  • Team San Jose, Web Content Producer, Web Manager 12/09 – 3/11
  • Colliers International, Graphics Department Manager, Marketing Manager 4/01 – 10/09

Education & Certifications

  • Amazon Sponsored Ads 2023 – Expired
  • Google Analytics 2023 – Expired
  • Google Analytics Individual Qualification 2023 – Expired
  • Creative Certification 2023 – Expired
  • Google Analytics Individual Qualification 2022 – Expired
  • Google Ads Search Certification 2022 – Expired
  • Google Ads Display Certification 2022 – Expired
  • HubSpot Inbound Certified 2014 – Expired
  • HootSuite Certified Professional 2014 – Expired
  • Autodesk Level 1 Certification 2003 – Expired
  • CompTIA A+ Certification 1998 – Expired
  • West Valley Junior College 1997-1999 – AA Not Completed

Find Me Here

MGHurston Creative Services LLC and Freelance Former Clients

  • PGFN 2023
  • Northland Controls 2018
  • DNA Saves 2018
  • Bebe au Lait 2014-2017
  • Halt Medical 2014
  • Miramar Labs 2011-2012
  • BiModal Glideway 2012
  • Coldwell Banker Platinum Group 2010