About Ann Hastings

Ann is a strategic communications consultant with twenty years of experience guiding brands and leaders as they tell their stories with clarity, purpose, and impact. Known for thoughtful expertise, collaboration and the ability to move fluidly between high-level strategy and day-to-day execution, she crafts communications that drive meaningful results.

Ann partners with clients across industries and stages, from emerging startups and creative entrepreneurs to scaling businesses and in-house communications teams. Her focus is on earned media, brand positioning, and thought leadership programs that drive visibility, build credibility, and support sustainable growth.

Ann began her career at Weber Shandwick in Seattle and Chicago, where she supported PR programs for global brands including Microsoft, Unilever, and Kraft Heinz. Her early agency experience spanned the technology and consumer sectors, and included national product launches, media tours, and campaigns for some of the world’s most recognized brands.

She later held senior communications roles in higher education at the University of Notre Dame, leading institution-wide initiatives such as the ND/NBC “What Would You Fight For?” campaign—aired nationally during Fighting Irish football games—and served as trusted counsel for senior leadership as they rolled out University-wide communications.  

Today, Ann brings that foundation—and a decade of independent consulting experience—to every client engagement. Whether helping a founder step into the spotlight or positioning a business for media attention, she offers strategic insight, smart execution, and a deep belief in the power of thoughtful storytelling.

Ann holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business.