Passionate about creating meaningful brand experiences, shaping creative vision, and scaling the teams and systems behind it, she is currently leading digital design at Trade School for clients like The Home Depot, and was previously Design Director at Vox Media.

Dayna Hall Carter is a Brooklyn-based Executive Director of Creative + Technology.

About Me

I’ve built my career at the intersection of design and technology, leading creative, engineering, and product teams at ad, tech, and media companies. From solving complex problems to creating innovative solutions for brands like Starbucks, Garmin, and L’Oréal, I’m driven by building what’s next—whether that’s new ideas, better systems, or empowering others to do their best work. Along the way, my teams have developed proprietary AI-powered tools to generate creative at scale. And while my work has been recognized for digital innovation and creative marketing, what truly motivates me is fostering equitable and inclusive spaces where teams—and bold ideas—grow.

  • At Vox Media, I led a talented group of visual and product designers to create impactful, consumer-facing initiatives across 18 networks, including, Eater, Popsugar, The Cut, The Verge, and New York Magazine. Today, as Executive Director of Creative + Technology at Trade School, I lead a multidisciplinary team partnering with clients to shape creative vision and build systems that bring ideas to market faster and more effectively, including co-leading the launch of Mainspring AI™, our proprietary AI-powered content at-scale workflow. I help bridge creativity and technology to elevate both the work and how it gets made.

    I’m a creative who cares deeply about process—I build teams that embrace experimentation, learn quickly, and aren’t afraid to get it wrong on the way to getting it right.

    Off the clock, you’ll find me chasing new adventures, whether it’s collecting passport stamps or guiding my two boys away from becoming New York sports fans. I’m also passionate about giving back, mentoring emerging creative talent on ADPList, advising within the Graphic Design department at Berkeley College, and guest lecturing at Berkeley College and Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.

Where I Excel

I build and scale teams, develop talent, and design the systems that support high-quality work at speed. Grounded in a deep commitment to the end user, I believe the strongest outcomes come from blending creativity with thoughtful strategy. My expertise spans visual & product design, design operations, strategy, and leadership—coaching teams and partnering with stakeholders across the digital landscape.

Teaching / Advisory / Press

Academic Advisor
Berkeley College Department of Graphic Design

2026

“2 Minutes With”: Leading with Purpose and Intuition
Muse by Clios

Dayna Hall Carter Executive Director, Creative & Technology Appointment
Little Black Book

2025

2019

Guest Lecturer
Berkeley College Department of Graphic Design

2017

Guest Lecturer
Montclair State University Department of Creative Arts and Technology

Working With Me

“As a Design Director, Dayna ensured our team's design processes were efficient and refined as needed, and also advocated for our needs and concerns whenever any issues would arise. She led our team incredibly and was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and put in work with us whenever the demand was high or if we were a few hands short.
Senior Visual Designer, Vox Media

“A great partner is not just someone you collaborate with; they are someone who amplifies strengths and provides support to overcome weaknesses. Dayna was that partner on every project. A joy to work with!
Product Lead, Vox Media

“Dayna helped me navigate the beginnings of my design career and set me up for advocating for myself and my career. Truly thankful I got her guidance and support.a A true and honest leader! And just truly fun to work with.
Systems Architect, Kohler Energy

“Dayna knows the digital space and is open and willing to take the time and explain it to anyone that asks. There are no egos with her; she's a great leader, but also humble and has no problem asking for help.
Vice President Associate Creative Director, Havas Gemini