
Jenna Petok, Founder & Principal
Jenna is a leader in experience strategy who is passionate about connecting communities through the power of place. Combining an entrepreneurial spirit with expertise in real estate, neighborhood development, arts & culture, tech, and media, she creates innovative solutions that activate spaces and foster meaningful connections.
​
As the founder of PlaceSmart, Jenna’s consulting business specializes in placemaking and customer experience, delivering tailored strategies that engage communities, elevate brands, and build strategic partnerships. With a proven track record of value creation, she has worked for top NYC real estate developers to transform landlords into brands, leading initiatives in marketing, communications, and business development.
​
Prior to founding PlaceSmart, Jenna served as global head of CX for Host – CBRE's tenant experience platform. Key past projects include brand positioning and partnerships for REEF Technology, St. John’s Terminal (Oxford Properties/Google), Pacific Park Brooklyn, the Tata Innovation Center at Cornell Tech (Forest City Ratner), and Long Island City, Queens (LIC Partnership). Jenna’s early career includes managing creative solutions at Time Out New York, public relations at Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, and teaching dance in Lugano, Switzerland, showcasing her ability to blend creativity and strategy across industries.
​
Currently based in Westport, CT, Jenna serves on the Downtown Planning and Implementation Committee. She lives with her husband and two young kids, and they enjoy discovering the best parks, hiking paths, comedy shows, and breakfast spots.