Jeffrey M. Cohen
Jeffrey M. Cohen
Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at INFORMS
Jeff Cohen is an accomplished senior executive with expertise in crafting and executing forward-leaning business, communication, and public affairs strategies that maximize growth, enhance organizational mindshare and market positions, and bolster executive presence.
Jeff serves as Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for INFORMS, where he serves as a member of the Executive Team and as a senior advisor on core strategic, operational, and business matters. He also leads strategic communication initiatives and public affairs activities that advance the INFORMS’ mission and thought leadership profile and.
Before joining INFORMS, Jeff held a variety of roles with businesses, strategic communication firms, and other organizations. He also served as a senior advisor to federal, state, and local political candidates and committees, as Chief of Staff and Communications Director for a Member of Congress, and as Press Secretary for a US Senator.
Jeff earned his MBA from Johns Hopkins University, an MA from The George Washington University, and his BA from Ithaca College. He is currently a PhD student studying Organizational Leadership at Eastern University in St. David’s, Pennsylvania.
Charles Cooper
Charles Cooper
Chair of Advocacy at Signal
Charles provides strategic advisory services to a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 100 companies, non-profits, trade associations, and coalitions. With close to two decades of experience in and around the political process, Charles works with clients to navigate the complex legislative, regulatory, and political landscape throughout the federal government.
Charles specializes in working with clients on developing comprehensive strategies that include advocacy, communications, or a combination of both. He has significant experience helping organizations advance policy priorities or mitigate policy risk by developing, elevating, or re-positioning their D.C. brand.
Throughout his tenure at Signal, Charles has led successful client efforts to pass historic laws, prevent major policy risk, inform and shape regulatory decisions, and manage large issue campaigns. His work has been impactful at every stage of the policymaking, oversight, and political process.
In addition to his policy work, Charles serves as a strategic advisor to leaders of organizations and companies across a diverse range of industry sectors. He has advised organizations on acquisitions, organizational structure, crisis and risk management, and strategic partnerships. Charles is a regular speaker at conferences, on panel discussions, and to boards of directors.
Prior to joining Signal, Charles served for a decade in the House and Senate on Capitol Hill, including as chief of staff to a Member of Congress, chief of staff to a congressional leadership office, and a variety of senior policy positions in both House leadership and for Members of Congress. He has also led a successful congressional campaign and a successful house leadership campaign.
Charles earned a dual Bachelor’s Degree in political science and history from Southern Methodist University where he currently serves on the alumni board.
Track: INFORMS Prizes & Special Sessions
The Power of Engaging in Washington, DC with the Federal Government
Jeff and Charles will provide an overview how the operations research and analytics community has been engaging in Washington, DC, and where opportunities exist to become a resource to policymakers seeking solutions to complex challenges and elevating your profile within the federal government.
