Cogent Strategies, an independent certified woman-owned small business specializing in government relations, communications and digital & research, today announced the addition of two new professionals to its growing public affairs practice. Taylor McCarty Hoover and Katie Sansone, both media relations and strategic communications specialists with valuable experience in Congress, are joining the firm this summer as Vice Presidents.
“Taylor and Katie are gifted communicators who have great experience crafting and delivering policy messages inside the Beltway, to important markets across the country, and to key national news outlets,” said Cogent CEO Kimberley Fritts. “They both possess the ability to aid our clients in utilizing communication tools to advance public policy goals. Cogent also values their previous experiences in the agency world and in the private sector. As our stable of clients who require communication services grows, we look forward to having Taylor and Katie on our team.”
Taylor McCarty Hoover comes to Cogent after four years on Capitol Hill, where she has served as communications director of the House Agriculture Committee since 2021. Prior to her service on the committee, she directed communications for Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA). Her previous experience includes tenure at DDC Public Affairs and the American Legislative Exchange Council. She is passionate about agriculture and energy issues and will lend her skills and experience to Cogent’s government relations team in addition to serving public and digital communications clients.
Katie Sansone is joining Cogent from S&P Global, where for the last four years she was Associate Director of Digital Media and Public Policy. Prior to that, she served former Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) and Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) as their communications directors. She has also worked at DDC Public Affairs and at documentary startup Causeumentary. Katie has a strong portfolio of skills including risk analysis, social media management and advertising.