WASHINGTON (Sept. 28, 2022) – Cogent Strategies, a certified woman-owned small business specializing in government relations, communications and digital & research, today announced that seasoned public affairs strategist Lisa Camooso Miller has joined the firm as a managing director. For more than two decades, Camooso Miller has served as a senior communications, public affairs and advocacy advisor to CEOs, administration officials, governors, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, other members of Congress, and Republican Party state and national officials. She will maintain her relationship with Reset Public Affairs.
“I am thrilled to be welcoming such an accomplished and dynamic political communicator to the Cogent team,” said Cogent CEO Kimberley Fritts. “Lisa’s unique understanding of the intersection between media, advocacy and politics will be an invaluable asset to Cogent clients, and her inroads with top media outlets will only deepen our firm’s reach to key reporters. With experience in issues ranging from defense to energy, Lisa is an immediate value-add to Cogent’s expansive roster of public affairs clients. I am excited to welcome Lisa to Cogent and pleased that she is joining our team alongside recent government relations hire Anthony Mitchell and our newest digital & research team member, Grace Wankelman.”
Most recently, Camooso Millar advised corporate executive teams on developing and implementing communications and advocacy strategies that capture the attention of top national and Beltway media. She has worked with a Fortune 500 company to beat back an unfair and historic government contract; exposed hypocrisy in procurement for one of the largest defense contractors; highlighted the lack of security and privacy in the home share economy for a brand-name hospitality client; and built a targeted statewide outreach program for members of the media and public on behalf of an energy advocacy organization. A native of Asbury Park, New Jersey, Camooso Miller served under two New Jersey governors and participated in the recovery and rebuilding efforts following the September 11 attacks.
“Cogent Strategies is known for integrating lobbying and public relations to produce winning campaigns for clients,” said Camooso Miller, who also is the creator and host of the podcast, The Friday Reporter. “When efforts to communicate are aligned with efforts to advocate, we can achieve legislative and regulatory victories. I’m excited to join Cogent and work with this talented team to continue to deliver success for clients.”
In addition to Camooso Miller, Cogent welcomed Associate Anthony Mitchell and Digital Associate Grace Wankelman to its growing team.
Mitchell, a former Cogent fellow, will support the firm’s government relations team in the areas of energy, technology, healthcare and non-profit clients. He brings to Cogent previous experience serving his hometown mayor, city clerk and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, working for the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) and interning for Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA).
Wankelman is joining Cogent’s digital & research team, where she will pair her keen understanding of social media with her passion for graphic design. She is the co-founder of the Do Better Campaign, a non-profit that promotes gender equity and violence prevention in higher education, and previously worked with the Giffords Foundation and several political and advocacy efforts, including Gov. Jared Polis’ (D-CO) 2022 campaign and the Feminist Majority Foundation 2020.