ABOUT US
Cogito Government Solutions is a powerhouse small business that brings top-tier communications talent, high-level government experience, and a relentless client focus to federal agencies.
Our mission is to provide the highest-quality services possible. We succeed at this because of the skills and integrity of our staff and subcontractors, our commitment to going the extra mile for our clients, and our passion for integrating the newest innovations in our industry into practical, measurable, and cost-effective solutions.
We provide a range of capabilities to our federal customers, including strategic communications, marketing, and digital services that help federal agencies reach, engage, educate, and influence their target audiences. Our solutions are reflective of the innovative work that our team is doing, and we strive to consistently develop high-quality solutions to address the nation’s toughest challenges.
Our team members bring years of experience in government operations and strategic communications to bear in support of customer goals. At Cogito Government Solutions, we believe that creative and data-driven solutions are the best way to build trust to improve lives.
Our Team
Jennifer M. Sprague - Hilderbrand
Owner and Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer M. Sprague-Hilderbrand is the Owner and CEO of Cogito Government
Solutions. She is a recognized leader in the Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise with more than 22 years of experience spanning federal government, law, policy, and strategic leadership. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for navigating complex governmental and regulatory environments, fostering public-private partnerships, and helping organizations achieve ambitious strategic objectives.
Prior to joining the private sector, Jen spent two decades with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), serving in a variety of senior leadership, legal, and policy roles. As an attorney-advisor, senior advisor, and policy analyst, she provided counsel on major legislative initiatives, regulatory compliance, public-private partnerships, environmental information services, data rights, technology transfer, and strategic planning. Her work contributed to significant policy developments, including the reauthorization of the Weather Act and the formation and advancement of NOAA's Weather-Ready Nation initiative.
Jen led the creation of the National Weather Service's first Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBES) portfolio, helping integrate social science into weather operations and decision-making. Throughout her federal service, she was repeatedly selected for high-profile leadership roles, including serving as Acting Attorney-Advisor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff, Portfolio Manager, and Branch Director. Jen began her federal career in the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Jen excels at convening diverse stakeholders, building high-performing teams, and developing trusted relationships across government, industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations. Her collaborative network includes federal agency leaders, congressional staff, business executives, researchers, and other key decision-makers throughout the public, academic, and private sectors.
Jen earned her Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law, a Master of Arts in International Service from American University, and a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from Florida State University. She is a member of the Bar of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
Michael Petrucelli
Chief Operating Officer
Our COO, Michael Petrucelli, has over 25 years of management and operations experience in both government and the private sector. Michael is a skilled relationship builder, with extensive experience cultivating relationships with funders, stakeholders, elected and appointed officials, and community members in order to support growth. He has a demonstrated track record of improving quantitative and qualitative results, particularly in early and middle-stage dynamics, and larger integration efforts.
Michael’s experience in senior leadership roles at various government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S Department of State, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States, has provided him with a deep understanding of government affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. In his private sector roles as a senior executive of a number of prominent government contracting firms, Michael has been responsible for the operational performance of all contracts, including those with civilian agencies, U.S. Department of Defense agencies, and the intelligence community. In addition, Michael has deep experience in overseeing the business development function and developing corporate strategy and has also participated directly in acquisition and merger activity in the government contracting space.
Michael’s experience in both the private and public sectors provides him with a unique perspective on how to bridge the gap between government and its stakeholders. His leadership and management expertise will be invaluable in helping Cogito Government Solutions develop and implement innovative strategies to enhance communication and engagement.
