About Us

Cogent staff and Associate partners offer over 150 years of experience across the spectrum of pre-clinical and clinical development, from both the sponsor and supplier perspectives. Cogent’s leadership includes:

Mark M. Engelhart
Partner & Chief Executive Officer
Mark has over 25 years experience in General and Commercial Management in the Pharmaceutical and Drug Development Industries, including positions with Bayer Pharmaceutical, Abbott Labs, Covance, Quest Diagnostics, and Esoterix – Tandem Labs. Mark has extensive experience across the continuum of drug development and commercialization, from pre-clinical and clinical development through post-approval marketing and sales. He has held leadership roles in the global central lab, biomarkers/esoteric testing, informatics (IVRS/IWRS), bioanalytical, immunoanalytical, toxicology, central imaging, and cardiac safety domains. His career experience includes P&L based General Management, business, product, and service strategy, product and service commercialization and branding, sales management & operations, and project management. Mark received a BA degree in Biology from Gettysburg College.

Jay E. Zinni
Partner and Chief Operating Officer
Jay has over 15 years experience in the global Clinical Trial Diagnostics industry, including positions with Smith Kline Beecham and Quest Diagnostics. Jay has extensive experience and knowledge of the global central laboratory, esoteric diagnostic testing, clinical trial logistics, and biostorage domains for clinical trials. He has held executive level positions within the commercial & client service, bids & contracts, business analysis, business excellence, process improvement, and financial areas. Jay maintains Six Sigma Green Belt & Lean certifications. Jay received a BS degree in Marketing from West Chester University and an MBA from The Pennsylvania State University.