Aaron Cohen
Aaron is the President of Arena Strategies. When he founded the company he paid homage to his political mentor Teddy Roosevelt by adopting his motto, to ‘Dare Greatly.’ He found out early that carrying a big stick is good but a sharp axe is more effective. He cuts through the clutter to achieve his clients’ goals.
Considered one of the preeminent strategic and political thinkers today, his counsel is sought by CEO’s, elected leaders, and policy makers. It is his belief that in this information driven society liner models do not work you must include multiple variables, tangents, and innovations when you plan.
As President of Arena Strategies, Aaron has developed dozens of successful strategies for his clients. Applying a unique approach to achieve each client’s goals has set the company apart and has given Arena a reputation of excellence. In developing the Arena Strategies model, Aaron, has never believed that you pick clients based on their size but rather the size of the client’s vision.
Aaron is responsible for creation and implementation of the company business plan, client development, and coordinating all strategic activities on behalf of clients. Since starting the company in 2005 Arena Strategies has become an industry leader in business development and government affairs.
He is an innovative leader serving successfully in leadership positions for Coca-Cola, Franklin Quest, and the Project Management Institute.
Aaron has successfully served as campaign manager and consultant to dozens of candidates from Governors, State Row Officers, United States Congressmen, State Senators, State Representatives, District Judges, Township Commissioners, and School Board members. He has managed hundreds of employees and volunteers and has created some of the most successful campaign strategies that have won incredibly difficult races.
Through his political and business experiences Aaron has developed a unique national network. His network of political and business leaders provides Arena Strategies’ clients unparalleled opportunities to execute their goals.
Aaron Cohen received his BA in Political Science from the George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. He received his MA in Government from the Fels School of Government- University of Pennsylvania.
Service and community involvement have always been important to Aaron. Since 2012 he has served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board of Greater Philadelphia, and Chair from 2015-2018. He now serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Pennsylvania Blockchain Coalition, Truist Bank‘s Community Advisory Board and is the designee of Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity to the Pennsylvania Community Development (PCD) Bank. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Grand Cru Society of the Union League of Philadelphia.
Aaron believes in being a person who pursues their passions. For him this includes collecting and enjoying wine (WSET Level 2 Award in Wines), travel, cooking and history. He and his wife Priscilla travel extensively, and always find time to enjoy the people they meet and learn about the culture where they are visiting.