Be Confident with Cobalt
We’re students of science.
Because Cobalt specializes in helping science- and R&D-driven organizations, we already have a basic working vocabulary of key principles and concepts that we can leverage right out of the gate. Plus, all of our writers either have a science degree or years of experience writing about technical subjects.
We play well with others.
We understand that a variety of internal and external stakeholders, even other creative agencies, collaborate to execute your marketing communications initiatives. Cobalt takes pride in our ability to work effectively with extended teams and to provide exactly what you need, when you need it.
We’re in for the long haul.
Honestly, one-and-done projects are rare for us. The more we work with you, the more we come to know your business — and the more value we can bring. It’s why 95 percent of our clients come back for more than one engagement, and why 75 percent of our clients partner with us for at least five years.
Meet The Core Team
Cobalt is a collection of science geeks, design wonks and creative strategists. We’re a diverse group of individuals, but we have a common cause — to help our clients connect with their audiences. And then win their hearts and minds. Like many modern organizations, we extend the work of our full-time and part-time employees with a network of freelancers, partner agencies and service bureaus, with the goal, always, of bringing together the right minds and talent to solve your communications challenges.
Leslie Harris stands out as a creative problem-solver and analytical thinker. She quickly absorbs and synthesizes diverse data points to craft clear, strategic paths forward in marketing strategy and planning. Her keen understanding of how people receive, process, and respond to information enhances her ability to develop strategic communications plans and design tailored messaging for varied audiences, from employee engagement to board presentations.
Leslie has over 25 years of change management and communications experience across large, complex organizations in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and consumer packaged goods industries. Her ability to process the small details and plan for the big picture has been at the heart of decade-long relationships with clients.
When Leslie is not busy steering strategic communications, she can be found combining four different recipes into a new entity based on available ingredients (combined with allergies and dietary preferences) while listening to a science fiction novel on Audible.
Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn
Bill Harris, founder of Cobalt Communications, leverages a diverse background in his leadership role. His career began as a middle school science teacher before he transitioned to creating engaging science and technology content marketing at creative agencies. Later, he refined his communication skills at a leading global pharmaceutical company, focusing on channel communications.
In 2005, Bill established Cobalt Communications to provide science marketing services and help clients turn complex technical information into engaging and accessible content. His passion for visual storytelling soon expanded Cobalt’s services to include graphic design, enhancing the way stories are told and understood. Under his leadership, Cobalt is now a full-service science marketing agency and boasts a skilled team of designers and content creators, serving clients in industries including pharmaceuticals, biotech, specialty chemicals, and materials science.
When Bill is not busy leading the creative team at Cobalt, writing fiction, or striving to play a better F chord, he can be found looking at cloud formations, constellations, local birds, and other fascinating aerial phenomena.
Connect with Bill on LinkedIn
Lisa, a true people person and optimist at heart, has always combined her love for design with a skill for building solid relationships. Starting her career as a healthcare interior designer for a prominent mid-Atlantic firm, Lisa realized her true passion lay in connecting with people and translating their needs into creative solutions. This pivoted her to a leadership position at Orbit Integrated. As President of the B2B integrated marketing communications firm, Lisa excelled in driving sales and marketing strategies, growing the business to over $2 million in revenue.
Today, Lisa plays a pivotal role in business development at Cobalt, where she is dedicated to nurturing and strengthening client relationships. Her efforts are instrumental in advancing marketing objectives for global companies in the life sciences, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotech, specialty chemicals, and plastics sectors. Lisa’s presence is also prominent at industry trade shows, enhancing Cobalt’s visibility and engagement with key stakeholders. Her strategic approach and exceptional interpersonal capabilities are critical to strong, lasting relationships, making her an invaluable asset to the Cobalt team and an indispensable ally to its clients.
For fun, Lisa designs dramatic statement necklaces, showcasing her vibrant creativity and unique style. She lives in New York and has striking purple hair.
Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn
Science copywriting is a natural fit for Lori, who honed her skills as a science writer and editor in research journals and as a freelance copywriter for companies in the health and science sectors. At Cobalt, Lori’s writing assignments can vary wildly on a day-to-day basis as she writes content for blogs, ESG reports, advertising, email marketing, websites, and more on diverse topics for clients in industries including pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals and minerals, and biotech. Lori enjoys the challenges of translating and distilling technical information, rooting out jargon, and presenting readers with clear, polished content.
When she’s not writing, Lori seeks out sunshine and nature, enjoying restorative walks in Pittsburgh’s parks and neighborhoods.
Connect with Lori on LinkedIn
Tara is the maven of managing details while keeping the big picture in view. She brings exceptional organizational skills to her role as office manager at Cobalt. Her keen eye for detail and proactive approach to problem-solving and communication make her an indispensable team member. Tara’s background in the arts and education enhances her ability to anticipate needs and ensure seamless office operations. Over the years, she’s become a valuable trove of knowledge we rely on.
When not stage directing at Cobalt, Tara can be found taking care of her family.
Connect with Tara on LinkedIn
Mark is a dedicated designer who focuses on science-driven industries. At Cobalt, he works on various projects, including integrated campaigns, branding, website design, digital marketing, trade show exhibits, annual reports, and presentations. Mark enjoys finding creative ways to make technical content accessible and engaging. He also plays a key role on our leadership team and oversees the design of Cobalt’s website and marketing materials.
With over two decades of experience in corporate and agency environments, Mark has gained a valuable skillset in science marketing design, working in digital and traditional spaces.
Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, gardening, family trips to National Parks, and spending time with his three dogs.
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
Jess has always been driven by a passion for creative expression in all its forms. At Cobalt Communications, they excel at solving problems with artistic flair, specializing in applying design principles to science marketing.
Before joining Cobalt’s design team, Jess worked as a design consultant for a variety of independent schools, colleges and universities, and nonprofits. Prior to that, they worked at Studio-e Design, where they collaborated with a number of education and nonprofit clients, including Westover School, Princeton University, the Nantucket Atheneum, and Harvard Business School. Jess’s work has been recognized with a Grand Gold award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. In addition, they served on the board of a nonprofit farm that donates all its organic produce to food pantries around the Boston area.
Beyond their professional endeavors, Jess likes to spend time birding, knitting, and camping. You can probably find them looking at all the plants and mushrooms along a hiking trail, too.
Connect with Jess on LinkedIn
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