Hi, I'm Chris Gittings, based in Moorestown, New Jersey.
Cogent Connections
I'm the President of Cogent Connections, a company I started in 2020 that specializes in helping businesses build meaningful, long-term relationships with strategic partners, acquisition targets, potential hires, and prospective clients. What sets us apart is our focus on genuine, value-added connections rather than superficial networking.
At Cogent Connections, I've developed and oversee a comprehensive portfolio of professional networking events: virtual networking calls, business owner peer advisory meetings, intimate dinner socials, sauna and cold plunge socials, networking karaoke nights, and broader community events. These aren't typical meetups, they're carefully curated experiences designed to foster authentic professional relationships.
Research and Clinical Background
My foundation in understanding human behavior comes from research and clinical work that began during my university years. I spent nearly a year as a Research Assistant at Case Western Reserve University in the Laboratory for the Study of Emotion, Motivation, and Self-Control, working with Dr. Heath Demaree on how emotional triggers influence decision-making.
During summers I expanded my research portfolio at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, focusing on localizing TUNAR long non-coding RNA using fluorescence microscopy, contributing to research on CHARGE syndrome and potential interventions for hearing loss. I presented my findings through the NeuroSURP program.
Some of my most rewarding professional experiences came from working as a Behavioral Therapist at Cleveland Clinic during two consecutive summers. I worked with children ages 6 to 9 who had ADHD, ODD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder through a 10-week summer treatment program, designing customized behavioral therapy programming, monitoring medication efficacy, and developing home strategies with families.
My Approach
Whether I'm working with research data, supporting children and families, or helping businesses forge strategic partnerships, my approach centers on understanding human behavior and motivation at a deep level. Genuine connections, personal or professional, are built on authentic understanding, consistent support, and creating environments where everyone can succeed.
People building community
Ben Hoffman runs cityHUNT, where his team designs scavenger hunts and team-building events. Cheryl Ann comes at community from a wellness and public health background, which gives her events a different feel than the usual networking mixer. Khurram Naik hosts a podcast on the legal recruiting world and has a sharp eye for how professionals connect. Brian Lee Nash has been running a criminal defense practice in Nashville for over 15 years. And John Brandes has spent decades in sales recruiting and hiring.