Remembering Cyber Industry Leader Mark Cohn

Mark Cohn, former chief technology officer of Unisys Federal Systems and leading cybersecurity industry executive, died July 14.

He will be remembered during memorial services and a celebration of life July 26 at 1 p.m. at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, Maryland.

Known as an exemplary leader, partner and mentor in the industry, Cohn began his 34-year career at Unisys Federal Systems in 1985 as a senior systems programmer.

During the later part of his career, he supported initiatives such as the Defense Department’s Counterintelligence Field Activity, the Transportation Security Administration’s Registered Traveler pilot and the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT Exit system.

Cohn also devoted his time to various public-private partnership forums, including the defense industrial base cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection; AFCEA International’s Technology Committee serving the defense, homeland security and intelligence communities; and the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center.

“Mark Cohn was a true patriot,” said Tom Suder, president and founder of ATARC. “He cared deeply about the mission of government. I know the lessons of 9/11 were never far from his thoughts. He worked on a lot of important systems at that time that help protect this country today. Mark and I worked together on the Digital Government Strategy effort. He brought the necessary ‘gravitas’ that legitimized and ultimately led to a successful effort. I will miss his dry humor. Definitely an original!”

Throughout his career, Cohn was recognized numerous times for his for success.

He received the highest awards obtainable at Unisys, including the organization’s top engineering and global sales awards. And according to The Washington Post, the Unisys Associate of the Year award has been renamed the Unisys Corporation Mark L. Cohn Lifetime Achievement Award in Cohn’s honor, the highest accolade at the global company.

At WashintonExec, Cohn is also remembered as a founding member and chair of the first WashingtonExec Emerging Technologies Council. His thought leadership within the community is unmatched, and he was instrumental in helping build and expand WashingtonExec’s programs and membership.

Cohn’s sense of humor and witty moderator abilities, whether at 7 a.m. or 7 p.m., were always greatly appreciated by those who had the opportunity to engage with him.

“Mark was instrumental in the early-years success of WashingtonExec,” said JD Kathuria, founder and CEO of WashingtonExec. “Not only was he an expert in a variety of industry issues; his passion for the greater good was often prominent in roundtable discussions. Mark always took it upon himself to be available to those who might be in need of mentorship, guidance, or just have questions about the federal procurement process. A truly charismatic leader, we look forward to celebrating his life for years to come.”

Mark leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Cindy, two children and five grandchildren.