David Ferris

Enigma
DISC Type : Dic

Vice President, Americas and Global Public Sector at Cohere

McLean, Virginia, United States

Overview

David is a Growth and Business Development Executive at Cohere, driving the adoption of AI within the Americas and the Global Public Sector. A US Army veteran with a background in intelligence and special operations, he holds a Public Policy Certificate from Harvard and is a certified Project Management Professional.

His two decades of military service, including multiple combat tours, fuel his focus on applying cutting-edge technology to solve critical challenges. People who have worked with him describe him as a trusted advisor who consistently adds value to any engagement.

He specializes in integrating advanced technology within the national security apparatus of the United States and its closest allies.

Personality Overview

Persuasive & Assertive

Challenger

Fast Follower

They are generally strong communicators and are not easy to convince.  They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing  They are likely to ask many questions and look heavily for supporting proof as well as information.

Topics They Care About

AI for Government
His current role at Cohere focuses on bringing enterprise-grade AI models to public sector and critical infrastructure industries in North America and allied nations.
National Security
His career, including roles at Pallas Advisors and Lion Federal, has centered on technology integrations within the US and allied defense and intelligence communities.
International Alliances
He frequently posts about partnerships with international entities, including German defense firms and Canadian cybersecurity centers, to solve complex global challenges.

Media Appearances

Cohere Dave Ferris Testimony 3-25-25. Featured in U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee

See Now

Work History

2-2025
Vice President, Americas and Global Public Sector at Cohere
2-2024 - 2-2025
Vice President of Sales at BLACKBIRD.AI
2-2022 - 2-2024
Director, Global Public Sector & Strategic Alliances at Interos Inc
1-2021
Principal and Advisor at Pallas Advisors
11-2020 - 2-2022
Principal at Lion Federal

Education

2019 - 2019
Public Policy Certificate from Harvard Kennedy School
2015 - 2018
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from The Open University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 23 Location : McLean, Virginia, United States Job Level : Senior Designation : Vice President, Americas and Global Public Sector at Cohere
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Insights For Selling To David

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘clear evidence’, ‘data-based results’ etc.
  • Let them lead the discussion, create opportunities for them to speak if they are not very forthcoming
  • Use a combination of data as well as stories for your pitch, a ppt might not be necessary

DONT's

  • Don’t try to rush them into a decision, provide all necessary information first
  • Don’t rely excessively on your relationship with them to win the deal even if you come to form one
  • Avoid making offhand commitments, understand the root of their concerns first

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with David is

  • Proven value, strong objective evidence are important for them, rapport can impact decisions a little.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from David

  • They are practical and friendly, but can give a clear response with a little prodding

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will David move?

  • They like to be detailed, so unless they develop strong conviction, they can take their time to arrive at decisions
  • Can David take some risk or not?

  • They evaluate their decisions systematically and do not take risks that often, unless you can get them to develop strong conviction

You And David

Personality Compatibility


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