COG ANALYTICS - Key Persons

Frank J. Vocci

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Founding Partners and Management Committee
  • President of Friends Research Institute / Senior Research Scientist

Jami L. Obermayer

Job Titles:
  • Founding Partner
  • Member of the Founding Partners and Management Committee
  • Senior Research Scientist

Jan Gryczynski

Job Titles:
  • Founding Partner
  • Member of the Founding Partners and Management Committee
  • Senior Research Scientist

Michele L. Hipsley

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Founding Partners and Management Committee
  • Chief Operating Officer of Friends Research Institute
Ms. Hipsley began her association with FRI in 1986 in an administrative role at one of the organization's service programs, Epoch Counseling Center. During her career with FRI, she was recruited by the corporate office and held positions at the corporate level in the accounting and human resources departments. She was promoted to the Director of Administration position in 1996 and currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer of FRI. Ms. Hipsley is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of FRI with respect to personnel, policies and procedures, budgetary controls, and various other aspects of the organization.

Steven B. Carswell - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner
  • Member of the Founding Partners and Management Committee
  • Senior Research Scientist
Research Interests Dr. Carswell's research focuses on the relationship between individual, social, and community risk and protective factors and the incidence and prevalence of youth and adult involvement in health-compromising behaviors. He has experience developing and evaluating behavioral intervention programs aimed at preventing and/or reducing youth and adult involvement in delinquent and criminal activities, illicit substance use, and risky sexual behaviors. He conducts grant reviews for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and manuscript reviews for prominent journals. Currently, Dr. Carswell's work is focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of technology-based interventions designed to improve substance abuse treatment including software programs, web-based platforms, and mobile applications. In 2012, Dr. Carswell co-founded COG Analytics (COG) with Drs. Obermayer and Gryczynski and Friends Research Institute (FRI), to develop technology-based interventions designed to promote human health and reduce health disparities in disadvantaged populations. As Managing Partner of COG, Dr. Carswell is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the small business. In addition to his work at COG, he is also Vice President (VP) of FRI. In his position as VP, and in collaboration with the President, Medical Director, and Chief Operating Officer, he is jointly responsible for the oversight and management of FRI. He assists in the development of short and long-term strategic plans, policies, and procedures designed to improve FRI's research, clinical, and grants management infrastructure.