About Kevin Cochrane

Personal Background

Kevin Cochrane is a passionate advocate for Fort Lauderdale, where he has made his home and dedicated himself to improving the community. After graduating from Stanford University, Kevin founded his first company, Interwoven, at the age of 24, taking it public just three years later. Interwoven was instrumental in helping organizations build their first Internet, intranet, and eCommerce websites, setting the stage for Kevin’s successful career in the technology sector.

Following his time at Interwoven, Kevin joined Day Software, a public Swiss software company, where he served as Chief Marketing Officer. At Day Software, Kevin played a key role in transforming the company into a global Internet powerhouse. His leadership was pivotal in the company’s success, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Adobe Systems. At Adobe, Kevin continued his work as a visionary leader, creating the Adobe Marketing Cloud, a comprehensive suite of tools that revolutionized digital marketing.

Kevin’s impressive career didn’t stop there. He went on to serve as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for SAP Customer Experience, where he led global marketing efforts to enhance customer relationships and drive business growth. Currently, Kevin serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Vultr, where he is responsible for building the company’s global brand presence across 23 locations worldwide. Kevin’s extensive experience in the tech industry, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, has made him a key figure in shaping the future of digital marketing and cloud technology.

Outside of his professional life, Kevin is an avid marathon runner, active in Fort Lauderdale’s running scene. In 2018, he completed an extraordinary feat by running 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days—even conquering the icy terrains of Antarctica. This year, aside from running for office, Kevin will be participating in the Big Six Marathons – having completed Boston in April, his next races include Berlin, London, Chicago, New York this Fall, and Tokyo in Spring.

Community Activism

Kevin’s deep love for Fort Lauderdale extends beyond his professional achievements. He has been a tireless advocate for the community, fighting to protect the city’s character and quality of life. One of Kevin’s notable contributions was his leadership in opposing a controversial development project by AHF, which violated city zoning and threatened to alter the character of several neighborhoods. Through persistent efforts, Kevin organized a group of concerned residents, leading to a successful outcome with AHF not moving forward with its project.

In addition to this, Kevin founded and led the Save Snyder Park group, mobilizing over 1,000 residents to sign a petition against a proposed development that would have compromised one of Fort Lauderdale’s most cherished greenspaces. His commitment to preserving the natural beauty and recreational spaces of the city is unwavering.

Kevin has also been a vocal advocate for clean water and infrastructure improvements. He was instrumental in organizing the “We Float We Vote” clean water boating protest, raising awareness about the pollution plaguing Fort Lauderdale’s waterways. Furthermore, when the city’s infrastructure began to collapse due to poor planning and overdevelopment, Kevin spearheaded a petition that gathered 15,000 signatures, compelling the City Commission to take action and address these critical issues.

Economic Development and Business Leadership

Beyond his activism, Kevin is deeply involved in Fort Lauderdale’s economic development and business community. He has been a driving force in the Fort Lauderdale Tech Meet Up since its inception, a monthly gathering that brings together over 1,000 entrepreneurs from the area. This event serves as a hub for innovation, fostering collaboration and generating business opportunities that contribute to the local economy. Kevin’s involvement in the Tech Meet Up highlights his commitment to creating jobs and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Fort Lauderdale forward.

In addition to his work with the Tech Meet Up, Kevin has also served on Fort Lauderdale’s Economic Development Board. In this role, he has worked to attract new businesses to the area, support local entrepreneurs, and ensure that Fort Lauderdale remains a vibrant and prosperous place to live and work. By nurturing the next generation of tech leaders and business owners, Kevin is helping to build a stronger, more resilient economy for the city.