Jean Cooper

Education: MBA from the Lokey School of Business at Mills; B.A. in Government from Mills College

Recent projects include: Buck Insitute for Education, Emerald Cities Collaboration, MIT CoLab, Memphis Public Library and Information Center, Canal Alliance (present), San Francisco Foundation, Buffett Early Childhood Institute, Community Housing Partnership (CHP)

Personal interests include: Showing horses, cooking, gardening, live music, and traveling

Jean Cooper is an independent nonprofit consultant specializing in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, systems change management, program design, and evaluation. Jean’s work is centered on the development of effective workforce development programs that serve vulnerable populations, including reentry, homeless or at risk of homelessness, and high-risk youth. Jean has a special knack for translating strategic vision into effective mission-driven programs that support transformational change. 

Jean is currently the Acting Chief Finance and Operations Officer at GLIDE, having served previously as Chief Impact & Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff. Her career at GLIDE began in 2005, as Program Manager for the Daily Free Meals program. She became Director for Community Building and then Strategic Initiatives. 

Prior to GLIDE, Jean worked as a research and analysis consultant for projects including East Oakland Neighborhood Revitalization Project and several transit-oriented housing developments, and as a forensic auditor of bond measure capital projects.

Jean earned her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Government from Mills College and her MBA from the Lokey School of Business at Mills. Jean is a passionate nature lover and equestrian.