John Cooper

John Cooper is a recognized human services leader known for developing a strategic vision and following through to achieve results. John has an extensive human services background with management and performance improvement experience. He is a results-oriented leader that uses an integrated approach to implementing management systems and internal processes to drive organizational excellence. He believes in strong community and external stakeholder partnerships with a focus on collaborative networking to achieve desired outcomes. In July, 2015, John was presented with the Jim Strayer Leadership of Excellence Award from the Florida Coalition for Children.

John was appointed as the Department of Children and Families Assistant Secretary by Secretary David Wilkins in August of 2011. He served as the DCF Regional Director for Central Florida for four and half years prior to the appointment. John has worked for the Department of Children and Families in several different capacities; starting as a child abuse investigator, supervisor and manager, Deputy Director of the Florida Abuse Hotline, and District Operations Administrator.

John is active in his community and serves on several local boards and coaches youth sports. He coached girls fast pitch softball, boys little league, and flag football. He is married and is the proud father of two girls and two boys. John enjoys outdoor activities with his children; boating, white water rafting, and swimming.

John was born in Pennsylvania and later moved to Florida earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Florida State University and served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer.