Michael Cooper

Michael Cooper has a diverse work experience in the golf industry. Michael started their career as the Head Golf Professional/Manager at Tampa Sports Authority/Rogers Park Golf Course, where they successfully turned around the golf operations from a loss to break-even budget. Michael then served as the Director of Golf Operations at Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, overseeing the construction and opening of a new golf course.

Following that, Cooper founded and served as the Executive Director of Urban Junior Golf, a community-based youth golf program. Michael grew the program from 20 participants to nearly 500 before partnering with the Tampa YMCA. Cooper also worked as a Senior Program Director at Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, where they led the YMCA Urban Junior Golf/The First Tee of Tampa Bay program and increased its annual budget and participant numbers.

Cooper's experience also includes working at World Golf Foundation as the Director of Diversity, where they developed and implemented diversity training modules for the organization. Michael later joined The First Tee as the Regional/Outreach Director, managing multiple chapter locations and the National School Program initiative.

Cooper has also worked as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Springfield College - Tampa Bay and held roles in Diversity & Business Development at OAI Inc. Visual Branding. In their most recent position, they are the President/Owner of Urban Golfer, LLC, advocating for diversity and inclusion in golf and promoting activities in under-served markets.

Throughout their career, Cooper has been actively involved in various organizations and committees, including the Advocates Pro Tour, African American Golfers Digest (blog), Golf 20/20 Diversity Task Force, Hillsborough County Public School District Task Force, National Black Golf Hall of Fame, and Women of Color Advisory Committee.

Michael Cooper earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organizational Leadership & Youth Development from Springfield College - Tampa Bay. The start year and end year of their education are not provided.