Ken Cooper

Ken Cooper has over 20 years of work experience in various roles related to risk management, claims consulting, and customer service. Ken is currently working as the Director of Risk Strategy at Western Growers since September 2016. Prior to that, they worked at USI Insurance Services from 2013 to 2016, starting as a Claims Consultant and later becoming a Regional VP Claims Consulting. At USI Insurance Services, they served as an outsourced risk manager for clients, monitored claims, and facilitated partnerships with insurance carriers/TPAs. Before that, they worked at ESIS as a Senior Claims Representative in 2012, where they worked closely with policyholder risk management departments and facilitated negotiations and settlements. From 2003 to 2012, they worked at State Compensation Insurance Fund as a Workers Compensation Claims Adjuster, managing a diverse caseload and providing HR support. Ken also co-founded Prancing Pet Services in 2008, where they served as the Business Operations Manager and increased customer base through marketing and networking efforts. Ken's earlier work experience includes working as a Customer Service Representative at World Savings from 2000 to 2003, where they provided front-line services to banking customers, and as an Executive Assistant at the American Red Cross of Ventura County from 2001 to 2003, where they implemented technology infrastructure and assisted with strategic planning. Ken started their career as a Store Manager at Great Earth Vitamins from 1998 to 2000, where they exceeded sales goals and managed business procedures.

Ken Cooper has a strong educational background in business administration. Ken earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Business Economics from California Lutheran University, completing this program from 1998 to 2002. Later, they pursued higher education and obtained an MBA degree in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge, completing this program from 2003 to 2007.

In addition to their formal education, Ken Cooper also holds various certifications related to their field. These include the GAPS01 - Implementing GAPs: A Key to Produce Safety certification from eCornell, obtained in May 2017. Ken also holds the California Agricultural Safety Certificate Program from AgSafe, earned in March 2017. Furthermore, they obtained the FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food Certification from the International Food Protection Training Institute in October 2016. Ken Cooper has demonstrated a commitment to occupational safety with the OSHA 10 Hour General Industry Certification obtained from 360training.com in January 2016.

Ken Cooper's expertise extends beyond business administration and safety protocols to insurance services. Ken earned various certifications in this field. These include the Associate in General Insurance (AINS), Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), and Associates in Risk Management (ARM) certifications from The Institutes. The ARM certification was obtained in November 2012, while the AINS and AIS certifications were earned in March 2014 and February 2014, respectively. Ken Cooper also holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) certification from The Institutes, obtained in December 2020. Ken is also licensed as a Property & Casualty Broker-Agent with the California Department of Insurance, obtaining this license in July 2013. Additionally, Ken Cooper has the Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) certification from the International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI), earned in July 2020. Lastly, they hold the Self-Insurance Administrator's Certification from the California Department of Industrial Relations, which was obtained in May 2011.