Board Member Spotlight: Gregg Cooper

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Gregg Cooper
Managing Director
STIFEL, Institutional Equity Sales

What is your background? What is your current occupation?

I spent most of my early and high school years in Ft.Wayne, Indiana. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad, where I studied Accounting and started my career in the field post-graduation.  A few years later, I earned an MBA from The Wharton School and spent the next decade in a variety of roles including management consulting, software product management, and wireless strategy.  In 2006, I joined STIFEL’s Institutional Group in Baltimore, serving asset managers in a sales/account management capacity — I continue in this role today.

When and why did you join the CSF Board of Directors? Do you have a favorite part of being a member?

I joined the CSF Board in early 2020.  After attending a CSF event as a guest of a former colleague and Board Member, I was inspired by the organization’s mission and all of the incredible young leaders that it has touched and continues to support.  I later offered to help with future events and initiatives which led to an invitation to join the Board.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to join your industry?

There are many career paths in the field of Finance.  Regardless of which path a young person takes, I would recommend 2 things:  embracing uncertainty and engaging in continuous learning.  While I believe that these are important in most fields, the dynamic nature of Finance makes them critical.

Can you share a book or resource that has influenced your approach to business?

One of my favorite business books is The Goal by Eli Goldratt.  It is a business and management-focused book that drives organizations toward continuous improvement.  I believe it generally stands the tests of time in business and in life.