Project Description

Shan Cooper is chief transformation officer of WestRock, responsible for leading the company’s efforts to develop the capabilities and processes needed for growth. In addition, she leads the company’s procurement, logistics, information technology and recycling operations.

Prior to joining WestRock, Cooper served as vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. As general manager, she was responsible for the 6,000 employee operations in Marietta, GA, Meridian, MS, and Clarksburg, WV, which design, produce, modify and maintain military aircraft for the U.S. and countries around the world. Marietta programs include the C-130J Super Hercules, P-3 Orion, C-5M Super Galaxy and F-35 Lightning II.

In 2015, Cooper was named Georgia Trend Magazine’s Most Respected Business Leader, as well as one of the Women of the Year by American Association of University Women. For five consecutive years (2012–2016), Cooper was named one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s Most Influential Georgians; and in 2013 she also received the Pioneer Award from U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology Magazine.

Cooper serves on the board of directors of Georgia Power Company; is chair of the board of councilors for The Carter Center; is a trustee of  Emory University and the Woodruff Arts Center, and on the board of the Technical College System of Georgia, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, and is a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club.

Shan earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and religion from Emory University and a master’s of business administration from the Roberto Goizueta Business School of Emory University. She is also a graduate of the Rutgers Global Executive Master’s in Human Resource Leadership program.