GEDI’S Davis Cooper retires

The Government and Economic Development Institute, or GEDI, a department of University Outreach, is wishing a fond farewell to a long-time staff member. Davis Cooper, a human resources consultant, will retire effective Aug. 1 after serving in University Outreach for the past 11 years. “Davis has been a valued member of the GEDI family. His contributions through his work advising local, county and state governments on human resource issues is to be commended. The impact of Davis’ work is seen across the great State of Alabama,” said Jeremy Arthur, GEDI Director.

Davis began working in Outreach in 2011 with the Center for Governmental Services, or CGS, and transitioned into GEDI in 2015 when it was formed. He is a Senior Certified Professional, or SCP, with the International Public Management Association for Human Resources. His outreach work provided human resources consulting services, technical assistance, and training to municipal and county governments, and other public and non-profit organizations throughout the state of Alabama. Davis’ GEDI retirement culminates a varied history of service to the country and state retiring from the Air Force in 1999, as a Lt. Colonel with over 21 years of active service as an aviator, staff officer, and commander and in 2011 with over 12 years of service with Northrop Grumman as a Senior Military and Operations Analyst. He received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University in 1977 and a master’s degree in human resources management from Golden Gate University in 1991. In 2018, Davis was a recipient of the Auburn University Spirit of Excellence Award.

“It has been an extremely gratifying opportunity to learn how state and local governments work and to serve these governments and elected officials in providing high quality products and services. The tag line on our presentations says, “Making a Difference for Alabama” and I believe we live up to that quote. The interactions with people – work colleagues, city and county officials, and other professional acquaintances, will be what I miss most in leaving this job. I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure with GEDI and am honored to have served the state of Alabama and contributed to Auburn University’s mission of Outreach.”

“Davis’ leadership to GEDI has helped us grow and truly make a sustainable impact to our land-grant mission through Auburn University Outreach. Davis will always be a part of our GEDI team and should be proud of the legacy he leaves as he moves to his next chapter in retirement,” added Arthur. Davis is looking forward to enjoying life, traveling, playing some golf, enjoying grandkids and watching Auburn athletics.

GEDI is a department of University Outreach which specializes in providing training and consulting to government agencies and employees, workers in private and non-profit businesses, elected officials and economic development professionals. Having over 35 years of experience, GEDI has established itself as a leading provider of economic development education and training in Alabama. Auburn University is also proud to serve as a Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration University Center. EDA supports universities in their mission to assist states and their economic development community through the EDA University Center program. For more information on GEDI and its programs, visit www.auburn.edu/gedi.