Meet Dan Cooper, Board President

Dan joined the NECC in 2017 , in order to workout in the pool, on the advice of his physical therapist. Dan found a group of people who supported each other and made his workouts rewarding both physically, mentally and emotionally. Dan also came to realize and enjoy the way others had found “their people “ while taking advantage of what the Center has to offer.

Dan joined the board in December 2024 at a time when the Center had been experiencing considerable instability, and was subject to considerable uncertainty. Dan thought he could help bring stability and support to the effort to make the center sustainable and to encourage the sense of community that Dan had experienced.

Dan is a retired attorney. Dan was the General Counsel for Metro for 25 years before retiring in 2012.

Dan is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Columbia University Law School. Dan served on the Board of Reach Community Development for 17 years, including two terms as President.

At Metro Dan often worked with local community organizations and agencies.

Dan migrated to Oregon from New York City in a U Haul van in 1972. Dan has run the Portland Marathon 12 times and the Hood to Coast Relay 25 times. Dan has climbed Mt St Helens. Dan and his wife Sandie have 8 grandchildren. The smell of caramel corn makes him sick.