Cumberland County is in the heart of Virginia’s Central Piedmont, about a 40 minute drive from Richmond, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg.  The County is home to 9,000 residents and includes part of the town of Farmville, which is home to Longwood University and Hampton-Sydney College. 

Michael Cooper (BA ‘01, MPA ‘07) coordinates all economic development activities, manages capital projects, and oversees the grant administration program.  In addition, Michael facilitates the County’s tourism and marketing initiatives.  He also serves as the County representative in various tourism and economic development organizations. 

Some recent activities include: additions to the County’s Riverside Industrial Park; the renovation of a historic jail, to be used as the County's museum and visitor center; the development of the County's new community center, which includes a Southside Virginia Community College center, along with plans for a business incubator and YMCA or similar recreational programming; and overseeing the Cobbs Creek Reservoir project, a multi-jurisdictional water supply source to be constructed in the northern part of the County; and the extension of the County's public water system in the Courthouse district.

Michael began his professional career with Henrico County, where he first served as a Planning Technician before holding the positions of County Planner and Commercial Assistance Planner.  During his time at Henrico County, Mr. Cooper reviewed residential and commercial plans of development and coordinated local and state incentives for the County’s Enterprise Zone program.

Michael and his wife, Kate, currently reside in Goochland County.