Project 21’s Keith Cooper serves as the President and CEO of One Core Consulting (OCC) LLC. OCC specializes in providing structured support for start-up and small aerospace businesses in the U.S. commercial and government market spaces.
Prior to One Core Consulting, Keith served in three top defense companies working in numerous roles varying from senior manager to senior vice president. During this time, Keith was interviewed by numerous worldwide publications regarding the pilot shortage, wrote articles on pilot training and spoke on veterans’ panels to corporations supporting wounded warriors and addressing veterans’ issues.
Before Keith entered the corporate world, he served in the military, retiring as a Colonel following his tour in Iraq during OIF 2. He is a graduate of the Army’s Airborne and Ranger Schools. His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal and Bronze Star, and he is a three-time recipient of the Legion of Merit.
Keith is an avid pilot with an Airline Transport License. He is a volunteer pilot for both Angel Flight, a 501(c)(3) organization that serves people in need by arranging charitable flights for health care or other humanitarian purposes, and Pilot N Paws, which involves flying animals designated for kill shelters to foster and adoptive care. Keith also supports and volunteers for SBP in their effort to rebuild homes after natural disasters.
A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Keith holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering from West Point, a Master’s of Science in Mathematics from the Colorado School of Mines, a Master’s of Business Administration and a Master’s in National Security Strategy.