As the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ current International President, Kenneth W. Cooper holds the title of Chief Administrative Officer of the organization. With his appointment in 2023, the IBEW entered a new era as its leader, bringing a combination of decades of grassroots experience and remarkably successful modern governance.
Cooper started working as a journeyman wireman in 1985 after completing a four-year apprenticeship at Local Union 688 in Mansfield, Ohio. Through the use of his keen organizational abilities and uncompromising discipline, he swiftly rose through the ranks of local leadership positions, first as steward, then as vice president, and finally as business manager. Under his direction, the local accomplished extremely effective project management in the commercial and industrial construction sectors as well as noticeably better membership retention.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth W. Cooper |
| Title | International President and Chief Administrative Officer |
| Organization | International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) |
| Appointed | 2023 |
| Predecessor | Lonnie R. Stephenson |
| Career Start | 1985, Local Union 688, Mansfield, Ohio |
| Residence | Clarksburg, Maryland |
| Family | Married to Gina Cooper; five children |
| Leadership Focus | Expanding organizing efforts, strengthening benefits, and advancing labor equity |
Cooper enhanced community involvement and fortified union infrastructure while he was in Mansfield. He supported charities like the American Red Cross and United Way, co-chaired the Building Trades Council, and was the vice president of the Richland County AFL-CIO. He demonstrated an incredibly clear vision of what union leadership should stand for through these commitments: advancement based on service.
Cooper moved to Las Vegas in 2002 to work for Local Union 396 as the assistant business manager. He effectively increased the IBEW’s presence throughout the rapidly evolving Southwest by spearheading creative organizing initiatives at Nevada Power Company and a new power-generation facility in Apex. At a time when energy infrastructure was rapidly diversifying, his tactics were especially helpful. He contributed to stability in an industry experiencing technological upheaval by placing a strong emphasis on worker training and equitable representation.
His work was nationally recognized by 2006. Cooper was invited by then-IBEW President Edwin D. Hill to be the international representative for the Fourth District, which included Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Cooper’s leadership in this capacity was characterized by a hands-on approach that fostered unity and mentorship among local branches. Cooper’s leadership was both empathetic and disciplined.
He was appointed International Vice President for the Fourth District in May 2011 as a result of his consistent success. Later, in 2011 and 2016, delegates held full-term elections to further demonstrate their faith in him. Cooper oversaw the successful inclusion of 1,418 Baltimore Gas and Electric workers in 2017, one of the IBEW’s most notable organizing successes during this time. At a time when corporate labor relations were severely strained, this accomplishment was more than just an administrative one; it was a show of solidarity.
Cooper was asked to become International Secretary-Treasurer by International President Lonnie Stephenson in the same year, and the two became partners, propelling the IBEW to previously unheard-of levels of organizational and financial expansion. The National Electrical Benefit Fund increased from $13.9 billion to $16.1 billion under Cooper’s leadership, with an average return of 7.2%, which put it in the top tier of pension performance in the country. These outcomes demonstrated Cooper’s data-driven accuracy and economic vision, as they were noticeably faster than the average growth rates of comparable funds.
He oversaw the IBEW’s $650 million infrastructure and private equity investments during his time as Secretary-Treasurer, which proved to be incredibly successful in creating jobs and long-term income. Cooper’s ability to combine practical finance with the common good was evident in this two-pronged approach, which improved the union’s financial stability while fostering national economic expansion.
Cooper’s leadership was more than just numbers. He advocated for the Butch Lewis Act, which protected multi-employer pension plans for millions of working people, and became a vocal supporter of retirement security. His initiatives in this area demonstrated how union leadership can cut across industry boundaries and impact national policy, which is especially creative for a labor movement adjusting to the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Cooper inherited responsibility and legacy when he was named International President in 2023. Modernizing training, increasing participation in renewable energy, and establishing inclusive pathways for the upcoming generation of electricians have been his clear priorities. He is equipping members to prosper in the face of swift advancements in automation and sustainable technology by placing a strong emphasis on technical education and apprenticeship programs.
The scope and reach of the IBEW’s initiatives have significantly increased under his leadership. An electrical workforce prepared for future innovation is being shaped by new collaborations with clean energy firms and academic institutions. Younger members, who see Cooper as a mentor pointing them in the direction of long-term stability in a changing industry, have particularly benefited from his leadership.
The 775,000 members of the union in the US and Canada greatly value his leadership style, which is based on humility and teamwork. He is frequently characterized by colleagues as being very dependable, personable, and thoughtful. Whether speaking to a convention or a small group of apprentices, his communication is always incredibly clear and centered on the empowerment of the group rather than on individual benefit.
In contrast, Cooper’s practical yet caring leadership style places him in line with other influential union leaders, such as Liz Shuler of the AFL-CIO, who also emphasize flexibility, inclusivity, and a forward-thinking outlook. He is demonstrating that unions can be both historically based and technologically sophisticated by taking consistent action that is redefining what it means to be a labor organization leader in the digital age.
There are societal ramifications to his contributions as well. The need for qualified electrical workers has increased significantly as industries shift more and more toward smart-grid and renewable infrastructure. Cooper’s direction guarantees that workers are trained to become experts in innovation rather than being replaced by it. He is producing a generation of technicians who are exceptionally equipped to handle the challenges of the future by integrating advanced technology curricula and bolstering apprenticeship networks.
Cooper’s strategic vision has made the IBEW a highly adaptable organization that upholds its century-old goal of worker dignity while embracing sustainability, equity, and advancement. His leadership is still having an impact on the future of organized labor as well as the larger discussion about equitable employment, financial stability, and technological inclusion.
More than just a professional achievement, Kenneth W. Cooper’s ascent to the position of Chief Administrative Officer of the IBEW is a tribute to his tenacity, foresight, and dedication. By reminding members that progress is best accomplished collectively, through integrity, preparation, and purpose, his leadership exemplifies the harmony between tradition and change. His rise from a local apprentice to the top position in the union is a striking illustration of how willpower and community-focused leadership can shed light on even the most challenging career paths.
