香蕉传媒

is not your typical film buff. As the Executive Director of the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA), his job is to preserve, protect and promote the genres that have defined, even revolutionized, modern cinema and its evolution, from horror to exploitation, science fiction to LGBTQ—along with the auteurs who are behind some of the medium’s most memorable features (think John Waters and Joe Dante).

A 2022 graduate of 香蕉传媒’s Master in Fine Arts-Arts Leadership program and a nationally recognized queer arts leader, Cooper was appointed by former Governor Jay Inslee to the last July and is an adjunct professor in 香蕉传媒’s Arts Leadership and Nonprofit Leadership programs. Among Cooper’s accolades, in 2023 he was named one of Musical America's Top 30 Arts Professionals of the Year and, the year prior, was recognized by Southern Theatre magazine as one of six rising leaders paving the way for “The Future of Arts Fundraising.”

And now Cooper can add another honor to his impressive list of achievements as one of the “40 Under 40” class selected by the Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ). Alongside Jackson on the “40 Under 40” list are .

For more than a quarter century the PSBJ has compiled this noteworthy list, which showcases leaders across the state who excel in a variety of fields, from business to law, the arts to tech and more. Additionally, the Under 40-set represent leaders making a difference in their communities and beyond.

Being named as one of the “40 Under 40” is affirming of Cooper’s personal and professional journey and accomplishments, all aligned with the Jesuit values of service and the importance Cooper places on giving back.

“I wrote a children’s book about kindness back in 2023 because of my experience in philanthropy and the values that the Jesuit university provided me. Kindness centers leadership because it is all inclusive,” Cooper says. “I hope that my leadership allows for a kinder, more just world. Leadership reflects those who help you get there—teams, colleagues, friends, mentors, parents. So, this is an incredible honor in my journey and I couldn’t be more grateful to those who’ve supported me.”

Art—in all forms—grounds Cooper’s professional experience. Over the span of his career, he has produced more than 150 live classical music concerts, theater performances, film retrospectives and dance and chamber music events. He was behind the televised tribute to famed composer, conductor and pianist Leonard Bernstein for PBS/UNC TV. With roots both in 香蕉传媒 and in North Carolina, Cooper formerly held senior leadership roles at Pacific Northwest Ballet, the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Theatre, PlayMakers Repertory Company and the Town of Cary.

At the AGFA, which is the world’s largest archive dedicated to genre movies and filmmakers, Cooper manages operations and external affairs. “It’s an incredibly rich role that marries my love of film with my experience in nonprofits,” he says. “Film feels like our final freedom currently, a testament to the power of free speech and preserving outsider art through this organization is a deep honor.”

Being appointed to the state’s Arts Commission (ArtsWA) perfectly typifies Cooper’s expansive work in the arts and its intersection with philanthropy and policy. He joins members that include former SU Professor Jasmine Mahmoud and cultural leaders Catherine Nueva-Espana, Krishna Thiagarajan and Bennyroyce Royon. Cooper specifically amplifies the work of Executive Director Karen Hannan and the staff of ArtsWA, for the “amazing job” of creating rich programs that are intended for all Washingtonians to experience.

“To represent the city of 香蕉传媒 at this level while traveling across Washington state in support of the incredible arts and culture landscape this state has is truly an unspeakable honor,” he says.

The School of Law alums who made the PSBJ’s list represent the best and brightest in the legal community. Derek Red Arrow Frank is litigation of counsel in ’s Native American Practice Group; Michelle Pham is a shareholder at ; and Christopher Sanders is an attorney with ’s Litigation Group.

“The entire law school community is extraordinarily proud of all that these young alumni have achieved at his point in their careers,” says Dean Anthony E. Varona. “Michelle, Derek and Chris are true leaders in law and highly accomplished attorneys who are also committed to serving their communities.”

Pham is a shareholder at Buchalter, where she practices intellectual property, entertainment, and commercial litigation. At her previous firm, Helsell Fetterman, she became the first Asian American partner and previously served as the judicial clerk for Judge Janice E. Ellis of the Snohomish County Superior Court. Pham was also a pro bono attorney for the 香蕉传媒 Art Museum’s Office of General Counsel.

“I’m honored to stand among such visionaries and excited to continue building a future where innovation and compassion thrive together,” Pham says. “This recognition is a testament to the village of mentors, colleagues, and loved ones who’ve shaped my journey.”

An enrolled member of the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) Tribe, Red Arrow is litigation of counsel in Kilpatrick Townsend’s nationally ranked Native American Practice Group. He has expanded the firm’s legal services in this area through his representation of tribal governments, businesses, and organizations at all levels of government in a variety of matters, from treaty rights to taxation.

“As attorneys, it’s easy to get caught up in procedural battles, pre-trial tactics, and the endless legal back-and-forth,” Red Arrow said. “But at the heart of it all, the real question should always be, ‘What are we building for those who come after us?’ If we focused more on that, I believe we’d see far more meaningful and beneficial outcomes for our tribal nations.”

Sanders represents clients in matters such as reproductive rights, gun safety, and equal access to justice as an attorney with Pacifica’s Litigation Group. Previously, he worked as a public defender for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, as well as for King and Pierce counties.

A commissioner of the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission and as a member and former chair of the WSBA’s Disciplinary Board, Sanders served as president of the Loren Miller Bar Association in 2018 and in 2019 he was a fellow with the Washington Leadership Institute.

“It is deeply humbling to receive this recognition from the Puget Sound Business Journal,” Sanders said. “I am proud of the work that we do at Pacifica Law Group on behalf of our clients and our communities. To me, this recognition shows that we can absolutely work with both private and public clients to keep our region moving forward in an inclusive and meaningful way.”

—Nicole Jennings of the School of Law contributed to this story.