Christine Cooper, Ph.D.

Vice President

Christine Cooper is Vice President of the Economics and Policy Analysis Group of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). In this capacity, Dr. Cooper designs, manages and conducts research studies on regional issues undertaken by the Analysis Group, such as economic impact studies, regional industry analyses, economic forecasts, and issue studies related to the L.A. County Strategic Plan for Economic Development. Her fields of expertise include development economics, environmental economics, regional analysis, and urban sustainability.

Prior to joining the LAEDC, Dr. Cooper was a co-founder of a start-up computer company in Hong Kong concentrating on equity transactions software and computer accessories manufacturing, which expanded production into the special economic zone of Shenzhen, China and distributed products throughout the United States and Asia. With her business partner, she also established the first authorized Apple Computer retailer in China. She has been a lecturer at California State University, Long Beach and at the Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business and Management.

Dr. Cooper is a citizen of the United States and of Canada. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Southern California. With funding from the National Science Foundation, she earned a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Engineering in Sustainable Cities. Her current research includes industry cluster determination and performance in the regional economy, commuting and job allocation patterns, and regional general equilibrium modeling.