According to Georgia Coffey, deputy assistant secretary for the
Office of Diversity and Inclusion in VA's Central office, Dr. Cooper was
selected based on his commitment to mentoring students with
disabilities and to enabling VA and the University of Pittsburgh to
better support Veterans with disabilities.
Winners of the Diversity and Inclusion award must strive to build a
diverse, high-performing workforce that reflects all segments of
society; to cultivate a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work
environment that leverages diversity and empowers all contributors; and
to facilitate outstanding, culturally-competent public service and
stakeholder relations through effective leadership and accountability.