Kathleen Bell Cooper

After her governmental stint, Cooper became a director, including chair of the board, for the Williams Companies. She continued that role into 2020.

She became dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of North Texas in 2006.

In 2001, Cooper was confirmed as the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs at the United States Department of Commerce. This was her first and only political appointment and governmental role. She held the role until 2005.

She became chief economist for Exxon in 1990, then expanded her role when Exxon merged with Mobil Oil and led the Economics and Energy Division.

Cooper spent 9 years at the United Banks of Colorado after her masters degree, and was promoted to chief economist. She moved on to led the Economic Department at Security Pacific National Bank in 1981.

Cooper was a part-time lecturer during her time at United Banks around 1980.

Cooper graduated in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington, and one year later with a master's degree.

Dr. Kathleen Marie Bell Cooper (born 3 February 1945, Dallas, Texas) is a corporate economist and former governmental economist who has worked for companies such as ExxonMobil and Security Pacific National Bank as well as being in leadership for such groups as the National Association of Business Economists. She is currently a director for the Williams Companies. She was the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs at the United States Department of Commerce during part of George W. Bush's presidency.

Kathleen Bell was born to parents Ferne Elizabeth (McDougle) Bell and Patrick Joseph Bell in Dallas, Texas, in 1945. She married Ronald James Cooper at age 20. The couple had two sons, Michael and Christopher, in the late 70s and early 80s.