Our Team
Executive Director
Mary-Ann Baldwin
Mary-Ann Baldwin, Executive Director of The Cooper Charitable Foundation, has a long story of serving non-profits and advocating for causes such as housing affordability, transit, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mary-Ann started her career as a journalist after graduating from the University of Rhode Island, her home state. In the past, she has served as a marketing and communications professional in the health care, engineering, construction and legal fields, as well as professional sports. She also served as Executive Director of the Carolina Hurricanes Kids ‘n Community Foundation and the Holt Brothers Foundation, which supports children who have a parent with cancer.
Additionally, she has served on a number of non-profit boards including Artsplosure, Communities in Schools of Wake County, the Wake Tech Foundation and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, as well as on the Board of Trustees at GoTriangle and William Peace University.
Mary-Ann’s passion for positive change led her to co-found two non-profits: Youth Thrive, which was dedicated to student success, and Innovate Raleigh, which served as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in our region.
Now as the Executive Director of the Cooper Charitable Foundation, Mary-Ann continues her mission to make a meaningful impact. Her leadership is a driving force behind the foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities in North Carolina.
Our Board
Founder
John Cooper
John Cooper is the president of Cooper Tacia General Contracting Company, the founder of the Cooper Charitable Foundation, an active board member of the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors and the former chair of Haven House Services board of directors, a non-profit whose mission is to keep youth safe, supported and successful.
Raised in Sanford, NC, Cooper attended North Carolina State University from where he graduated with an engineering degree in construction management. His entrepreneurial spirit, discipline and determination led him to become a successful business owner while in parallel, his background and family heritage made him a natural philanthroper and a community leader.
If you meet John, you will soon find yourself smiling or laughing. His chihuahua pug Fred will most likely be around, and they will be both looking sharp and doing cool things to make people’s lives better.
Board Member
Mary Pierce
Mary serves as the Executive Vice President of Accounting and Corporate Controller for Cooper Tacia Industries, Inc.
In this role, she oversees the accounting and human resources functions not only for the general contracting firm, but also for all of its sister companies.
As a member of the senior leadership team, Mary plays a key role in setting strategic direction and organizational goals. Her deep expertise in construction accounting, insurance, and compliance with federal and municipal contracts makes her an invaluable asset to the continued growth and success of the company.
Board Member
Scott Stamey
Scott is Executive Vice President and Atlanta Division Manager at Cooper Tacia General Contracting, where he leads commercial and industrial construction projects across the Southeast.
With a background in engineering and two decades of experience in project management, he’s passionate about building both strong teams and lasting relationships. Scott earned his mechanical engineering degree from NC State and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Midtown Atlanta.
Originally from North Carolina, he now lives in Atlanta with his family, and he enjoys mentoring young professionals and supporting local causes that invest in people and community.
Board Member
Stacie Deluca
Stacie’s journey has been shaped by the strength and love of her single mother. Inspired by her upbringing, she developed a deep empathy for women and families navigating similar paths. Guided by the kindness others have shown her, Stacie lives by the motto “pay it forward” and is passionate about making a lasting impact.
A 2010 graduate of Virginia Tech with a BS in Management, Stacie now supports the Cooper Charitable Foundation team from her home in Virginia Beach, where she lives with her family. She’s especially driven to find meaningful ways the Foundation can help mothers and children build strong, happy futures.
Board Member
Scott Mackey
Scott Mackey is a dedicated and passionate advocate for housing stability and community development, serving as a board member for The Cooper Charitable Foundation. With a wealth of experience in Commercial Banking, Scott brings a unique perspective to the board, combining strategic leadership with a deep commitment to community service.
Throughout his career, Scott has demonstrated expertise in fundraising, program development, governance, or financial management, making him a valuable asset to the organization. Scott has a strong track record of working collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders to drive impactful change in the community.
Beyond his professional role, Scott is actively involved in Rotary International, furthering his commitment to social good. His vision and dedication to improving the community for all help guide the strategic direction of the charity and ensure its long-term success.
Board Member
Stefanie Empie
Stefanie’s story is a powerful example of how kindness can change a life. Raised in a single-parent, low-income household, she experienced firsthand how the compassion of others can open doors—whether it was a grant that funded an extracurricular activity, a friend’s family who welcomed her into new experiences, or a free transit pass to get to her first job.
“The kindness of others changed the trajectory of my life by giving me an opportunity to see beyond my circumstances,” Stefanie shares. “It taught me to work hard, be grateful, and always pay it forward.”
Now serving on the board of the Cooper Charitable Foundation, Stefanie is honored to give back in meaningful ways. She lives in Virginia Beach with her family, where they love finding new adventures together. Professionally, Stefanie brings over 16 years of experience at a national company, currently serving as an Organizational Development Manager.
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