Lisa Dedden Cooper Email & Phone Number

National Council of Dementia Minds (NCDM) is the nation’s first 501c3 nonprofit organization founded and governed by persons living with dementia, and my role is to help them succeed and grow. NCDM is committed to overcoming stigma and empowering people to live well with dementia, providing hope, connection, strategies and resources developed by and for people living with dementia. To date we have provided educational opportunities to over 20,000 people in all 50 states and 14 countries.

Manage AARP Michigan’s staff and volunteer Advocacy Team to deliver on AARP’s legislative and social impact goals. Responsibilities include hiring and managing staff, maintaining content expertise, strategic planning, budget management, building and serving on coalitions, and telling the story of AARP’s work. Recognized as a policy expert in brain health, family caregiving, and long term care. Developed AARP’s Ethel’s Place™ memory café model. Publications include AARP’s Dementia Resource Guide for Individuals and Families (2023); Home at Last: The Historic Opportunity to Transform Michigan's Long Term Care System Using One-Time Funding (2021); Consumer-Focused, Cost Effective Long Term Care for an Age-Friendly Michigan (2012); and AARP Michigan's annual state legislative agenda. I also serve as Co-Chair of the Michigan Dementia Coalition and was the primary author of the 2019-2022 Roadmap for Creating a Dementia Capable Michigan.

Worked with internal and external partners to advance AARP’s mission to spark healthier brains across the lifespan. Represented AARP on the CDC Healthy Brain Initiative Community Linkages workgroup in the development of the Healthy Brain Initiative: State and Local Road Map for Public Health, 2023–2027. Provided presentations at national conferences, engaged global brain health equity experts, and developed dementia caregiving resources for AARP state offices.

Supervised a staff of 8 full-time district office employees plus interns in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Coordinated federal appropriations requests, communicated with constituents, and collaborated with community stakeholders, local units of government, and state and federal agencies on behalf of Congressman Mark Schauer.

Managed legislation and policy for Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer. Advised on strategy and tactics, provided content expertise, and led legislative workgroups on behalf of the Minority Leader.

Elected in 2000, 2002 and 2004, I served 3 terms representing south Lansing on the 16-member Ingham County Board of Commissioners. My leadership roles included chairing the Finance Committee and the Human Services Committee.

Advised the Democratic members of the Michigan House of Representatives under four successive House Democratic Leaders regarding policy, procedural and personnel matters. Primary issue areas included mental health, family and civil law, and appropriations for the state Department of Community Health.

I provided pre-paid general legal services to several thousand clients with a specialization in estate planning, senior and disability issues.

J.D., Law

A.B., Economics & Psychology