The following biographical sketch was compiled at the time of induction into the Academy in 2009.

 

Angus R. Cooper II is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cooper/T. Smith Corporation, headquartered in Mobile and one of America’s oldest and largest stevedoring and maritime-related firms.

Born March 28, 1942, in Mobile, Cooper graduated from University Military School in 1960. After earning a bachelor of science degree from the University of Alabama in 1964, and after serving in the Coast Guard, he joined the family business that his grandfather had founded some sixty years earlier. Under his direction in the years to follow, Cooper Stevedoring experienced tremendous growth, successfully competing internationally with some of the biggest maritime firms in the world. Cooper/T. Smith has operations on all three U.S. coasts, in Central and South America, and in Canada. Cooper currently serves on the boards of directors of Whitney National Bank of New Orleans, the National World War II Museum, the Coast Guard Foundation, Crescent Towing & Salvage Company, the Gulf Coast Conservation Association, the University of Alabama, and the Red Elephant Club. He is a member of Who’s Who in U.S. Companies, Young Presidents’ Organization, World Business Council, New Orleans Business Council, World Trade Center, Chief Executives Organization, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Senior Bowl Committee, Mobile Arts & Sports Association, and Eastern Shore Art Association. Cooper is a former co-chairman of the Mobile Area United States Olympic Committee. He has served as chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans and as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank, Alabama Dry Dock & Shipbuilding, Mississippi Valley Bulk Exporters Council, Boy Scouts of America, Children’s Hospital, and various other civic organizations.

His outstanding leadership skills and commitment to excellence have brought numerous industry awards, recognitions, and honors. Cooper received the Transportation Award from the College of Commerce and Business Administration at the University of Alabama in 1995. In 1998, he received the World Trade Club Award. In 2004, he received the Bank One Junior Achievement Award. In 2005, he was chosen as a Role Model for the Young Leadership Council, and named “Maritime Person of the Year 2005” by the Propeller Club of New Orleans. In 2007, he received the 14th International Maritime Hall of Fame Award.

The father of four children – Carol Elizabeth, Angus III, Scott, and Claire Ellen – Cooper enjoys his family and friends.

​