Commerce, GA – The Banks County Board of Education welcomes Eli Cooper as the newest member to fill the seat vacated by Shane Roberts, Post 5, who stepped down on May 24. Cooper will serve in this position during the remainder of 2024 until a special election is held in November 2024.
Eli Cooper has lived in Maysville and Banks County since he was two years old. His educational journey began at Maysville Elementary, and he transitioned to the Banks County school system in third grade, graduating in 2001. Cooper was actively involved in athletics, wrestling, football, and baseball during high school, eventually focusing solely on baseball.
Following his high school graduation, Cooper attended Athens Technical College for two years, studying architectural and mechanical drafting. While attending Athens Tech, he returned to Banks County to assist Coach Michael Williams with the varsity baseball team as a community coach for two years. After completing his studies at Athens Tech, Cooper began working at Classic Powder Coating, a family-owned business on the east side of Athens. In 2008, he became the business manager, and in 2017, he invested in and bought half of the business from his stepfather. Cooper has been the sole operator and manager since then and continues to lead the company today.
Eli Cooper married his wife Ashley in August 2005. They have three children, all of whom have attended or will attend Banks County schools. Their eldest, Cam Cooper, is a Banks County High School senior, participating in baseball, football, and wrestling. Their daughter, Tenley Cooper, is a sixth grader at Banks County Middle School and plays on the middle school softball team. Their youngest, Emersyn Cooper, will attend the Banks County pre-kindergarten program.
Cooper's dedication to the community is evident through his extensive volunteer work. He began coaching at the Banks County Recreation Department when his son, Cam, was four years old, starting with tee ball in 2010. In 2012, he founded a nonprofit local travel baseball organization, "Country Wide Baseball," providing local kids opportunities to compete at a high level without extensive travel. After seven years, Cooper shifted his focus to the Banks County School system, contributing to the baseball program as a community coach for the past five years. His roles have included coaching at the middle school, junior, and varsity levels. He will also assist with the varsity softball team alongside Coach Rhett Carol next school year. Additionally, Cooper led the USA wrestling program for Banks County High School from 2010 to 2018 under Coach Kasey Hanley.
Cooper expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education. "After talks with the current administration and a few board members, I am blessed to have this opportunity to see what all I can bring to the table as a part of the Banks County School Board of Education. This is a new journey in my life, and with that, I'm sure a huge learning curve will come, but I'm ready to endure the challenges at task!"
Cooper will begin his appointment during the June Board of Education meeting.