The Cooper Foundation has appointed Sam Parker as vice president of advancement, bringing a dynamic leader in public service, strategic partnerships, and community engagement to support the organization’s continued philanthropic growth.

“Cooper continues to grow as a leading academic health system, and philanthropy plays a critical role in shaping that future,” said Philip A. Norcross, Esq., chairman of The Cooper Foundation Board. “Sam’s leadership and commitment to public service will help deepen our connections across the region and expand the reach of philanthropy in meaningful and lasting ways,”

Parker joins The Cooper Foundation following her service as deputy chief of staff to Governor Phil Murphy, where she helped lead high-level strategic initiatives and coordinated cross-sector partnerships spanning government agencies, business leaders, and community organizations. In that role, she played a key part in advancing statewide priorities, navigating complex policy and stakeholder environments, and strengthening relationships across New Jersey’s civic and economic landscape—experience that will directly support her work building philanthropic partnerships.

In her new role, Parker will work to expand donor engagement, strengthen corporate and institutional partnerships, and advance initiatives that deepen Cooper’s connection to the communities it serves. The Vice President of Advancement is responsible for cultivating high-impact external relationships and advancing strategies that grow philanthropic investment while helping to embed the Foundation more deeply within the region.

“Sam brings a unique combination of strategic insight, relationship-building expertise, and deep understanding of our region,” said Lisa Morina, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer of The Cooper Foundation. “As we continue building momentum and expanding our impact, her leadership will help us strengthen partnerships and unlock new opportunities to support the patients and communities we serve.”

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Cooper advances Project Imagine, its multi-phase health sciences campus expansion—one of the largest investments in Camden County’s history. As philanthropic priorities continue to grow alongside this expansion, Parker will play an important role in engaging partners and aligning support to help shape the future of care across the region.

“I am honored to join The Cooper Foundation at such a transformative time,” said Sam Parker. “I look forward to working alongside this team to strengthen partnerships, engage our community, and help drive the philanthropic support that makes extraordinary care possible.”

About The Cooper Foundation
The Cooper Foundation supports Cooper University Health Care by inspiring philanthropic investment to advance patient care, research, education, and community programs. Through the generosity of donors and partners, the Foundation is helping shape the future of health care in South Jersey.
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About Cooper University Health Care

Cooper University Health Care is a leading academic health system affiliated with Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Cooper, headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, has revenues of more than $3 billion and an A+ credit rating from both S&P and Fitch Ratings.

Cooper has nearly 14,000 team members, including more than 2,200 nurses, more than 1,200 employed physicians representing 95 specialties and subspecialties, and more than 700 advanced practice providers.

Cooper operates MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper as well as three hospitals – its 663-bed flagship Cooper University Hospital in Camden, its 229-bed Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House, and Children’s Regional Hospital in Camden.

Cooper University Hospital in Camden is the only Level 1 trauma center in South Jersey and the busiest in the region. The hospital has been recognized as a top-performing regional hospital by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals annual survey for six years.

More than 2.54 million patients visit Cooper’s facilities annually. Cooper’s ambulatory network encompasses three outpatient surgery centers, seven urgent care centers, a wound care center, and more than 130 physician, physical therapy, and radiology offices extending from the Delaware River to the New Jersey shore.

Cooper was named one of America’s Best Large Employers for 2026 by Forbes, ranking among the top 200 in the nation. Visit CooperHealth.org to learn more.

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