Randy Cooper steps down after 52 years with Wichita Falls Boys & Girls Club

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Randy Cooper is stepping down from his role as CEO of the Wichita Falls Boys & Girls Club after 52 years of service to the community.

More than 50 community members joined in on Cooper’s retirement party, bringing gifts and high spirits as they reflected on his long history with the nonprofit.

Cooper has led numerous projects during his half-century with the club, including the new Eastside Boys & Girls Club facility that opened earlier this year.

Cooper said he felt the time was right to step aside.

“Especially after 52 years, you realize it’s time to go, to turn the reins over to someone that is younger than you, to someone to move the organization forward. And when you have the best interests of an organization, you’ll know when it’s time to go,” Cooper said.

Cooper also shared how his relationship with the club first began.

“I joined as a kid, learned to swim in that swimming pool that operates today, played football in the program, attended special events, Christmas parties, Halloween parties, did other things, and it made an impact on me as a youngster,” Cooper said.

Cooper eventually grew up and took on the role of helping kids himself. One former club member, Cara Sauceda, said Cooper has shaped the lives of many.

“I think that he has laid such a foundation for future success for this organization. And not just this organization, but countless amount of lives, countless amount of young people who wouldn’t be who they are today as grown-ups without the influence of Randy Cooper,” Sauceda said.

Though he is stepping down, Cooper said he plans to remain active with the Boys & Girls Club.

Rachel Wolff will take over as the new CEO beginning Dec. 8.