Keith Cooper’s 33 Years of Dedication and Leadership

Honoring a Legacy of Mentorship, Innovation, and Excellence.

After 33 remarkable years, Keith Cooper retired from McClure Engineering at the end of 2025, leaving behind a legacy built on dedication, leadership, and a passion for engineering. His journey is not only a testament to technical expertise but also to the power of mentorship, friendship, and always being ready for the next opportunity.

Origin Story: A Chance Meeting That Changed Everything

Keith’s story at McClure Engineering began unexpectedly in 1992, when a spur-of-the-moment visit to his mentor Tom McCarthy turned into a life-changing job offer. With no resume in hand, Keith was hired on the spot, launching a career that would span over three decades and make a lasting mark on the company.

Career Timeline

Keith’s remarkable journey at McClure Engineering began in March of 1992 and over the course of 33 years, he made a significant impact on the company. Serving as President from 2008 to 2018, he guided the organization with vision and dedication. Following his presidency, he took on the role of Chairman of the Board from 2018 to 2025, further shaping the direction and culture of McClure Engineering.

Project Experience

Throughout his career, Keith worked on more than 1,300 projects, logging over 38,000 hours of project time. He served more than 250 unique clients, showcasing his versatility and commitment to excellence. His experience was especially prominent in sports and recreation centers, healthcare facilities, college and university campuses, and data centers.

Professional Credentials

One of our most prolific registered engineers with registration in over 10 states, Keith also contributed to industry knowledge as a published author, co-authoring “Considering Spill Light at Campus Athletic Facilities” in Spaces4Learning in 2022 alongside Steve Dietiker.

Keith’s commitment to his profession is also evident in his active involvement with numerous organizations, including the Electrical Board of Missouri & Illinois, where he served as Chairman of the Board from 2007 to 2008 and as Treasurer from 2010 to 2016. Keith also taught grounding classes for EBMI from 2003 to 2017 and his dedication was recognized with the Michael A. Postiglione Award in 2006.

Favorite Memories from Keith’s Time at McClure Engineering

Keith fondly remembers the unforgettable personalities that made his time at McClure Engineering special, especially Tom McCarthy and Phil Sutherlin. The friendships he formed, and the stories shared over the years are among his most cherished memories. He watched the company grow from running blueprints in the kitchen to embracing new technologies like CAD and 3D scanning and moving into new buildings, while seeing colleagues return “home” to McClure Engineering. Company traditions such as float trips, chili cook-offs, the Knack award, birthday surprises, and group adventures trail races all contributed to a vibrant workplace culture. Keith took pride in witnessing McClure Engineering’s strong culture endure as the company evolved and expanded, with clients returning year after year thanks to relationships built on trust and excellence.

Why Keith Stayed for 33 Years

One of our key points of pride are the number of employees who retire with us. Keith remained with McClure Engineering for 33 years because he always found joy and fulfillment working alongside his colleagues. He shared a common vision and strong work ethic with the team, and the diversity of clients and projects ensured there was never a dull moment. Above all, McClure Engineering was a comfortable place to be—even when challenges arose, Keith relied on the talented, dependable people around him, making it easy to stay for over three decades.

Keith’s Hopes for McClure’s Future

Looking ahead, Keith hopes McClure Engineering will maintain its unique culture that sets us apart. He wishes to see more team members retire after long, fulfilling careers, which would be a testament to the company doing things right. Keith is excited to watch the next generation—many of whom started as interns—rise into leadership roles and continue the tradition. Above all, he hopes McClure Engineering keeps delivering great work for clients and the industry.

“It was a pleasure working at McClure for almost 34 years. It was a total accident that I stopped in the office in 1992 to visit a friend and walked out hired! The time flew by and I never thought of leaving.”

As Keith embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we celebrate his incredible legacy and the lasting impact he’s made on McClure Engineering, his colleagues, and the industry. Thank you, Keith, for your leadership, mentorship, and friendship. You will always be a part of the McClure Engineering family.