Laura DeFina, MD has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Cooper Institute since 2014. She joined The Cooper Institute Research Division in 2009 and has served as Chief Science Officer since 2013, where she has authored manuscripts on a variety of prevention topics, including brain health, cardiorespiratory fitness, and healthy aging. The Cooper Institute’s mission is to promote life-long health and wellness in adults and children through research and education. Our vision is two-fold: First, to spread the need for personal responsibility for mind and body wellness through peer-reviewed scientific evidence from the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study, the largest study in the world with measured fitness. Second, to assure that all children have access to quality physical education and recess as well as fitness assessment to ensure that they are gaining the health-benefits of regular physical activity. The Cooper Institute undertakes these initiatives with renowned partners including Stanford University, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center, NFL Play 60 programs, and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.

Dr. DeFina spent the three years prior practicing preventive medicine at Cooper Clinic. Formerly, she practiced Geriatric Medicine in the Baylor Senior Health Network for 10 years. Additionally, she completed her post-graduate training in Internal Medicine in the U.S. Army at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, was last stationed at Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center, and received numerous military honors including a US Army Meritorious Service medal. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from George Washington University School of Medicine where she was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

In 2013, Dr. DeFina was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas Council for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders. She served on the Prevention and Brain Health Group for the Texas State Plan on Alzheimer's disease, the American Heart Association’s Council on Lifestyle and CardiometabolicHealth Physical Activity committee and the American Council on Exercise Prescription for Activity Task Force. She has completed Leadership North Texas as well as the Stagen Integral Leadership Program and is actively involved in local and regional community affairs.

The Cooper Institute is a non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to promoting life-long health and wellness through research and education.