Cooper is third generation in the alarm industry. His late grandfather, Russell A. MacDonnell, opened the first Sonitrol franchise in the northeast (Stamford, CT) in 1970 and is currently in the Sonitrol Hall of Fame for his vision, dedication, and passion for protecting life and property.

 Cooper’s father, Russell R. MacDonnell, is an alarm industry veteran of 45+ years and a member of the SSI Industry Hall of Fame Class 2016. He is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the security industry, founding and building several installation and monitoring businesses. He is currently Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and co-founder of Rapid Response Monitoring Services, Inc., the nation’s leading wholesale monitoring company. 

Cooper joined Eastern Security in May 2013 with a B.A. in Communications from Loyola University Maryland, where he was an All-American lacrosse player. He began his career in security in 2011, working for Rapid Response. At RRMS, he was promoted to Special Projects Manager responsible for sales, installation, and service for one client, which had 20,000+ customers throughout the country. Cooper oversees all aspects of the Eastern business, directing and coordinating all departments to meet business and growth objectives.

In 2023, Cooper successfully expanded the business into Rochester and Buffalo – now totaling four locations in Upstate New York, and launched an aggressive rebranding and social media marketing campaign. Eastern Security has been featured in the Rochester Business Journal, as well as IPVM – a major industry publication, for exposing the ongoing and irresponsible practice of alarm operators working from home. The CNY Business Journal honored Cooper as “Family Business Leader of the Year” for his accomplishments and unwavering dedication to protecting life and property in Central New York.