EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Currently serving as the Washington County State’s Attorney, Gina received her Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University, Douglass College and her Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School.
She began her career in Washington County as an Assistant State’s Attorney in 1994 and was promoted to Deputy State’s Attorney in 2015. Gina was appointed to her position of State’s Attorney by the Circuit Court Judges in 2021, and elected State’s Attorney in 2022.
Her career began in child support enforcement and quickly moved to prosecution of child abuse cases. She assisted in the development of Safe Place, a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center located in Hagerstown, MD, committed to providing support to victims of child abuse. For ten years, Gina handled child abuse prosecutions while also prosecuting all felonies, specializing in felony sexual assault crimes. She continues that specialization today.
Gina prosecuted her first homicide in 1996. That same year, she tried the first DNA case in Washington County in a child abuse case; at that time only the second case like it in the State of Maryland. She has handled approximately 50 homicides and conducted nearly 300 jury trials to date. In addition to her administrative work, she continues to serve as a trial attorney.
Gina has testified before the Maryland legislature four times over the course of her career and is slated to testify in the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session for two bills that will strengthen criminal laws in the State of Maryland. She drafted the first criminal child neglect statute and was instrumental in creating new laws in the Maryland appellate courts and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Gina is married to Jeff Cooper, a retired police officer of 37 years. She has two children and one granddaughter.
Board Memberships
- Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association, Member
- Maryland State Board of Victim Services, Member
- Washington County Local Management Board, Member
- Washington County Narcotics Task Force, Member
- Safe Place – The Child Advocacy Center, Executive Board Member
- Girls, Incorporated, Past President – current Emeritus Member
- Girls, Incorporated Foundation, Board President
Community Involvement
- Child Abuse Awareness Month
- Victims’ Rights Walk
- United Way Day of Caring
- Muddy Mamas (fundraiser for Girls, Inc.)
- Gordy Lynn Memorial Golf Tournament
- Girl Scout Leader 2007 – 2020