Pamela Coker
West Region Chair
Pamela Coker, Ph.D., is a corporate leader in the field of artificial intelligence, software and integration services. In 1988, she co-founded Acucorp, Inc., a San Diego-based company that modernizes software business applications written in COBOL, and, as president and CEO, she steered the company into a global enterprise serving customers in 100 countries. After Acucorp's sale in 2007, Dr. Coker joined a team of four CEOs who provide software consulting and interim executive services under the name DaggerBoard Advisors.
Dr. Coker began her career in academia, most recently as an assistant professor for Claremont Graduate University in the field of cognitive psychology. In 1979, she left the university to take the helm of Integrated Research & Information Systems Inc., and went on to co-found Computer Cognition, Inc., serving as its president and director of research from 1983 to 1988.
For her considerable achievements, Dr. Coker has been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners (San Diego chapter) and one of the "Top 100 Influential Alumni in the first 50 years of the University of California, San Diego." California Business has ranked her among the "One Hundred Execs Who Make a Difference," and, under her leadership, Acucorp was named one of "America's Fastest Growing Private Companies" by Inc.
Dr. Coker was admitted to C200 in 1998 for her inspirational role among female executives, and is currently on the Membership Committee. She has served on an array of professional and non-profit boards, among them the Torrey Pines Children's Liberal Arts Foundation, the San Diego Chapter of the International Forum for Corporate Executives, and California Innovation Network.
A graduate of University of California, Dr. Coker holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology (Irvine), and a bachelor's degree in psychology/mathematics (San Diego).
Pamela has a grown son, Loren. She lives in Del Mar, CA with her sweetheart, John Walls.