When I hike in Washington’s National Parks, my mind and spirit are restored by the sensory feast that awaits: the smell of wild flowers, the tranquility of the forest, and the awe-inspiring majesty of the snowcapped mountains. I am grateful to live near these magical parks and humbled to be part of an organization dedicated to secure the enjoyment of the parks for generations to come.

Despite spending most of her adult life on the east coast, Susan believes she was destined to live in Washington, saying the Pacific Northwest has “always beckoned.” Her family’s vacations have centered on traveling to national parks, with many fond memories made while hiking all over the Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier, and the Cascades. Now avid hikers themselves, Susan is proud that her children will pass the love of our national parks to the generation that follows.

Susan earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota and a J.D. from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. For the past twenty years, Susan has worked in higher education philanthropy, most recently as Director, Principal Gifts with Boston University. Susan is thrilled to merge her fundraising skills with her passion for the national parks to ensure the parks remain accessible for all to enjoy for years to come.

Get to know Susan by reading her Q&A.