Leadership and strategy to inspire action.

Passionate about social change, I lead teams, build programs, set strategy, and coach leaders for nonprofit, public health, and mission-driven organizations.

Services

  • Strategy

    Strategy

    Change management
    Organizational development
    Strategic planning
    Stakeholder engagement
    High Performing Teams

  • Project Management

    Program Development

    Launching programs
    Leading teams
    Designing workflows
    Creating infrastructure
    Workforce development

  • Coaching & Training

    Executive coaching
    High Performing Teams
    Presentation skills
    Storytelling
    Workshops & webinars

  • Communications

    Communications

    Messaging
    Branding
    Communications plans
    Storytelling
    Employee & patient engagement

  • Fields of Expertise

    Fields of Expertise

    Public health
    Nonprofits
    Philanthropy
    COVID response
    Community clinics

Read stories about recent projects
Suzanne Samuel photo

With over 25 years’ experience in community and public health, nonprofits, philanthropy,  and education, I blend strategic thinking with a practical approach. I partner with social change organizations to lead teams, launch programs, navigate change, build capacity, and inspire action.

Read More About Suzanne

Clients

Clients and employers include:

I’m struck most by how she listens…

I’m struck most by how Suzanne listens. Her ability to fuse salient ideas after lengthy conversations is remarkable. She consistently simplifies discussions and translates all those words into relevant, real-world action. To work with Suzanne is to work with someone who understands the joy and trials of organizations with a mission to serve. More importantly, she shares a kinship with the people who bring those organizations to life. This keeps her away from theoretical advice and instead grounds her guidance in our everyday work. If you have the chance, work with her. You will be better for having done so.

Lisa Davies, CEO
Chapa-De Indian Health

Balances structure and flexibility…

The amazing thing about Suzanne is the balance she holds between structure and flexibility. She has great interpersonal and relationship-building skills. With other people, I’d feel uncomfortable, but Suzanne’s style allows me to be transparent. It’s a testament to how she shows up and what she brings. Coaching offers me a space to continue my own development and grow as a leader. Because of Suzanne, I put my learnings into action much more quickly—to the benefit of not just my career but also my organization and community.

Arnali Ray, Chief of Strategy and Programs
Saban Community Clinic

Enabled us to become stronger leaders…

Would I work with Suzanne again? In a heartbeat. As Coach to the Alameda County Community Food Bank’s 14-person Directors’ Team, Suzanne’s work has enabled us to have more honest and transparent communication, improved decision-making processes, and more fun as a team. Our meetings are more productive, with new procedures she helped us build, a larger diversity of people participating, and better ability to have healthy conflict. Suzanne’s sensitivity to group dynamics, commitment to letting all voices shine, and wealth of expertise enabled us to become stronger leaders—both as a team and individually.

Erick Lovdahl, Director of Operations
Alameda County Community Food Bank

Envious of the team that works with her next…

As Suzanne’s manager at College Track, I’m envious of the team that has the opportunity to work with her next! Suzanne left a lasting impression on every piece of work she touched. She led our COVID-19 communications strategy, which earned her praise org-wide for transparency and sensitivity. Suzanne’s dedication to continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and taking a personalized (yet efficient) approach made a tremendous difference.

Heather Berkley, VP Strategic Initiatives
College Track

Finds innovative solutions to challenges…

A wonderful thought partner in developing strategy and is skilled at finding innovative solutions to challenges, working with Suzanne is such a pleasure. She brings enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism to each project she supports. Her contributions significantly improved reach and impact.

Peggy Hilden, Director, Health Care Education Management
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan

Process as positive as the product…

Suzanne helped our foundation set the strategy for one of our biggest projects of the year. She did a great job tying everything together in a cohesive, well thought out plan that reflected people’s input, felt manageable, and was grounded in reality. This is not a report that will sit on the shelf. The process was as positive as the product. As a result of her work, staff are on the same page and our path is much clearer. I highly recommend Suzanne.

Amanda Flores-Witte, Communications Officer
Kenneth Rainin Foundation
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