Leadership and strategy to inspire action.

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

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, and build capacity. In short, I turn a vision into reality.

Clients

Clients and employers include:

Excels in program strategy, building teams…

Suzanne is amazing. She excels in program strategy, building teams, and developing systems. Her skills at collaboration and forging partnerships make all the difference. She demonstrates her passion for health equity by working with others across the organization and advocating for inclusive and representative products. Suzanne led her CDPH team to deliver a lot of amazing success in the state’s public health response to COVID-19. I’m grateful to have had her on my team.

Holly Howard, Program Director, CA Connected

California Department of Public Health

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

Had 4 great managers and Suzanne is one of them…

In my many years in the workforce I have had around 4 great managers and Suzanne is one of them. In the time I have worked under her she has enhanced my skills and abilities. Suzanne has impeccable communication skills which have created positive relationships and accountability with staff and leadership. Suzanne doesn’t just direct, she takes the time to explain and get our input. We know she has our back. The team appreciates how she makes sure they feel valued as people and the individual time she takes to talk about their career paths and ambition. Suzanne is highly professional and has an innate ability to serve others and her community without question. I wholeheartedly recommend Suzanne for whatever endeavor she chooses, as she is an asset wherever she goes.

Nicole Farrar

LifeLong Medical Care

Do not need to change who I am to be an effective leader…

Suzanne’s coaching has enabled me to understand, and accept, that I do not need to change who I am to be an effective leader. Every adjustment we’ve discussed has been reasonable and achievable, allowing me to see change happen quickly. Suzanne’s toolbox is impressive! For any question I have or barrier I face, she has a tool readily available to support me. Her organizational development consulting on staff and patient engagement has helped our clinic tremendously. Through Suzanne’s partnership I have become a more effective leader. Thank you Suzanne!

Muriel Nouwezem, CEO

Saban Community Clinic

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

More honest communication, and more fun…

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

Services

Strategy

Strategic planning
Change management
Organizational development
Stakeholder engagement
High Performing Teams
Program Development

Launching programs
Leading teams
Designing workflows
Creating infrastructure
Workforce development
Coaching

Executive coaching
Team development
Storytelling
Presentation skills
Effective meetings
Workshops & webinars
Communications

Facilitation
Messaging
Branding
Storytelling
Employee & patient engagement
Expertise

Public health
Community health
Nonprofits
Philanthropy
Education
Healthcare