Susan Connelly is a highly accomplished communications and public affairs professional with a diverse background in government relations and corporate communications. With degrees in MBA, Finance, General from Suffolk University - Sawyer School of Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature/Letters from Saint Anselm College, she has honed her skills in managing complex projects and leading successful teams.

Susan's career journey takes her from her early days as an Office Manager at Roche Bros. Supermarkets to her current role as Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer at Darden, a leading restaurant company that owns and operates over 1,800 restaurants worldwide. Before joining Darden, Susan was the Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs at the same company, where she managed all external and internal communication, media relations, executive positioning, and government relations efforts. She also held various positions at Darden, including Vice President, State and Local Government Relations, Senior Director, State and Local Government Relations, and Director, State and Local Government Relations, where she was responsible for promoting and protecting the company's interests with regulatory and legislative bodies at the federal, state, and local levels.

Susan's expertise in government relations extends beyond Darden. Before joining the company, she worked as Government Relations Manager at McDonald's USA and Director, State Affairs at Grocery Manufacturers Association, where she was in charge of developing and implementing the association's state advocacy strategy. Additionally, Susan served as the Chief of Staff, Judiciary Committee at Massachusetts House of Representatives.