Susan Byrnes

Ms. Susan Byrnes is a strategic communications executive dedicated to creating global social impact. With a background in journalism, she has leveraged her expertise to engage audiences, bring attention to inequality, and showcase innovative solutions. Serving as the Chief Communications Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ms. Byrnes leads the foundation's global communications strategy and manages both internal and external communications teams. She kicked off her career as a journalist, working for Italian national television, The Los Angeles Times, and later becoming a reporter, columnist, and editorial board member at The Seattle Times. Ms. Byrnes possesses a diverse skill set ranging from brand and reputation management, global media relations, and digital strategies to impact measurement, employee communications, and opinion writing.