Susan Byrnes

Susan Byrnes is a strategic communications executive with extensive experience in global social impact work. She currently serves as the Chief Communications Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a role she has held since June 2020.1

Professional Background: Throughout her career at the Gates Foundation, Byrnes has held several key communications roles:

• Director of External Communications (March 2017 - June 2020)
• Director of Program Communications (January 2009 - November 2013)
• Deputy Director of Global Development Communications (October 2007 - December 2009)1

Previous Experience: Before joining the Gates Foundation full-time, she worked as:

• Principal at SBB Communications (September 2003 - October 2007)
• Vice President at GMMB
• Editorial writer and columnist at The Seattle Times
• News producer at Rai - Radiotelevisione Italiana S.p.A.1

Professional Focus: Byrnes is committed to global social impact, with expertise in:

• Communications strategy
• Media relations
• Global development issues
• Crisis planning
• Brand management1

Education and Languages:

• Educated at Brown University
• Languages: English (native), Italian (elementary), French (limited working proficiency)1

Current Status: As of November 2024, she recently announced her plans to transition from her role after 15 years at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.2