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Susan Gordon
Senior VP and Chief External Affairs Officer at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Professional Background
Susan Hayes Gordon is a seasoned professional with a remarkable 29-year tenure at the renowned Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, formerly known as Children’s Memorial Hospital. In her current prestigious role as Senior Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer, she is a critical member of the senior management team. In this capacity, she provides expert advice to the CEO on essential legislative and regulatory affairs at local, state, and federal levels of government. Her focus on advocacy and policy is vital to enhancing the well-being of children throughout the community.
Susan's responsibilities extend beyond strategy and advice; her team is instrumental in fostering and developing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Their efforts are geared towards building awareness and promoting participation among various constituencies, which is fundamental to improving health outcomes for children and ensuring the preservation of vital government funding. As the administrative leader for Lurie Children’s Healthy Communities initiative, Susan is committed to aligning the hospital's objectives in public health and clinical care with the community's needs, aiming for maximum measurable impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Education and Achievements
Susan's academic background is as impressive as her professional career. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University, where she majored in Political Science and French. Susan's dedication to education is further illustrated by her immersive study abroad experience at Notre Dame’s program at L’Universite Catholique de L’ouest in Angers, France, during her sophomore year.
To bolster her skills in the field of management, Susan pursued studies in Strategic Marketing Management at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. This combination of political science, language proficiency, and marketing acumen provides her with a unique perspective and skill set that greatly benefit her role at Lurie Children’s.
Previous Experience
Before rising to her current role, Susan honed her communications and marketing skills in various capacities. She worked as a Senior Account Executive at Ketchum Public Relations in Chicago, where she developed her expertise in strategic communications. Furthermore, her experience on the Scheduling and Advance team for the 1984 Mondale for President campaign provided her with invaluable insights into public relations and political advocacy. Additionally, her role as a communications staffer at Control Data Corporation in Minneapolis helped to shape her understanding of the intersection between government relations and community engagement, which she employs in her work today.
Leadership & Community Engagement
Susan's leadership is not confined to her professional roles; she is also a pillar within the Chicago community. Since 1999, she has been a Fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago, an organization dedicated to developing and inspiring leaders in the community. Her commitment to civic involvement is further showcased through her active membership on the boards of the Civic Federation and the Magnificent Mile Association.
In addition to her organizational roles, Susan has made significant contributions to educational institutions. As a dedicated volunteer and former school board member of St. Francis Xavier School, she has demonstrated her passion for nurturing the minds of future generations. Additionally, her active volunteer work with Loyola Academy in Wilmette underscores her commitment to education and the well-being of young people.
Key Achievements
Throughout her illustrious career, Susan has achieved notable milestones that reflect her dedication to her profession and community. Her leadership in the Healthy Communities initiative at Lurie Children’s is a testament to her vision of holistic health care that meets diverse community needs. Under her guidance, the hospital has forged strong partnerships and launched programs that address health disparities and empower families.
Moreover, Susan’s efforts in policy advocacy have been fundamental in ensuring that the hospital maintains essential government funding, which is crucial not only for patient care but also for community health initiatives. Her ability to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare legislation and public policy has made a significant impact in the field, advocating for the interests of children and families.
Susan Gordon’s blend of strategic thinking, community engagement, and a profound commitment to the welfare of children makes her a leadership figure in the healthcare industry in Chicago. Her experience, education, and passion position her as a key advocate for public health, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and their needs addressed.
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