Susan C. Robinson is a dynamic executive, board leader, and internationally recognized speaker who masterfully blends over 25 years of multi-sector leadership with her lived experience of being legally blind. A force for transformational change, she partners with global corporations, Fortune 500 companies, top nonprofit organizations, leading universities, and the United Nations to drive strategic growth, operational efficiency, and mission alignment. Her work has influenced the lives of people in over 130 countries, strengthening governance, revenue, and organizational reputation at every level.
With an unparalleled ability to navigate complex environments, Susan excels in governance, risk management, policy development, and enterprise-wide strategy. She has held leadership roles in various industries, including healthcare, education, and philanthropy. As an interim executive, she specializes in organizational turnarounds, infrastructure redesigns, and new business development, ensuring sustainable impact for the institutions she serves. Her strategic insights and ability to align diverse stakeholders make her a trusted advisor for boards and executive teams seeking long-term growth and innovation.
Susan is a highly sought-after keynote speaker known for her engaging, high-energy presentations that challenge conventional thinking. Her TED Talk, “How I Fail at Being Disabled,” has garnered over 1.5 million views, inspiring audiences to redefine possibilities and rethink societal constructs. With over 300 speaking engagements reaching 250,000+ individuals, she brings an interactive and thought-provoking approach to leadership, governance, and change management discussions. Her ability to translate complex concepts into accessible, relatable insights has made her a powerful voice on the global stage.
Her executive leadership experience spans influential organizations such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the American Liver Foundation, and the Children’s Health Fund. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in integrating policy, financial strategy, and operational execution to support high-impact outcomes. Whether leading governance committees, restructuring corporate policies, or negotiating strategic partnerships, Susan consistently delivers measurable results that drive mission success.
A dedicated board leader, Susan currently serves as the Vice President of the Penn State Alumni Association Board of Directors, a $93M organization, and is slated to become President (2025-2027) and Immediate Past President (2027-2029). She also serves as Chair of the Nominating Committee, supporting board development efforts and ensuring that board members possess the necessary competencies to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities. Her leadership has been instrumental in modernizing governance frameworks, implementing strategic visioning, and fostering financial sustainability. She also holds board positions with the New York State Preferred Source Program for People Who Are Blind, InTandem Cycling, and The Pavilion Project, where she plays key roles in business development, policy strategy, and executive oversight.
Her deep expertise in governance and policy development is evident through her work in restructuring board governance models, designing multi-year strategic plans, and leading fiduciary responsibility initiatives. As the Founding Chair of the Governance Committee for the Penn State Alumni Association, Susan led transformative changes that elevated board effectiveness, strengthened compliance, and enhanced organizational transparency. She is a firm believer in the power of effective governance as the foundation for long-term success.
Beyond governance, Susan excels in building high-impact relationships across industries. Her collaborative approach fosters environments of trust, transparency, and shared success. She has worked with executives, policymakers, and thought leaders to drive strategic initiatives that advance business objectives while maintaining alignment with mission-driven priorities. Her ability to bridge gaps between competing priorities has solidified her reputation as a strategic problem-solver and consensus builder.
Education has played a central role in Susan’s journey. She earned a Master of Public Administration in Health Policy and Management from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration from Penn State University, where she also minored in Business and Economics. Earlier this month, she completed a Generative AI Certificate course from Penn State’s Bellisario College of Communications, further enhancing her expertise in emerging technologies and their strategic applications. Her commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her continued leadership training, including certifications from the Interim Executive Institute, the BBA Leadership Program, and the REBNY Negotiation Expert Program.
Susan’s impact has been widely recognized through prestigious awards, including Penn State Alumni Association’s Outstanding Alumni Council Member of the Year (2021), Volunteer of the Year (2020), Preceptor of the Year (2020), and Distinguished Alumni Lecturer (2018). Her thought leadership and contributions to governance, business strategy, and nonprofit effectiveness have made her a distinguished figure in both corporate and nonprofit circles.
An avid traveler, tandem cyclist, and wellness enthusiast, Susan balances her professional pursuits with personal passions that reinforce her dedication to resilience, adaptability, and continuous growth. Whether on stage, in the boardroom, or working with organizations to navigate transformative change, Susan Robinson continues to redefine what is possible, leaving a legacy of impact wherever she goes.
Character
Susan is a purpose-driven leader whose integrity, resilience, and authenticity define her approach to leadership. She leads with empathy and conviction, fostering environments where transparency, accountability, and trust drive collective success.
Knowledge
With over 25 years of multi-sector experience, Susan possesses deep expertise in governance, policy, strategic planning, and organizational transformation. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and identify opportunities for growth has made her a sought-after leader.
Strategic
A visionary thinker, Susan excels at aligning mission-driven objectives with enterprise-wide strategies. Her leadership has contributed to substantial financial and operational growth across multiple organizations, strengthening governance frameworks and positioning institutions for long-term sustainability.
Communication
A powerful speaker and relationship builder, Susan effectively translates complex concepts into engaging, actionable insights. Her TED Talk and 300+ speaking engagements demonstrate her ability to inspire, educate, and drive meaningful change.
