Sue is a seasoned executive and administrative leader with over 34 years of experience in higher education, life sciences, healthcare, and social impact initiatives. With a passion for fostering academic research, institutional growth, and administrative excellence, Sue has dedicated her career to developing the infrastructure, processes, and teams that drive innovation and success in evolving organizations. Her expertise spans research administration, grants and compliance, strategic planning, staffing, and collaboration across academic and research institutions.
Currently serving as the chief administrative officer for the department of biostatistics & medical informatics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Medicine & Public Health, Sue provides strategic oversight for a diverse, high-impact department engaged in teaching, basic and translational research, and clinical trials. She works closely with faculty, researchers, and institutional leadership to ensure operational excellence and resource optimization. Throughout her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives, streamlining administrative processes, and fostering collaboration between basic science and clinical departments to enhance institutional effectiveness.
Beyond her current role, Sue has held leadership positions across multiple scientific disciplines, demonstrating her versatility in managing and advancing research organizations. She has served as interim division administrator for the division of geriatrics and gerontology, director of operations at WiCell Research Institute, research program manager at the UW Comprehensive Cancer Center, and senior administrative specialist at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center. Her contributions have extended to stem cell research, epidemiology, biostatistics, primate studies, biostatistics, medical informatics, and other disciplines, where she has successfully overseen grant administration, compliance, research infrastructure development, staffing, outreach, strategic planning, and general operations.
Sue’s influence in the field extends beyond university leadership roles. She is a recognized thought leader and speaker, having presented at national and international forums, including the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Business Affairs Meetings. Her presentations, such as Basic Science and Clinical Department Administrator Collaboration to Strengthen AMCs and Recruiting for Excellence and Diversity, have helped shape policies and best practices in research administration and academic leadership. Additionally, she has played an instrumental role in mentoring future research administrators and fostering inclusive hiring and staffing strategies across academic institutions.
An accomplished editor, author, and project manager, Sue has contributed significantly to scientific publications, educational materials, and curriculum development. She has edited and authored numerous textbooks and online courses in STEM disciplines, forensic science, epidemiology, and biotechnology, as well as high school and college-level educational programs. Her expertise in technical writing and curriculum development has made her a sought-after resource in science education and academic publishing.
Sue’s commitment to academic and institutional development is further demonstrated through her board and committee service. She has held key leadership roles in strategic planning committees, academic staff mentorship programs, research administration workgroups, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. As an inaugural advisory committee member and basic science lead for the AAMC Group on Business Affairs’ Department Administrator Interest Group, she has played a crucial role in advancing national conversations on academic medicine business operations and research compliance.
Beyond her professional commitments, Susan is actively engaged in volunteerism and community service, contributing her expertise to organizations such as AGRACE Hospice, Nehemiah, and multiple nonprofit boards. She has also facilitated leadership development programs, STEM initiatives, and mentoring programs aimed at empowering future professionals in research administration and scientific disciplines.
Sue holds an MBA in international business and marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BS in management information systems from the University of Tampa, where she attended on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. Her diverse educational background, combined with decades of hands-on leadership experience, positions her as a highly strategic and impactful executive in academic administration and research leadership.
With a reputation for strategic problem-solving, operational efficiency, and team development, Sue continues to make a significant impact in higher education, research, and institutional governance. She is actively seeking board opportunities where she can leverage her expertise to support organizations in academia, healthcare, life sciences, and social impact sectors. Through her collaborative approach, deep industry knowledge, and leadership acumen, she remains committed to driving excellence and innovation in research administration and institutional strategy.
Character:
Sue is a dedicated and principled leader who fosters collaboration, mentorship, and operational excellence in academic and research institutions.
Knowledge:
With over 34 years of experience, she possesses deep expertise in research administration, grants management, compliance, academic navigation, and institutional strategy.
Strategic:
Sue is a forward-thinking executive who has successfully led strategic initiatives to enhance research infrastructure, streamline operations, and drive institutional growth.
Communication:
As a recognized speaker, author, and mentor, she effectively conveys complex academic and administrative concepts to diverse stakeholders, fostering engagement and innovation.
