The Akrotarian
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Suzie developed a passion for community building through her experience across many disciplines. Her love of civic service was embedded during her 18 years of work with the city of Akron. Over time, she has blended the collaborative principles and practices of theatre learned at Kent State University into her approach to community development.

Suzie serves as President and CEO of Downtown Akron Partnership. She mobilizes positive partnerships and oversees the planning and implementation of programs and services to anticipate and address the needs of the neighborhood. Her work centers on the necessity of a thriving urban core and the importance of downtown as a key indicator of the health and success of the city and region. She works closely with government, corporate, education, non-profit, human services, and small business stakeholders to assist their efforts and benefit the holistic downtown experience. Suzie facilitates efforts to enhance and promote downtown as an economic driver, hub for arts and culture, partner in driving equity, champion of the city's identity, and place for all people.

Born and raised in Akron, Suzie is a graduate of Leadership Akron Class 29, a 2015 Presidio Institute Cross Sector Leadership Fellow, and has participated in the national Reimagining the Civic Commons cohort as an Akron core team member since 2016. She is a recipient of the 2012 GAR Glass Half Full Award and the 2017 Margaret Clark Morgan Impact Award for Community Leadership.