As a Program Director for ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, Susan is leading the Impact Water – Arizona program, part of the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative, to foster community understanding and engagement in Arizona’s water challenges and solutions. Previously, Susan worked for ASU’s Kyl Center for Water Policy at the Morrison Institute for Public Policy, driving projects on water resilience, like the award-winning Arizona Water Blueprint, an interactive tool providing information to empower inclusive and informed decision-making.
Before coming to ASU, Susan worked for Arizona’s three primary state water agencies and led state water programs for 20 years. She has extensive knowledge of the state’s water issues, policies, and players. While at the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA), she focused on promoting vital infrastructure investments. She also worked at the Arizona Department of Water Resources to develop and implement the state’s drought and conservation programs and established messaging campaigns to encourage water stewardship. Earlier in her career, Susan was with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, where she supervised watershed management and water quality grants.
She has led numerous state committees, including the Clean Colorado River Alliance, Governor’s Drought Task Force Interagency Coordinating Group, and Rural Water Infrastructure Committee, and is passionate about contributing to the solution space and making an impact in securing Arizona’s water future.