Meet new board member Susie Collat

One of our new 2023 board members, Susie Collat has long understood the importance of giving back. Keep reading to discover more about her (including one of her favorite book recommendation).

CFNEG: Why is being involved in the community/giving back important to you?

Susie: Involvement in community and giving back has always been important to our family. I grew up in a very philanthropic family who started giving back to the community by giving time to many an organization. As the ability to give financially grew, so did the family involvement. When you grow up with this as a focus, it becomes a part of who you are.

CFNEG: What do you want people to know about the Community Foundation?

Susie: For me, the Community Foundation allows people to have the opportunity to give to multiple organizations that have been vetted by professionals with their best interest in mind. It is especially important to me that it is community based; there is so much positive in being a community-based organization.

CFNEG: What do you hope to accomplish as a board member?

Susie: I hope to learn more about the Community Foundation and have the opportunity to work with some committees to further my understanding and involvement. I also hope to have an impact with the Community Foundation board being a good steward of involvement and commitment.

CFNEG: What other causes/organizations are you passionate about?

Susie: Because passion sometimes comes from experience and life’s occurrences, I have a passion for those with special needs as well as the impact music often has upon them. My journey outside of the community of those impacted by loved ones with special needs is evolving as I now have more time to discover other organizations and am eager to continue to further develop all I have to give. 

CFNEG: What do you enjoy about your career?

Susie: I am now officially retired, but the excitement I feel about community involvement is quite similar to my career. I love the feeling of working through a project and finding success. I have experience in both sales and marketing, and both prove quite helpful with life. I love to meet new people and continue learning from them and surround myself with those who can make me a better person.

CFNEG: Tell us about your family

Susie: I am quite blessed to be surrounded by a very large family who are very supportive and most certainly play a role in my success. My husband, John, and children – Ben, Sabena, Allyson, Andy and Megan, and, of course, my granddaughter Evie – provide my strong foundation. They keep me grounded and are also a reminder of what is most important in life. I never realized how much I would enjoy being a grandmother, and yet, it is a most amazing experience. Some might say I am obsessed; they would be correct. 

CFNEG: What are your hobbies?

Susie: I love to bake and find that so relaxing and rewarding, and making family recipes is my favorite. But if you know me, you know I am always willing to try something new. My love of Pilates and Peloton and now a bit of CrossFit added in keep me on my toes. 

CFNEG: What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Susie: I’m not all that surprising (at least not in my mind), but I will tell you that I can play with a snake but don’t let any bug near me or you will see me panic.

CFNEG: One book or podcast you think everyone should read/listen to?

Susie: I often find myself referring to the book Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. It is fascinating to me how successful people often reach their peak of success.