Suzanne Burns is the Director of Development, responsible for strengthening WestEd’s business development plan and diversifying its federal funding portfolio.
An important part of this effort includes developing new work with various federal administrative offices spanning the U.S. Departments of Justice, Education, Health and Human Services, and Defense, and building new and strategic partnerships in order to do so. Burns works closely with staff on major proposal efforts of high priority to the agency.
In addition, Burns oversees foundation relationships and helps the agency plan events that join together foundations, national experts, and policy stakeholders in order to bring about educational change.
She also leads various agency strategic initiatives, including the agency’s work related to serving the most underserved children and communities.
Burns’ professional experiences working on educational issues within and outside the U.S., strongly influence her perspectives. She has a diverse background in education, research administration, and business development.
Prior to joining WestEd, Burns worked in higher education where she served as professor and administrator of research and sponsored programs.