Sue Bennett, LT’94 Will Depart From Her Role as Executive Director of LT at End of 2023
Leadership Tomorrow (LT) today announced that Sue Bennett will depart as Executive Director of Leadership Tomorrow at the end of 2023. We are grateful for Sue’s inspiring leadership and dedication to Leadership Tomorrow for the past decade, first serving as Senior Leadership Director and finally as Executive Director.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Leadership Tomorrow’s Executive Director these last six years. In many ways, leadership is more like a relay than a marathon, and it is time to pass the baton,” says Sue Bennett. “I’m proud of leading an organization that is both true to its origins and evolves to meet the needs of today’s leaders and communities. LT’s commitment to cultivate and engage leaders who work collaboratively to create a more resilient and equitable region has never been stronger, nor more important. The organization is thriving and well positioned to continue to grow its impact.”
Sue’s leadership has been critical to LT’s continued success. She led the organization through the pandemic, virtual programming, and political polarization, while strengthening LT’s commitment and capacity to foster racial equity.
“On behalf of the LT Board, we express our profound gratitude for Sue’s dedication to LT and our region. As the Executive Director, she achieved remarkable milestones, including securing the largest grant in LT’s history. She guided the organization through two strategic plans, which included the development of a new mission, vision, and values. Additionally, her efforts increased alumni engagement and donations.” states Carl Bailey, LT’14, Chair of the LT Board.
“Sue has many accomplishments to be proud of, but I am perhaps most impressed by how she navigated the pandemic – keeping Leadership Tomorrow and its professionals engaged, growing, and moving forward – when everything was at a standstill,” said Rachel Smith, President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “As a leader, it’s always great to be able to change hearts and minds. But when you get your hands on the levers of policy, politics, and budgeting you can create real and lasting change. Leadership Tomorrow is a foundational organization in our community that teaches leaders how to really understand and pull those levers. And Sue’s leadership has been critical to the organization’s growth, cultivating cross-sector leaders and evolving to meet the needs of today’s leaders and the challenges they face.”
For nearly 40 years, LT has educated, inspired, connected, and catalyzed leaders from across Puget Sound who collaborate for collective impact. LT’s 2,500 alumni are leaders in businesses, organizations, governments, boards, and commissions across Puget Sound where they leverage the power of their individual and collective voices for positive systemic change.
“On behalf of United Way of King County staff, our board of directors and our partners, I’d like to offer hearty congratulations to Sue Bennett as she transitions from her role as Executive Director of Leadership Tomorrow,” says Gordon McHenry, Jr, CEO of United Way of King County. “Sue’s dedication and service has ensured that Leadership Tomorrow cultivates, inspires and fosters a cadre of leaders capable of tackling the many challenges our communities face. She has been critical to Leadership Tomorrow’s growth and ability to face complex issues. For embodying racial equity in her work, instilling the importance of relationship building, and empowering leaders, we at United Way say congratulations and thank you.”
The LT Board of Directors has formed a transition committee to support and guide Sue’s transition process, the executive search for LT’s next leader, and a successful transition in the months ahead.
If you have questions about this transition, please contact Sue Bennett at Sue@leadershiptomorrowseattle.org.