Susan Trabucchi

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Susan Trabucchi is a creative, collaborative, and results-driven leader who has dedicated 30+ years to creating lasting, transformative change in communities across the U.S. and around the globe. She has a proven record of success in consulting with nonprofits and boards, running foundation grantmaking programs, building successful coalitions and alliances, and creating large-scale, mission-driven marketing and media campaigns.

Susan’s success is thanks, in no small part, to her deep understanding of the essential role of nonprofits in our communal and civic life. She has contributed to mission-driven organizations – large and small – on nearly every level: board member, executive director, senior staff leader, consultant, volunteer, donor, and grant-maker. Her work has spanned the fields of policymaking, higher education, public service media, philanthropy, and community building.

Prior to her consulting work, Susan helped create and grow an innovative blend of communications and programming for the Fetzer Institute, a private foundation in Kalamazoo, Michigan. At Fetzer, she managed a portfolio of $15 million in investments and built partnerships with public radio’s StoryCorps, PBS’s Frontline, and media leader TED. Susan honed her communication and storytelling skills alongside some of the nation’s finest journalists and filmmakers for PBS’ The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and the award-winning PBS history series, American Experience.

In higher education, Susan managed fundraising programs for Georgetown University, Macalester College, and the Minnesota Private College Fund. She began her career working for the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served as a legislative assistant to Congressman Judd Gregg.

Susan is well versed in best practices in nonprofit governance and management, and she also knows that one size doesn’t fit all. She begins her work with every client with a deep dive – listening, observing, researching, asking questions, and understanding what is working and where there might be opportunities for change. Susan has a knack for building authentic, trustworthy relationships with clients and stakeholders, fostering collaboration across historic divides, and creating connections and community through small groups, storytelling, and retreats.

Prior to her arrival in the Seattle/Puget Sound area, Susan was based in southwest Michigan where she provided counsel to a variety of national and local clients. She also took on a 24-month assignment as Interim Executive Director for We Care Inc, a nonprofit serving more than 900 families living in poverty in rural Michigan. While there, she helped the board assess and prepare the organization for its next leader. It was that work that led to her interest in helping nonprofit boards during leadership transitions – and to Valtas.
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Susan received her B.A. in political science from Mount Holyoke College, and a M.A.L.S. in American Studies at Georgetown University.

Boards & Professional Affiliations
Member, The Communications Network | 2011-present
Board of Trustees, South Haven Public Library | 2015-2018
Board of Directors, South Haven Community Foundation | 2013-104
Board of Directors, Grantmakers in Film and Media | 2008-2010
Michigan Council on Foundations, Communications Committee | 2008-2010

SUSAN'S RESUME >