SUSAN SUESS—THE BEST OF THE BEST

After 26 years of amazing service, Susan Suess, the EDB’s senior vice president and lead recruiter, retired on May 31, 2017.

There are not enough words to describe what Susan has meant to the prosperity of Tacoma-Pierce County. She led the recruitment of dozens of companies that have created thousands of jobs and invested hundreds of millions of dollars. Among them: NewCold, Mitsui-Soko (U.S.A.), FedEx Ground, GKN Aerospace, Amazon, Niagara Bottling, WIRB, SAFE Boats, Carlisle, Lusamerica, Saint-Gobain, Keurig—Green Mountain Coffee, IKEA, Simmons and more.

“I tried to talk her out of it, but failed!” exclaimed EDB CEO Bruce Kendall. “Her attention to detail and customer service are unparalleled, and her integrity is absolute. She is the best economic development professional I have ever known. Beyond that, she was my right-hand ally and confidant in managing the EDB—and a friend. We’ll miss her in the office but have no doubt she will continue to keep track of the local economy. I look forward to seeking her advice in the years ahead.”

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