A lifelong Rhode Islander and a first generation college graduate, Suzy received her undergraduate degree from Rhode Island College where she served as President of her class. Suzy was honored by RIC with the Young Alumna of the Year Award in May 2009, in recognition of her outstanding commitment and service to the college. She is also a recipient of the Emerging Leader Award from Leadership Rhode Island, Rising Star in Politics Award from YWCA of RI, and a Revitalizing Neighborhoods & Communities Award from the New Leaders Council of RI. Suzy is currently completing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Roger Williams University.
After graduating from RIC, Suzy enrolled in AmeriCorps, a national service program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. Suzy often thinks back to the pledge that she took when she was sworn in as an AmeriCorps member: to take action when faced with apathy, to seek common ground when faced with conflict, and to persevere when faced with adversity. These words continue to inspire and motivate Suzy to make a difference in the lives of others and continue her passion for public service.
Suzy is currently the Director of Alumni Affairs and College Relations at Rhode Island College, where she also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Communication Department. Suzy was most recently an Assistant Director of Annual Giving in the Office of Advancement at Brown University and prior to that position, Suzy worked at the United Way of Rhode Island as a Development Officer and Director of the RI State Employees Charitable Appeal, a fundraising program for over 14,000 RI state and government employees.
Suzy volunteers her time as a mentor for local youth and college students, and serves on multiple boards for community organizations including the Women’s Fund of RI. She also assists local nonprofit organizations with fund development and engagement strategies.
Since becoming a homeowner in Smithfield several years ago, Suzy has deepened her involvement in the local community having served as a member of the Smithfield Affordable Housing Advisory Board, and sponsors and attends various community and youth sporting events.
Suzy is married to Adam Stanley, also a lifelong Rhode Islander and first generation college graduate of Rhode Island College. Together they are committed to serving the Smithfield community and look forward to raising a family here in the near future.
Political Leadership Experience:
- Rhode Island Democratic Women’s Caucus Member
- Former National Committeewoman for the RI Young Democrats
- Vote, Run, Lead Women’s Political Training, Women’s Fund of RI ( 2009)
- Leadership RI Women’s Leadership Series: The Political Process (2006)
Community Leadership Experience:
- Former Rhode Island College Alumni Association Board Member
- Women’s Fund of RI Board Member
- United Way of RI Young Leaders Circle Co-Founder
- College Leadership Rhode Island (CLRI) graduate
- Save the Bay Member
- Smithfield Preservation Society Member
- Former Smithfield Affordable Housing Advisory Board Member
- AmeriCorps Alumna
Professional Associations:
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Member
- American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Member
Awards:
- Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Communities Award, New Leaders Council (2013)
- Rising Star in Politics, YWCA of RI (2013)
- Young Alumna of the Year Award, Rhode Island College (2009)
- Emerging Leader Award, Leadership Rhode Island (2005)
