A lifelong Rhode Islander and first-generation college graduate, Suzy received a Bachelor of Arts from Rhode Island College where she served as Class President. Suzy was honored by RIC with the Young Alumna of the Year Award, in recognition of her outstanding service to the college. She also received the Emerging Leader Award from Leadership Rhode Island, Rising Star Award from YWCA of RI, and Revitalizing Neighborhoods & Communities Award from the New Leaders Council. Suzy earned a Master of Public Administration from Roger Williams University. She is currently the Director of Civic Education for the RI Department of State.
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.
For nearly a decade, Suzy was the Director of Alumni Advancement and Engagement at Rhode Island College where she led alumni engagement programs, special events, and communication strategies for a network of more than 70,000 graduates. She also serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the Communication Department. Suzy also served as 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 15,000 RI state and government employees.
Suzy volunteers her time as a mentor for local youth and college students and has served on multiple boards for community organizations including the Women’s Fund of RI and the East Bay Coalition for the Homeless.
Since becoming a homeowner in Smithfield more than twenty years ago, Suzy has deepened her involvement in the local community having served on the Town Council from 2012-2022, two terms as president. Suzy was the co-founder of the Smithfield Youth Council, created the Smithfield Samaritans Program, served on the School Building Committee for the brand-new Pleasant View Elementary School addition, and is credited with championing the fundraising for and building of the new Smithfield Dog Park. She also 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 who currently serves as a public-school administrator. Together they are committed to raising their nine-year-old son in Smithfield and serving their local community. In their free time the whole family enjoys spending time at the Glocester Country Club, gliding along Waterman Lake on their pontoon boat, kayaking, hiking, and playing tennis as a family at Rally Point.
Political Leadership Experience:
- Smithfield Town Council Member (2012-2022); Served as President for two terms
- Former 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 Member, Governor’s Workforce Board, State of Rhode Island (appointed by Governor Gina Raimondo)
- Former Rhode Island College Alumni Association Board Member; Served as Secretary for two terms
- Former Women’s Fund of RI Board Member
- United Way of RI Young Leaders Circle Co-Founder
- Leadership Rhode Island (CLRI) graduate
- 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)
