Susan practices as a staff RN in a large Portland Oregon emergency department, a position she has held since 1996.  The ER is a major heart and stroke center for the state and region.

A graduate of the University of Oregon School of Nursing in 1971, Susan’s career has included clinical practice, association leadership, hospital management, regulatory board service and policy.  She holds a Masters degree from the Oregon Health and Science University. 

In September 2017 She retired from her position as the Executive Director of the Oregon Nurses Association.  In that role and her prior position responsible for the Professional Services and Government Relations programs, she advocated for improved hospital nurse staffing including passing a bipartisan bill in 2001.  Improvements to the staffing legislation were made in 2015 including the addition of an advisory board She also worked to expand the scope of practice for Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists building on Oregon’s progressive practice act.  Additionally, Susan served on many state committees building the primary care capacity in Oregon and campaigned actively for the Oregon Health Plan.

Currently she is the Chairperson of the Oregon Health and Sciences University Board of Directors.  She led the search committee for the selection of the OHSU President in 2025.