Susan McDowell
Philanthropy and Nonprofit Advocate
- Role
- Executive Director at Sooch Foundation
- Location
- Austin, TX, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Susan McDowell
Susan McDowell is a leading expert and passionate advocate for impactful philanthropy and nonprofit effectiveness. Susan has served as Executive Director of the Sooch Foundation since July 2024. In this role, she champions initiatives aimed at creating positive and lasting change for economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly through enhanced educational opportunities. In 1998 Susan served on the founding team of LifeWorks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending youth homelessness through housing, workforce training and mental health support. She served as the CEO of LifeWorks and President of LifeWorks Affordable Housing Corporation from 2001 to 2024.Susan is also the owner of SBM Consulting LLC, which offers a broad range of consulting and coaching services to support social sector and philanthropic leaders making an impact.Beyond her organizational roles, Susan is deeply embedded in civic life, contributing to numerous organizations and regional planning. She currently serves on the board of Austin Together and the Legacy Leadership Circle of The New Philanthropists, and is a member of Philanthropy Advocates and Grantmakers for Education. Her impact has been celebrated with honors like \"Austinite (Under 40) of the Year,\"\"Central Texas Social Entrepreneur of the Year\" from Ernst and Young, selection for the 2007 Marshall Memorial Fellowship Program, the “Anita and Earl Maxwell Lifetime Achievement Award,” Austin Chamber of Commerce’s “Nonprofit CEO of the Year,” First Tee of Austin’s “Leadership in Philanthropy Award,” and Austin FC’s “Community Legacy Award.” Susan holds a B.A. and M.A. in Philosophy from Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas-Austin.
Experience
Executive Director
Jun 2024 — Present · Austin, TX, US
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Master's degree, Philosophy
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor's degree, Philosophy
Skills
- Community Outreach
- Public Speaking
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Fundraising
- Public Policy
Find verified contacts for anyone on LinkedIn
Unifers gives sales teams verified emails and direct dials, enriched profiles, and outreach that lands in the inbox.
Free plan included · No credit card required
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.