Susan Brake

About Susan Brake

I’m a Partner at Development Counsellors International, where I co-lead our Economic Development Division alongside Julie Curtin.I work with cities, regions, and nations to attract business investment and talent, but my focus goes beyond campaigns. I believe marketing works best when it helps leaders decide, not just communicate.Most organizations aren’t stuck because they lack ideas. They’re stuck because decisions aren’t clear. My role is often to help executive teams clarify priorities, define what success actually looks like, and make the calls that move work forward.I sit at the intersection of marketing, leadership, and emerging technology. I’m especially interested in how tools like AI can reduce friction, improve clarity, and elevate strategic thinking, without letting the technology drive the strategy. I’m also passionate about developing the next generation of place marketing leaders. I helped launch LEADS+, DCI\'s internal leadership program designed to equip emerging marketers with the confidence and critical thinking skills to operate at a higher level.At my core, I’m a storyteller with a strategist’s instinct. I believe creativity is a competitive advantage in economic development, and when paired with clear decisions and thoughtful use of technology, it becomes a powerful engine for growth.

Experience

1. Partner

   Development Counsellors International

   Jan 2025 — Present

   Lead strategy for a portfolio of economic development clients across North America.Advise executive teams on positioning, stakeholder communications, and long-term market competitiveness.Guide integration of AI into marketing and operational workflows.Mentor VPs and Directors in system design and decision framing.Shape cross-service collaboration across brand, earned media, paid media, and research.

Education

• Northern Kentucky University

  Bachelors, Public Relations and Journalism

  2001 — 2005

Skills

• Newsletters
• Economic Development Marketing
• Economic Development
• Strategy
• National Media Relations
• Email Marketing
• Strategic Communications
• Public Relations
• Press Releases
• Digital Media
• Media Relations
• Editing
• Marketing
• Blogging
• Social Media Marketing
• Indesign
• Event Planning
• Wordpress
• Social Media
• Digital Marketing
• Digital Strategy
• Blog Development
• Content Marketing
• Public Speaking
• Facebook