We are thrilled to welcome Susan Houston to the Raising A Reader MA Board of Directors!

Susan Houston’s experience covers the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Most recently, Susan was Executive Director of MassEcon, a private, non-profit economic development entity charged with promoting Massachusetts as the best place to start, locate, and grow a business. As MassEcon’s first Executive Director, she grew the organization from its inception in 1993 to become a respected voice within the economic development community.  During her 25-year tenure, Susan oversaw and implemented rebranding efforts, strategic planning, creation of financial partnerships, board development, membership growth, and exceptional programming.  In fulfilling its mission, MassEcon helped 275 companies expand or locate within Massachusetts, adding over 30,000 jobs to the state. While at MassEcon, Susan was a gubernatorial appointee to the state’s Economic Development Planning Council and a member of the board of the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership.  She currently serves on the boards of JVS (Jewish Vocational Service), New England Economic Partnership, the Town of Brookline’s Economic Development Advisory Board, and as a consultant with ESC, Empower Success Corps.

In her spare time, Susan can be found at her favorite neighborhood haunts – the Brookline Booksmith and Coolidge Corner Theatre. Her favorite childhood book was Plain Girl by Virginia Sorensen. Susan holds an undergraduate degree from Boston University and a Master of City Planning from MIT.