About Susan Kalish
Susan Kalish is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with a proven track record of elevating organizations through strategic storytelling, community engagement, and brand leadership. She excels in connecting people and ideas, enhancing brand visibility, and fostering long-lasting partnerships. With experience spanning nonprofits, government agencies, and volunteer-driven initiatives, Susan consistently delivers impactful results—on schedule and within budget. Whether consulting or contracting, she brings both expertise and a collaborative spirit to every endeavor.
Early Foundations and Professional Spark
Susan’s journey began in the health, fitness, and sports medicine arena, most notably during her two decades at the American Running Association (also serving as the American Medical Athletic Association). There, she developed and managed national nonprofit educational health programs, reporting directly to a 12-member Board of Directors that included CEOs, U.S. Senators, and renowned medical authorities. Her responsibilities included strategic public relations, media outreach, and multifaceted education campaigns.
During these formative years, Susan honed her editorial expertise as Editor in Chief of FitNews, an 8-page monthly newsletter on sports medicine and fitness, and as Managing Editor of the peer-reviewed AMAA Quarterly. She further established her thought leadership by authoring Your Child’s Fitness (Human Kinetics Publishers), offering practical advice and guidance to parents and educators. By collaborating with national media outlets and forging relationships with partner organizations, Susan mastered the art of persuasive communication and set the foundation for her future success in brand development and outreach.
Eager to expand her scope beyond the health sector, she stepped into high-impact marketing roles for organizations like the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). As Director of Corporate Marketing at IAFC, she oversaw a major endorsement deal with Sprint Nextel, managed multi-year government grants to boost citizen advocacy, and executed campaigns that garnered extensive advertising value for the association. These experiences solidified her strengths in strategic planning, corporate partnerships, and community-driven initiatives.
Growth Through Parks, Recreation, and Community Engagement
Building on her solid background, Susan took on leadership positions in the parks and recreation sector, demonstrating her ability to integrate comprehensive marketing and communications strategies. As Director of Communications for the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), she directed national marketing efforts, spearheaded high-profile partnerships, and completely redeveloped a key industry magazine—growing annual advertising sales to $1.4 million. Simultaneously, she led website redesign and technology initiatives to improve member engagement, advocacy, and brand reputation.
Her passion for community-building deepened when she joined the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation. Over a 15-year tenure, Susan revolutionized the department’s communications framework, shifting from traditional channels to multiple digital platforms and dynamic engagement tools. She oversaw major cost savings by reducing print publication expenses, while dramatically increasing digital reach. Her team also expanded e-news outreach to 150,000+ subscribers, refined media relations, and championed innovative grassroots engagement that reached increasingly diverse audiences.
In parallel, Susan continued to leverage her consulting skills through advisory roles at high-profile events like the Marine Corps Marathon and government initiatives with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Her breadth of experience—from corporate partnerships to volunteer recruitment—has consistently shown how strategic communication can connect people, ideas, and resources to drive tangible, positive change.
Leadership, Innovation, and Future Directions
In her role as Director of Marketing and Communications for the Fairfax County Park Authority, Susan built a new department from the ground up—defining processes, establishing effective systems, and shaping the future of the division’s brand identity. She introduced dynamic outreach campaigns across social media, eNews, and cable channels, leading to expanded community engagement and a significant uptick in digital analytics. By connecting diverse communities with meaningful programs, she advanced the agency’s mission and propelled results in volunteer recruitment and donor participation.
Most recently, Susan has brought her strategic expertise to the American Red Cross as a Marketing and Communications Consultant, where she develops targeted marketing materials, digital campaigns, and outreach programs focused on diverse communities. Her holistic approach ensures brand coherence, fosters volunteer sustainability, and bolsters donor engagement—amplifying the Red Cross mission in new and influential ways.
Throughout her career, Susan has proven she can adapt her insight and experience to a wide range of sectors, from nonprofits to government agencies and beyond. Her focus on efficiency, collaborative leadership, and measurable outcomes remains constant. Looking ahead, Susan aims to continue bridging gaps, building communities, and crafting stories that make a tangible impact—whether in a part-time capacity, as a consultant, or in a hands-on leadership role.