Susan J. Klaseus

Susan J. Klaseus "is currently a consultant with Growth Design Corporation, Milwaukee, where she works with a variety of clients in the areas of organizational planning to position philanthropy, enhance marketing communications, assess business operations, and implement strategic board development processes. From 2001 to 2005, she was responsible for all fundraising-development, alumni/parent relations, and government/community relations for Augsburg College, Minneapolis. She served as a member of the College's Executive Leadership Team -- the College Council and as liaison to the Development and Campaign committees of the Board of Regents. She led a $55 million comprehensive campaign at Augsburg. Under her watch, the College moved from 12% in alumni giving to 25%, grew annual unrestricted giving from $600,000 to over $1.0 million, and took campaign proceeds from $10 million to $41 million toward goal. She built a strong team of experienced results-oriented colleagues and has helped to promote Augsburg into regional and national circles by way of creative collaborations. Previously, she served as the Associate Dean for External Affairs at the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management. There, she lead a $100 million campaign and launched the new Carlson School with its grand opening in 1998. Ms. Klaseus' background includes over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry in management, marketing, sales and communications, most recently as Senior Vice President at Piper Jaffray from 1984 to 1994. Sue has extensive volunteer and fundraising experience with nonprofit and community organizations across the country. She has served on the board of PACT since 1997 and has served on the board of American Refugee Committee for 13 years. Now retired from the ARC board, she continues her involvement by service on ARC’s Human Resources Committee. She is also a member of Rotary, and serves as a volunteer for Neighborhood House, St. Paul, among other nonprofit organizations. Sue is a graduate of Metro State University, St. Paul, and has two master’s degrees – one in liberal arts’ studies from Hamline University and the other in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University."