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.
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 steering committee for Central Texas Funders Network, and is a member of Asset Funders Network and Grantmakers for Education. She has received several honors, including “Austinite (Under 40) of the Year,” “Central Texas Social Entrepreneur of the Year” from Ernst and Young, the “Anita and Earl Maxwell Lifetime Achievement Award,” Austin Chamber of Commerce’s “Nonprofit CEO of the Year,” and First Tee of Austin’s “Leadership in Philanthropy Award.” Susan holds a B.A. and M.A. in Philosophy from Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas-Austin.