Susie Rantz

Susie Rantz is a senior program officer who leads external communications for the Gates Foundation’s work in Washington state. As someone born and raised in Washington state, she is thrilled to be able to celebrate and tell the stories of the people and organizations dedicated to improving lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Susie spent more than 13 years at a social-impact communications agency helping education organizations tell the story of their mission, vision, and impact. She also spent time at the Port of Portland, leading external communications to highlight the many ways that trade, travel, and industrial development could support a region’s shared prosperity.

Susie attended Spokane Falls Community College and Seattle University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations.

Susie grew up in the small town of Cashmere, Washington, where her first two jobs were delivering newspapers and working in a cherry orchard (it was difficult not to eat them all). She's grateful for the fall weather and community-oriented support she received growing up in Central Washington.

Fun facts:

• Susie is a self-proclaimed nerd who spent three years volunteering at GeekGirlCon, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and honoring under-represented groups in science, technology, comics, literature, and game design. Her three tattoos are dedicated to three of her favorite geeky passions: Lord of the Rings, the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and Doctor Who.
• Outside of work, you can find Susie writing about Seattle Reign, the women’s professional soccer team in Seattle.