Susan Berson
Member at Large

Susan is a purpose‐driven builder of people, programs, and organizational culture that fuel the achievement of strategic goals. As a People & Culture leader with an advanced degree and more than 20 years of experience in both internal roles and external consulting, her impact shows up in clear and intentional leadership, empowered teams, scalable programs, and cultural alignment that elevate performance and purpose. She brings emotional intelligence to all her engagements—balancing strategic clarity and impact focus with empathy, collaboration, and trust. She is known for integrity, a growth mindset, client focus, and innovative thinking.

Susan has significant experience working for mid‐ to large‐sized international organizations with a presence in more than 40 countries, 26 U.S. cities, and 17,000+ employees across the health, human services, and humanitarian sectors. Her roles span the Business Partner vertical, enterprise‐level centers of excellence, and organizational functional leadership. Positions for organizations such as Project Concern International, The International Rescue Committee and FHI360 include Director of Human Resources & Organizational Development, Senior Regional HR Partner, Deputy Director of Talent Management, Director of Employee Development and Director of Talent Management.

Susan grew up a “Navy brat,” moving 13 times before entering high school, with the   Washington, D.C. metro area serving as the closest thing to “home.” She earned her BA in Interpersonal Communications from Miami University (Oxford, OH) and her MA in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University (Washington, D.C.). Her early career took her to South America, where she lived and worked for several years for the State Department before moving to San Diego, her adopted home. Susan has two sons, Wyatt (20) and Brody (17), and a family dog, Effy, a schnoodle. Her personal interests include art and creativity, dancing, soccer, yoga, hiking, gardening, and travel.

Professionally, what energizes Susan most is the opportunity to mentor emerging professionals, build talent infrastructure, work in community, and create positive impact for individuals, teams, and organizations. She is excited to join the Board of NCHRSD and the Program Committee to expand her avenues for community and impact.