Suzanne Allen, PhD
After a fulfilling career in nonprofit leadership and higher education, Suzanne launched Future Positive, a consulting firm focused on executive coaching, strategic planning, facilitation, board development, and assessments.
In 2023, she retired as the executive director of Barberton Community Foundation, prior to which she served as President and CEO of Philanthropy Ohio, and VP for Development and Donor Services for Akron Community Foundation.
She has also worked with colleges, universities, and other organizations regionally and nationally, helping them deliver their brand messages, build board capacities, develop board governance strategies, encourage leadership growth, foster team trust, and many other organizational development goals.
Suzanne’s career and work have been recognized by Columbus Business First where she was listed as one of Central Ohio’s “People to Know in Not-for-profits,” and by Northern Ohio Live which featured her as an Athena Awards finalist. The Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio recognized Suzanne as a “2015 Woman of Distinction,” and her alma mater, Columbus State University, honored her with the “2015 Excellence in Alumni Achievement Award.”
Her degrees are in English from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia, a Masters in Marketing from the University of Georgia, and a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development/Strategic Planning from Georgia State University.
More recently, she completed her certification in an International Coaching Federation (ICF) recognized coaching program, “Goal Imagery.” She also earned her certification in Positive Psychology Coaching through the International Association of Positive Psychology Coaching (IAPPC). Other certifications include 360 Evaluation, Harrison Assessment, and VIA Assessment.
Suzanne enjoys volunteering with several Northeast Ohio nonprofits. Much of her free time is spent with family—including three “of the most wonderful grandsons imaginable”—along with gardening, reading, and strolling.
Her services include: