Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area Community Board in action

Susan Horvath (Chair)

Retired, Former President and CEO, Royal Ontario Museum Governors

Susan is a seasoned philanthropic executive, committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadians through the power of philanthropy. With diverse leadership experience in the healthcare, education, research and culture sectors, Susan recently retired after 7 years at the Royal Ontario Museum as President & CEO of the ROM Governors, inspired by the opportunity to build on her lifelong passion for the ROM and her love of helping donors realize great impact through philanthropy.

In her 32 years in the charitable sector, Susan has served as Vice President Philanthropy for the Canadian Cancer Society, President of the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation, Vice President External at Robarts Research Institute, Director of Alumni & Development at Western University, and Director of Resource Development at the United Way of London & Middlesex. Susan’s fundraising career was preceded by a decade as an academic at Brescia University College at Western University, where she taught and researched clothing, textiles and historic costume. Susan holds a BSc from Western and an MSc from the University of Alberta.

Susan’s active involvement has included speaking engagements, mentoring and volunteer leadership positions with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education, as well as several healthcare and community organizations, most recently serving as a Director on the TELUS GTHA Community Board.  Susan has received several awards and honours including the AFP’s Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Carmelle Murphy Alumnae Award of Distinction from Brescia University College.

On a personal note, Susan and her husband Steven have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Susan loves creative pursuits such as textile arts, gardening, travel and yoga.