About Susan

Susan Healy Keene has over 30 years of experience in local government. She served as Director of Community Development in the cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, California. She also served in various planning positions for the city of Santa Monica.

As a consultant, Susan has assisted public agencies in the creation of strategic plans, organizational assessments, and development process improvements. She has successfully facilitated workshops for board retreats and city council priority setting sessions to build consensus and achieve results. Susan helps government leaders increase organizational effectiveness by planning and establishing clear and actionable goals.

As Director of Community Development in the City of Beverly Hills, Susan led a full-service department with 70 FTEs and a $22.5M budget. The department included planning, building and safety, code enforcement, transportation, traffic engineering, rent stabilization, special events, and filming. She guided development review and completion of major construction projects including iconic retail stores on Rodeo Drive, a five-star hotel, and luxury single-family homes. Through implementation of the Department Strategic Plan, Susan provided optimum delivery of services that included engagement with residents and the business community.

Susan has held leadership positions in professional associations including the League of California Cities as Past President of the Planning and Community Development Department and as co-chair for the American Planning Association State conference and committee chair for the National APA conference. In 2013, the California Chapter of the APA Planner Emeritus Network (PEN) awarded Susan recognition for her contributions to the planning profession.

Susan holds an undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and Design from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University. She taught classes in supervisory and management skills as part of the Leadership Academy in the City of Beverly Hills.

Susan values public service and works to encourage planning for the future with collaborative problem solving and good governance.