Sue Washburn has more than 45 years of experience in educational advancement in both public and private higher education. Recognized as a leader in the profession, Sue is known as a strategic thinker, an expert in donor motivation, and an outstanding teacher and speaker. She has used her breadth of experience in governance, development, alumni relations and communications in consulting relationships with colleges, universities and schools in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Integrating her knowledge and experience with her desire to help others perform their advancement responsibilities well, she joined Bill McGoldrick to establish WASHBURN & MCGOLDRICK in 1995.

Sue began her development career as a campaign staff member at her alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College. She served on the campaign staff at St. Lawrence University in the 1970’s before becoming Vice President for Development at Centenary College. During nine years at The Evergreen State College, her responsibilities included Vice President for Development and Administration and Executive Director of The Evergreen Foundation. In these roles, she served as chief advancement officer and chief financial officer of the College. From 1988-1996, Sue returned to St. Lawrence to serve as Vice President for University Relations.

The former Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Sue is an active and recognized educator who has worked extensively with advancement staffs, deans, campus CEO’s and volunteer boards.

Sue has been a faculty member at CASE’s flagship educational fund raising conference at Dartmouth College, a featured speaker at CASE/NAIS, ACE and AGB programs, and chaired the CASE/UK conference at Cambridge University.  In 2018, CASE honored her with the Burr Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sue earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Franklin & Marshall. She holds a master’s degree in management and marketing from Clarkson University and has completed advanced study at Harvard’s Institute for Educational Management.

Sue is the immediate Past Chair of the Board of Trustees at Franklin & Marshall College and an honorary degree recipient from St. Lawrence University. She has also served as an active board member for various community organizations.