About Suzanne

With a professional background as a mental health counselor and administrator for a post-secondary educational association, Suzanne Atwell has demonstrated effective leadership qualities that demonstrate quality communication, collaboration, integrity and getting things done.

Here in Sarasota, she has served as Chair of the City Human Relations Board and as a liaison for her neighborhood to the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations.  Her civic involvement has also included representation on the boards of the Family Law Connection, the Commission on the Status of Women and the Sarasota Civic League.  Suzanne holds membership in the Downtown Partnership.

Suzanne’s goal for serving on the Sarasota City Commission is to restore confidence, civility and innovation to local politics.  She will continue her tireless work on behalf of all neighborhoods and their residents for a high quality of life,
strong tax base and she will seek opportunities for progressive economic
development that will create a stable, secure community for families and our future.

Suzanne is married to Robert Atwell, president emeritus of the American Council
on Education and a higher education consultant.  She has two sons.  Justin is a
Major in the U.S. Army in San Antonio, TX and Josh is an environmental engineer in Charlotte, NC.

Business Experience
• American Association of Community Colleges, Washington, DC
  - Director of Development
• Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, Sarasota, FL
   - Counselor
• Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Sarasota, FL
   - Social worker – individual and family

         Civic Service
         • Suzanne has provided inter-agency services and support for
            at-risk and undeserved segments of the community.
         • City of Sarasota Human Relations Board (2003-present)
         • Sarasota County Civic League – Former board member
         • Coastal Islands Group – Member
         • Bird Key Improvement Association
         • Downtown Partnership
         • Coalition of City Neighborhoods – Representative
         • Family Law Connection – Past board member and volunteer
         • Sarasota County Advisory Commission on the
           Status of Women – Pas member

         Education
         • B.A. from George Washington University in Psychology/Human
           Development
         • M.A. from Marymount University in Clinical Psychology