苏珊·艾伦
苏珊·艾伦 was appointed to the 参观委员会 on July 1, 2023, by Governor Glenn Youngkin. She served as Virginia's First Lady 1994-1998 during her husband's tenure as the Commonwealth's 67th Governor. Prior to moving to the Executive Mansion, 苏珊和乔治相遇了, married and lived in Albemarle County. She was raised in Virginia, her family moving to Albemarle after her father's service as a pilot in USMC. Susan was a University of South Carolina graduate where she studied marketing and psychology. She began her career in tourism marketing in Charlottesville before marrying 乔治 in 1986 who was practicing law and serving in Virginia's House of Delegates. She enjoyed her role assisting with constituent service and community involvement and was an avid campaigner, which helped 乔治 with his successful elections later to Congress, 州长和美国参议院.
当第一夫人, Susan combined her background in tourism and love for Virginia to create "Celebrate Virginia" which promoted every aspect of the Commonwealth to include historic sites, 主要街道, small towns and ecotourism. 她去了亚洲, 欧洲, Canada and Mexico with her husband on trade missions hosting events to boost tourism in Virginia. Susan also led a delegation to South Africa. 近年来, she established the "To Know Virginia Series" that produced group tours to select sites throughout Virginia. She served as chair for the Va Capitol Foundation which focused on improving the Capitol, Grounds & Governor's Mansion and helped lead the effort to place women's statues on the Capitol Grounds in a monument titled "Voices From the Garden".
Susan is a well-known advocate for women's health issues and worked to raise awareness, funds and collaborative efforts amongst many groups in Virginia. She created the "First Lady's Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative" and chaired cancer events such as Relay for Life, 男人们竞相寻找治愈方法, the Pink Ribbon Classic and served on the Parades Breast Cancer Foundation. As a proponent of women's wellness and fitness, Susan also co-chaired the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness with fitness celebrity, 丹尼斯·奥斯丁.
Susan has been a frequent speaker and consultant for candidates at all levels of public service. She chaired 女性 for McCain and 女性 for Romney in Virginia, served on the McDonnell Inaugural Committee, has been a surrogate for many candidates and was a founding member of the Jennifer Byler Institute for women in politics. She hosted a talk radio show on WDBT and has written editorials on a variety of topics.
As a published author of a best-selling children's book, "The Remarkable Ronald Reagan", Susan has enjoyed the opportunity to share Reagan's life story and his relationship with the Allen family.
Susan serves on the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation which helps support the largest volunteer rescue squad system in the country. She is a board member of American 退伍军人 Center and participates in numerous other community charitable activities.
乔治 & Susan have 3 grown children and 1 grandson. They are enjoying life residing in Virginia Beach where their property adjoins one of Virginia's best State Parks, 第一次登陆, a place where opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors are abundant.