About Susan

I’m a marketing and communications professional with expertise in partnership and sponsorship development, cause marketing and content creation. I have 15+ years corporate, nonprofit, consulting and entrepreneurial experience, and a background in publishing, advertising, entertainment, media, technology, design and sustainability.

I founded Silicon Beach Marketing in 2011 to support Santa Monica’s emerging startup community. Working out of the city’s first co-working space, Coloft, I saw that a great idea, technological innovation and passion could only get you so far, and decided to launch Silicon Beach Marketing to help companies and brands increase awareness and generate sales through targeted communications, online & offline marketing programs, sponsorships and PR.

Previous to launching Silicon Beach Marketing, I co-founded Farmacy Agency, a marketing lifestyle firm focusing on socially and environmentally conscious companies and brands. Clients included City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Global Green, EatClean, Skinny Bitch, LAcarGUY and CODA Automotive.

My first true experience working in the startup world was as Director of Partnership Marketing for a new Los Angeles-based magazine called Western Interiors and Design. For five years I wore many hats including marketing, promotions and circulation. I also developed conferences, brand extensions and sponsorship packages that increased advertising sales and generated revenue.

Prior to moving to the West Coast, I spent a decade at Time Inc. in New York City. A two-time winner of Time Inc.’s “President’s Award,” I worked in the company’s Corporate Marketing Group, and renowned publications such as LIFE, Time International and PEOPLE. As PEOPLE magazine’s Director of Entertainment Marketing, I developed exclusive partnerships with entertainment properties to support ad sales efforts, as well as managed the magazine’s high-profile charity arm. I also created the celebrity-studded Screen Actors Guild Awards gala in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, and developed and sold customized sponsorship packages to the event.

I love to create content across all platforms, and was a contributing writer for OrganicAuthority.com, and the former Food Features Editor for HealthyBitchDaily.com, a popular online blog based on the New York Times bestseller, Skinny Bitch. In addition, I was a frequent guest host on a live web TV show called, This Week In Health and Wellness.

I believe in contributing to the community in which I live, and am an active member of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce where I sit on the Organization of Women Leaders (OWL), Technology, Hospitality and Environmental Affairs Committees. I also received a 2011 Chairman’s Award in recognition of my efforts in helping to promote businesses in Santa Monica.

I have an Environmental Studies degree from Franklin & Marshall College (before “green was the new black”), and then attended Colorado School of Mines where I got my geek on studying geology.

And, to further pursue my passion for health & wellness, I completed a Whole Health Educator certification program at the National Institute of Whole Health.