Susan Bean

Susan Bean, a 30-year philanthropy professional, is Chief Development Officer at Sound. During her career, she has overseen capital campaigns, planning giving initiatives, major gifts and other fundraising programs. In her role at Sound, Bean oversees a comprehensive, multi-faceted program that includes planned giving, individual and corporate giving and major gifts, annual campaigns, and foundation and government grants. At Sound, Bean created IMAGINE, an annual fundraising luncheon held each fall; the Sound Safety Net Fund, designed to generate money for those who cannot afford care; the Circle of Compassion, a program that recognizes donors who give at a leadership level; and the Reaching Recovery Fund, Sound’s new endowed fund at the Seattle Foundation.

As Director of Major Gifts at Seattle University School of Law, Bean implemented a comprehensive major gift plan and led campaigns to a record amount, with 43% of graduating students making their first gift to the school. As executive director of advancement at the Seattle Community Colleges, she created and led a $30 million capital fundraising campaign that encompassed four nonprofit foundations, three college campuses, and numerous satellite educational and vocational programs.

Prior to Sound, Bean was Executive Director of the Highline Medical Center Foundation, where she generated more than $10 million during her tenure and secured $2.1 million in lead gifts, and created a new initiative to serve the most vulnerable patients in the community.

Bean has a BA in History from the University of Washington and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).