Susan Neely

One of the architects of the nation's first Department of Homeland Security, Susan Neely has been at the heart of policy and politics regarding the security and protection of the United States from the beginning. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, she is an engaging presenter who speaks with authority on issues from a Washington insider's perspective.

In the Circle of Trust. Neely talks about being a member of Secretary Ridge's inner circle from the White House to the new department. She describes playing a key part in the decision-making that led to new security measures that the public participates in every day, whether at airports, major bridges, tunnels, ports, chemical sites, National Parks, highways, or train stations. She articulates how she shaped the policy of threat warnings, national preparedness and response, visa issuance, privacy rights, and information sharing. Audiences get a first-hand account of what it is like to be special assistant to the president for Homeland Security in the White House and then assistant secretary for public affairs in the department, and the gravity of being responsible for the public face of the homeland security. She discusses the management of everything from threat announcements, to branding, to public education campaigns, to crisis communications.

Leader in Communication. Neely has 25 years of experience in senior communications and management positions in the public and private sector. She is currently the president of the American Beverage Association where she provides expertise in health policy and communications. She has also held leadership positions on the staffs of Governor Terry Branstad, Congressman Sid Morrison, and Congressman Jim Leach. Susan served as an executive at the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Health Insurance Association of America. She has created and managed numerous issue-campaigns, including the award winning "Harry and Louise" television commercials and campaign on health reform. Neely also founded a Washington, DC, office for the advertising and public relations firm of CMF&Z, then the largest agriculture communications agency in the country and a subsidiary of Young & Rubicam.

Neely was elected the first woman president of the 90-year-old Washington Rotary Club, and the first woman president of the 100-year-old University Club of Washington, DC. She served as chair-elect of the Public Affairs Council. Susan received the 2002 Trailblazer Award from Dialogue on Diversity and the 2003 Drake Alumni Achievement Award.

Susan Neely is a speaker of great depth, and her lectures speak to the importance of providing a safer place for our children, as well as the responsibility of creating landmark policy.