Susan Daniels

Prior to leading Leader Dog as president and CEO, Sue served for over 15 years in the nonprofit sector.

Sue’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in Leader Dogs for the Blind being the first guide dog organization in North America to serve clients on campus during the pandemic. In addition, her conviction in partnership within the guide dog industry resulted in Leader Dog supplying 10 dogs to a Canadian guide dog organization that could not get canines for training during the pandemic.

Sue led the largest project in Leader Dog's 82-year history: the creation of the canine development center, which took five years from initial planning to completion. The campaign goal of $14.5 million dollars was reached in 2 ½ years, and construction was also completed in just 2 ½ years, coming in under budget. During the entirety of the campaign, Leader Dog maintained its level of annual fundraising and continued operations throughout the organization. Sue also established the Leader Dogs for the Blind Foundation in 2012 to ensure the long-term sustainability of Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Sue is a graduate of the University of Michigan – Dearborn, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She completed the executive leadership program at Harvard Business School, Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit Management, and the Women’s Executive Leadership Experience through Paragon Leadership International. Sue is a proud graduate of both Leadership Greater Rochester and Leadership Oakland, and she is also a recipient of the 2011 Crain's Detroit Business CFO Award (nonprofit sector) recognizing outstanding financial executives.

Sue is a member of the Mayor’s Business Council in Rochester Hills, Michigan, served for three years as Chair of the Council of North American Guide Dog Schools, and is a past board member of Chief Financial Credit Union, Adult Well-Being Services and Presbyterian Village of Oakland Woods. Sue is also a proud member of the Livonia High Nooners Lions Club.