Susan Stephenson

Director of Federal Business Development

Susan Stephenson supports Chesapeake Conservancy’s development efforts as our director of federal business development, creating and deepening institutional partnerships with foundations and government partners.

Stephenson has extensive experience with all aspects of grant and contract management processes and has a high success rate securing funds. Her impressive track record prior to joining Chesapeake Conservancy includes grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) totaling nearly $30 million.

Stephenson’s background includes nearly 25 years in the air quality, mobile source emission reduction, transportation planning and public outreach arenas. She developed and managed a diverse portfolio of air quality-related projects, served as the project manager for the development and launch of the Clean Diesel Clearinghouse and developed and managed the Mid-Atlantic Diesel Collaborative.

Stephenson holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a master’s degree in political management with an environmental policy specialty from The George Washington University. In her spare time, Stephenson is a junior varsity field hockey coach, keeps up with her four children and 12 acres of property.