Suzanne Dizon is the Manager of SMUD’s Economic Development and Partnerships (SEED) Team, supporting SMUD’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and vital local economy. Suzanne oversees the management of SMUD’s economic development and key business partner relationships and participation in regional initiatives, innovation and entrepreneurship partnerships, and small business development, including local vendor outreach, education and engagement for SMUD’s award-winning small local businesses contracting incentive (SEED) program.

Suzanne advances SMUD’s vision to be a powerful partner for an inclusive, zero-carbon economy, and to leave no communities behind in pursuit of its ambitious goal of achieving zero carbon in energy production by the year 2030.

Prior to SMUD, Suzanne served in Public Affairs and Community & Government Relations roles managing successful corporate partnerships and business relationships, high-profile stakeholder engagement, non-profit and under-resourced community support, media relationships, marketing, and grassroots legislative education for organizations including Kaiser Permanente, State Farm Insurance Companies and nonprofit Maranatha Volunteers International.

Suzanne completed a BA in Psychology from UC Irvine, including a semester in Seville, Spain, and an MA in International Affairs with an emphasis in intercultural communication from CSU Sacramento, including a year of study at the University of Madrid.

Suzanne serves on the Board of Volunteers of America, which provides 4,000 individuals with shelter and housing every night in the region, 2,000 meals a day to those who receive emergency shelter, and housing and supportive services to families, seniors, veterans and individuals. She’s a proud member of Class V of the Nehemiah Emerging Leadership Program (NELP) and an even prouder mom of her recently-minted RN son.