Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Susan Bernat

Aurora

Summary

Visionary event strategist and communications leader with 25+ years of experience producing large-scale conferences, summits, and innovation showcases within healthcare, academia, and corporate sectors. Proven expertise in event lifecycle management — from strategic planning and content development to sponsorship acquisition, budgeting, vendor oversight, and audience engagement. Adept at unifying cross-functional teams to deliver seamless, high-impact experiences that strengthen brand identity, engage stakeholders, and generate measurable growth in attendance, sponsorship, and visibility.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Principal Consultant

Adviciti Consulting
Aurora
06.2021 - Current
  • Directed strategic planning and execution for a university system’s inaugural innovation conference, overseeing program design, logistics, marketing, sponsorship outreach, and website launch.
  • Delivered a global innovation forum (2,000+ attendees, 650+ organizations, 40+ sessions), managing speaker recruitment, content development, and event technology to elevate the attendee experience.
  • Led financial management for a successful federal grant proposal, coordinating across multiple organizations to ensure compliance.
  • Authored a strategic communications plan and white paper for a proposed healthcare innovation hub, aligning messaging for funders, industry, and internal stakeholders.
  • Managed communications and fiscal strategies for a healthcare–pharma collaboration, ensuring consistent stakeholder engagement.
  • Supported a software company’s product launch through website development, content creation, CRM implementation, and customer engagement strategy.

General Manager

Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland
06.2014 - 06.2021
  • Led a 25+ person team across operations, finance, marketing, events, and inventor engagement.
  • Oversaw $20M+ P&L and aligned budgets, compliance, and reporting with institutional goals.
  • Produced and scaled the flagship innovation summit (3,000+ attendees, $1M+ sponsorship annually), driving attendance, sponsorship, and visibility growth.
  • Expanded startup incubator and accelerator programs, overseeing tenant recruitment, investor showcases, and commercialization support.
  • Implemented Microsoft Dynamics within the department to manage event workflows, investor tracking, and agreement routing, improving reporting and compliance.
  • Directed marketing and communications to engage inventors, industry partners, and investors, strengthening institutional reputation.
  • Partnered with faculty and inventors to support disclosures, patents, licensing, and spin-outs.

Director, Operations & Finance

Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland
11.2004 - 06.2014
  • Managed $20M+ annual operating budget and $180M in grants, ensuring compliance and board-level reporting.
  • Led a 20+ person operations team across finance, HR, facilities, and administration.
  • Spearheaded design, construction, and launch of a 60,000 sq. ft. innovation incubator, delivering on time and under budget with successful tenant recruitment and strong media coverage.
  • Streamlined contracting, IP management, and business operations through process improvements and workflow documentation.
  • Partnered with inventors, faculty, and corporate collaborators to advance licensing and commercialization opportunities.
  • Secured donor and sponsor support through financial transparency and recognition events.

Senior Accountant

Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland
07.2001 - 11.2004
  • Developed budgets and negotiated contracts with pharmaceutical companies for large-scale clinical research programs.

Accountant

Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland
07.2000 - 07.2001
  • Conducted financial analysis and reporting to support managed care program decision-making.

Education

Doctor of Business Administration (ABD) - Business Administration

Indiana Wesley University
Marion

Master of Business Administration -

Cleveland State University
Cleveland

Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting

Kent State University
Kent

Skills

  • Event strategy and production
  • Conference management
  • Sponsorship acquisition
  • Budgeting and financial oversight
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Vendor negotiation
  • Program development
  • Speaker management
  • Strategic communication
  • Digital marketing engagement
  • Healthcare expertise

Timeline

Principal Consultant

Adviciti Consulting
06.2021 - Current

General Manager

Cleveland Clinic
06.2014 - 06.2021

Director, Operations & Finance

Cleveland Clinic
11.2004 - 06.2014

Senior Accountant

Cleveland Clinic
07.2001 - 11.2004

Accountant

Cleveland Clinic
07.2000 - 07.2001

Doctor of Business Administration (ABD) - Business Administration

Indiana Wesley University

Master of Business Administration -

Cleveland State University

Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting

Kent State University

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