Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Personal & Professional References
Generic

Susan Johnston Rowland

Summary

Self-directed and resourceful Chief of Staff with 24 years of experience successfully organizing, managing and delivering legislative and political project results. Influences and guides at executive-level while structuring and executing complex support strategy in fast-paced and evolving environment. Excellent communication and relationship building with member success mindset and strong communications skills to effectively manage both legislative and political matters for the member.

Overview

43
43
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief of Staff for Senator Lionell Spruill, Sr.

Senate Of Virginia
12.2016 - Current
  • Managed Senator's office to make sure constituent issues were being addressed and responded to in a timely manor.
  • Managed Senator's schedule to ensure he was on time for meetings and events, along with any materials and background information needed for the event.
  • Wrote speeches, researched issues for legislation, kept in communication with those who would assist in testifying on legislation, making sure the Senator had all materials needed for success.
  • Attended meetings representing the Senator in communicating his objectives.
  • Facilitated meeting organization for the Hampton Roads Caucus. Setting up locations, agenda's and speakers for meetings. Maintained communications with caucus members and business community.
  • Managed schedule of committee chair, and sub committee chair to ensure meetings with committee staff and member requests for bill hearings.
  • Managed staff, Administrative Assistant, Session Legislative Assistant, and Interns to ensure the office was operating efficiently in responding to constituents, staff, press, and other members.
  • Managed data base for constituent organizations and supervised the Constant Contact electronic newsletter of over 4,000 subscriptions.
  • Managed social media, website, and all communications on behalf of the office.
  • Organized fundraising events. Managed two campaign banking accounts, filed campaign reports, large donor reports and economic interest statements.
  • Political advisor & managed 2019 campaign.


Chief of Staff to Delegate Lionell Spruill, Sr.

VA House Of Delegates
01.1999 - 12.2016
  • Attended meetings to represent the member.
  • Responded to constituent issues.
  • Supervised staff and interns.
  • Managed office operations while overseeing political matters for the delegate. Making sure all campaign filings were in place on time.
  • Drafted legislation, tracked the progress of legislation to ensure that the delegate had all information needed for presentation.
  • Communicated with lobbyist and activist on behalf of the delegate.
  • Managed social media and technology for the office.
  • Maintained data bases of constituent organizations.

Title Examiner

Self
08.1994 - 01.2005
  • Contacted appropriate agencies to complete searches, order records, and obtain documents.
  • Prepared property reports.
  • Compiled lists of mortgages, contracts, and other documents pertaining to titles.
  • Examined and verified numerous titles weekly.

Bookkeeper

Adamson Oil Company
09.1980 - 07.1985
  • Maintained and processed invoices, deposits, and money logs.
  • Processed invoices, took customer orders, worked with sales team and checked stock in warehouse.
  • Data entry on NCR machine and IBM computer.


Education

Title Examining

Tidewater Community College
Chesapeake, VA
01.1993

Data Entry & Bookkeeping

Tidewater Community College
Chesapeake, VA
01.1981

High School Diploma -

Oscar Smith High School
Chesapeake, VA
06.1980

Skills

  • Good Telephone Etiquette
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Planning and Coordination
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Dependable and Responsible
  • Decision-Making
  • Attention to Detail

Accomplishments

Member of the 2008, 2012 ( President) & 2016 (President) Virginia Electoral College

Life Member of VA PTA-PTSA

Member, South Norfolk Civic League

Chairman of 4th Congressional District Democratic Committee, 2010-2017

Member of the Democratic Party of Virginia since 2004


Timeline

Chief of Staff for Senator Lionell Spruill, Sr.

Senate Of Virginia
12.2016 - Current

Chief of Staff to Delegate Lionell Spruill, Sr.

VA House Of Delegates
01.1999 - 12.2016

Title Examiner

Self
08.1994 - 01.2005

Bookkeeper

Adamson Oil Company
09.1980 - 07.1985

Title Examining

Tidewater Community College

Data Entry & Bookkeeping

Tidewater Community College

High School Diploma -

Oscar Smith High School

Personal & Professional References

Hon. Lionell Spruill, Sr., Member Senate of Virginia

senatorlspruill@gmail.com, 757-620-7777

Hon. Kenneth Alexander, Mayor, City of Norfolk

alexanderkc@aol.com, 757-

Sandra Brandt, Chair 2nd District Committee of the DPVA

brandt@theelectivegroup.com. 757-288-9558

Elizabeth Francis, Former Session Legislative Assistant

Elizabeth.Francis@verizon.net

Diane Kaufman, Regional Director for Sen. Tim Kaine

dianekaufman@hotmail.com. 757-581-6482

Grindly Johnson, Former Sec. of Administration & Deputy Sec. of Transportation, Commonwealth of VA

Grindlyj@aol.com. 757-409-0319

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Susan Johnston Rowland