Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Susie West

Susie West

Auburn,WA

Summary

Seasoned spiritual leader with 15+ years of experience advancing the mission of Young Life through visionary leadership, strategic growth, and the development of healthy people, teams, and cultures. Currently serving as Associate Regional Director for Alaska South Puget Sound, supervising eight Area Directors across nearly 20 cities and shaping the culture of more than 40 areas region-wide. Proven track record in staff recruitment and development, donor engagement, and large-scale camp leadership, including raising over $7M and directing teams of 150+ to serve thousands of teens each summer. Passionate about reaching every kid with the hope of Jesus and equipping leaders to flourish in ministry.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Regional Director

Young Life
Tacoma, Washington
02.2023 - Current
  • Supervise and develop eight Area Directors overseeing leadership across nearly 20 cities in South King and East Pierce Counties, WA.
  • Provide strategic leadership and shape culture within the Alaska South Puget Sound Region, impacting more than 40 Young Life areas across region.
  • Design, implement, and oversee the New Staff Development Program for all full-time hires in the region, ensuring consistent onboarding, training, and leadership development.
  • Chair the Washington Family Ranch Committee (Northwest Division, 7 states), strengthening alignment between field staff and property staff and driving long-term camp strategy.
  • Raised more than $7 million in personal and team fundraising efforts, including major gifts, donor events, and campaign initiatives.
  • Led multiple month-long Young Life camp assignments as Camp Director (Malibu Club and Washington Family Ranch), managing 150+ staff/volunteers to serve 1,500+ teens per month.
  • Cultivate cultural intelligence and team care, fostering inclusive, healthy, and resilient team cultures while integrating emotional and spiritual development with operational excellence.Served as Camp Director for multiple month-long sessions at Young Life Camps including Malibu Club and Washington Family Ranch, leading a team of more than 150 people to serve roughly 1,500 teens a month.

Metro Director

Young Life
Auburn, WA
10.2017 - 02.2023
  • Provided visionary leadership for Auburn Young Life and supervised five additional areas across South King and East Pierce Counties, cultivating a culture of collaboration and shared mission.
  • Directed significant area growth in Auburn, expanding staff from 2 to 9 and volunteers from 20 to over 100 at peak, dramatically increasing community reach and sustainability.
  • Recruited, hired, and developed key staff who led thriving local ministries, including the launch of a new area in Sumner/Bonney Lake/Orting and a successful restart in Maple Valley.
  • Guided multiple area transitions, navigating leadership changes with stability and strategic direction that positioned each area for long-term health.
  • Partnered with local area committees to strengthen governance, increase donor engagement, and support long-term financial sustainability.
  • Fostered regional collaboration, building systems and rhythms that encouraged cross-area partnership, shared resources, and mutual support among staff and volunteers.

Area Director

Young Life
Auburn, WA
09.2012 - 09.2017
  • Grew Auburn Young Life to 8 active club ministries, impacting 500+ teens weekly.
  • Developed and deployed staff and volunteers, building a healthy and diverse leadership pipeline.
  • Recruited and equipped an active adult committee, strengthening community ownership and donor engagement.
  • Cultivated diverse leadership teams that reflected Auburn’s cultural and demographic makeup.
  • Provided spiritual leadership and care for staff, volunteers, and committee members, fostering collaboration and mission focus.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies

Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA
06.2007

Skills

Leadership & Strategy

  • Visionary Leadership & Strategic Planning
  • Organizational Growth & Culture Development
  • Flexible & Adaptive Leadership

People & Teams

  • Staff Development & Coaching
  • Team Building & Collaboration
  • Skilled in Difficult Conversations
  • Cultural & Emotional Intelligence

Communication & Fundraising

  • Proficient Communicator & Public Speaker
  • Donor Engagement & Fundraising (>$7M raised)
  • Event Leadership & Stakeholder Relations

Timeline

Associate Regional Director

Young Life
02.2023 - Current

Metro Director

Young Life
10.2017 - 02.2023

Area Director

Young Life
09.2012 - 09.2017

Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies

Seattle Pacific University

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