Dr. A. Susan Abernethy
Consultant at What If Management Consulting
Nonprofit Leader | Strategic Consultant | Health Equity Advocate
WHO I AM
I am passionate about making a difference. I have leveraged my background in healthcare, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to develop and drive strategies and programs that improve access, inclusion, and health equity.

WHAT I DO
In the first part of my career, I worked in for-profit companies. I later served in clinical care roles at various clinics. Then, in 2012, I redesigned a department to focus on continuing medical education programs for physicians and allied health providers at National Psoriasis Foundation. Simultaneously, I established a health outcomes organization to align research and treatment of dermatological conditions and established a board of directors. I then held leadership roles, such as President/ Chief Executive Officer, Director of Development and Operations, and Chief Business Development Officer, consistently driving changes and impact.

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
•	Secured $4M in renewed grants by researching grant opportunities.
•	Grew individual giving from 0.1% to 1.7%, grew grant diversity from 4% to 27% grant funding, and grew unrestricted funding from $10,000 to nearly $700,000 and cash reserves grew from $60,000 to $800,000.
•	Led advocacy efforts to provide permanent supporting housing in one of Portland Metro Area counties with no existing culturally specific partners for BIPOC communities and submitted grant resulting in $2M in new funding. 
•	Streamlined fiscal activities, growing funds from $5.6M to $10.2M in three years.
•	Led communication strategy increasing engagement by 49%.
•	Wrote grants and secured $3M+ in grants from Oregon Health Authority, Hood River and Wasco county school districts, Ford Family Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, NALCAB, HUD, USDA and more. 
•	Worked with psoriasis patients and psoriatic patient advocacy groups in US, Canada, Italy, and Spain to increase patient representation and voice, resulting in seven patients participating in symposia alongside researchers and other leaders.
•	Presented on a panel at American Academy of Dermatology on IDEOM work and bringing patient voice into clinical care.
•	Secured $1M with renewable sponsorship by clinical trial organizations, pharmaceutical partners, and private organizations.
What If Management Consulting
https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-if-management-consulting
Collaborative partner providing board development training, strategic planning, and leadership coaching.
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Consultant
El Programa Hispano Católico
https://www.linkedin.com/company/el-programa-hispano-cat%C3%B3lico
•	Executive leadership within a non-profit organization that addresses social determinants of health, including education, housing, community wellness, domestic violence/sexual assault intervention and prevention, and economic opportunities. 
•	Managed a six-member team within one office serving 20,000 people per year.
•	Coached staff members, resulting in their promotions – from education program manager to development officer, from community wellness program manager to associate director, and from education site manager to education program manager.
•	Expanded community health initiatives beyond aging services and farm worker outreach to include prevention, COVID response including mask/sanitizer delivery, vaccination clinics, and nutrition and food security programs via food boxes. 
•	Managed communications, including CEO speeches, social media, monthly newsletter, testimonials for City Council, State advisory committees, county committees and hearings, as well as internal communications and website. 
•	Built a sustainable funding model that evaluated funding mix, restricted vs. unrestricted gifts, and transitioned from 95% dependence on contracts to a more diverse mix. 
•	Led strategic partnerships with government and private sector companies, including Port of Portland, Chambers of Commerce, Cities of Gresham, Clackamas and Multnomah Counties, and Oregon Health Authority.
•	Trained board of directors on board governance and accountability, created board member onboarding materials, and attended bimonthly board meetings.
•	Created videos, radio spots, and other brand materials in English/Spanish to rebrand programs (housing, education, economic opportunities, and UNICA).
•	Implemented Salesforce for fundraising and contact management.
•	Measured impact through metrics, including major gifts (over $3,000), grant application conversion rate, new donor acquisition, campaign ROI, and program performance.
Portland, Oregon, United States
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Director Of Development And Communications
WMFDP | FDPGlobal
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wmfdp
•	Led multi-channel marketing and business development strategy across website, print materials, webinars, press releases, and social media for DEI and HR departments at Fortune 500 companies within a diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting firm.
•	Spoke with consultants, interviewed key partners, and performed comparative research to develop successful strategies.
•	Developed proposal process and pricing models, and coordinated PR campaigns, and supported brand management.
•	Provided leadership equity training and created scripts/videos on topics such as privilege, tolerance for change, executive champions, and performance to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Portland, Oregon, United States
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Interim Chief Business Development Officer
The Next Door of the Columbia Gorge
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextdoorinc
•	Served as part of senior leadership for a large culturally-responsive social service organization, supporting 26 programs offering solutions for youth and families facing barriers due to social determinants of health. 
•	Managed three teams (HR, development, and IT) to drive operations, focusing on business development, risk management, strategic partnerships, DEI programming, and community engagement.
•	Met with community partners, such as school districts, health care orgs, orchardists, Rotarians to identify community needs.
•	Helped develop DEI programming concept, co-developed curriculum, led trainings on privilege, equity vs. equality, building and diverse teams; facilitated part of Community Health Worker (CHW) curriculum, a statewide certification training.
•	Served on two community panels – Clinical Advisory Panel (CAP) and Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to develop community goals and priorities around social determinants of health to set next three-year strategic plan for CCO. 
•	Grew funding by 23% and achieved a 93% grant conversion rate and a 90% grant renewal. 
•	Reduced operating costs by 25% by hiring 3rd party providers for IT and HR to ensure continuity of services.
•	Co-designed and facilitated DEI training for organizations, including insurance companies, health care systems, school districts, and a statewide Blue Zones Initiative team in partnership with Cambia. 
•	Designed and implemented event strategy to target community leaders (mayor, judges, commissioners), local business leaders, philanthropists, and former participants, raising $75,000+ in funding.
Hood River, Oregon, United States
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Director Of Development and Operations
Make-A-Wish Kansas
https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-a-wish-kansas
•	Led all aspects of operations for an organization that aims to bring a life-changing with to a child facing a critical illness, championing community outreach, revenue generation, and physician/patients' family engagement.
•	Built impactful relationships with key medical and corporate partners, including Children’s hospital in Wichita and Kansas City, Advisors Excel, CarStar, leading to a $200,000 gift and a 30% increase in corporate support.
•	Grew program referrals and geographic reach by 47%+ by training volunteers and championing patient advocacy efforts.
•	Recruited and trained eight staff and 20 volunteers, managed a $900K budget, led building and space redesign, and provided grief support to staff and volunteers, and conducted PR and media interviews to increase brand awareness and visibility.
Wichita, Kansas, United States
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President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
International Dermatology Outcome Members (IDEOM)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-dermatology-outcome-members-ideom-
•	Co-founded health organization to enhance research and treatment of dermatological conditions by bringing shared outcomes to clinical trials and standards of care; developed strategic plans and annual reports and established board of directors.
•	Managed organizational development and recruited 50+ stakeholders (consumers, physicians, payers, pharmaceutical industry, and international regulatory agencies) to develop global health outcome measures in dermatology. 
•	Oversaw all aspects of multi-national symposia and educational events, resulting in three published papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Remote
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Co-Founder, Board of Directors
National Psoriasis Foundation
https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-psoriasis-foundation
•	Redesigned a department to focus on continuing medical education programs for physicians and allied health providers. 
•	Provided education to medical residents, dermatology nurses, and physician assistants to improve patient access to treatment for individuals with psoriatic diseases, earlier diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, and concomitant diseases.
•	Recruited key opinion leaders, oversaw medical board, served on pharma advisory boards, acted as a faculty with Pfizer’s PsoPact program, and as managing editor of foundation peer-reviewed medical journal.
•	Reviewed and awarded a total of $2.5M in grants to researchers; worked with regulatory agencies and CMS.
Portland, Oregon, United States
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Interim Chief Scientific & Medical Officer
Labrix
https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrix-clinical-services-inc-
Portland, Oregon, United States
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Director of Sales and Provider Services | Med Education
Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine
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National University of Natural Medicine
https://www.linkedin.com/school/national-college-of-natural-medicine/
Bachelor of Science - BS
Exercise Physiology and Biology
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Wilson College
https://www.linkedin.com/school/wilson-college/
Exchange Experience Committee
Public Relations and Marketing
Rotary
Member
Alliance for Continuing Education in Health Professions
Member
GRAPPA Network
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Attended International congress on patient access to care in the UK bringing together VHA organizations and patient rights groups from across the global as well as WHO representatives.
International Alliance for Patient Organizations
Member
The International Dermatology Outcome Measures proceedings from the first meeting in Boston, MA January 2013.
IDEOM: International Dermatology Outcome Measures- Proceedings from the First Meeting . 20: 66-72, 2014.
Psoriasis Forum
http://www.psoriasis.org
The International Dermatology Outcome Measures group includes all willing stakeholders: patients, physicians, payers, and pharmaceutical scientists and regulatory groups.This report is an update on the group's efforts and goal to develop outcome measures in dermatology that address the needs of all involved.
The International Dermatology Outcome Measures Initiative as Applied to Psoriatic Disease Outcomes: A Report from the GRAPPA 2013 Meeting
Journal of Rheumatology
http://jrheum.org/content/41/6/1227.abstract
An update on the National Psoriasis Foundations effort to get the Center for Disease Control to include Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis on it's public health agenda.
Years of Work Result in Win:C.D.C. Releases First-Ever Psoriasis Public Health Agenda
Psoriasis Forum
https://www.psoriasis.org/health-care-providers/resources/psoriasis-forum-journal
Outstanding performance in fundraising, awarded to the top chapters in their categories (category 4) for chapters exceeding their goals.
Make-A-Wish America
Outstanding Achievement in Fundraising
Outstanding Performance Award, awarded to the top chapter in its category (category 4), from Make-A-Wish America.
Make-A-Wish America
Outstanding Performance Award
Pacesetters are a select group of Relay participants who are committed to achieving extraordinary fundraising results through the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.
American Cancer Society
Pacesetter
Leadership Development Training
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Leading for Organizational Impact
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Diversity Task Force
The Psoriasis PACT is a multidisciplinary panel of experts from around the world brought together by Pfizer. Our mission is to support the high standard of care you provide for your patients with psoriasis.

Our faculty, comprising a diverse group of dermatologists, other physician specialties, allied health care professionals, and patient advocates, is committed to the ongoing development and dissemination of educational materials and practical tools that will be useful to you and your patients. I served as a faculty member and presenter during my time at NPF.
The Psoriasis PACT (Partnership to Advance Care and Treatment)
http://www.psopact.com
Developed a mission-driven CME expansion plan for the organization expanding educational offerings, both online and live events, for healthcare providers. Designed a certification program for psoriatic disease education for medical professionals seeking advanced training in psoriasis and a deeper understanding of patient reported gaps.
CME Program expansion and design
Working with all vested members of the psoriatic community to create an organization, similiar to OMERACT, that will develop RCT outcomes measures in psoriasis and corresponding measures for clinical application
International Dermatology Outcomes Measures (IDEOM)
www.dermoutcomes.org
Education
Phi Beta Kappa Association of Oregon
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pbkoregon
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President
Health
Providence Health & Services
https://www.linkedin.com/company/providence-health-and-services
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Hospice of the Gorge Volunteer
Nathalie Duer Rankin
      
          



            
              
        
              
  

    
        As her mentee, Dr. Susan marked a key moment in my career, helping me realize my true potential, supporting the development of important skills, and helping me overcome perfectionism. Her strategic planning and vision brought great additions to EPHC's programming and organizational capacity. She trusts her team, makes sure everyone at the table is heard and brings in creative thinking and purpose. Edith Quiroz
      
          



            
              
        
              
  

    
        Dr. Susan helped establish EPHC’s first Development and Communications Program. Among her many accomplishments, she helped secure major grants as well as set up our first donor database. Dr. Susan is a creative and resourceful professional and she understands organizational infrastructure, and capacity building. She is passionate about mentoring others and brings commitment to her work. She would be a great asset to any team that aligns with her values and nurtures her desire for systems change and creativity.
Liked by Dr. A. Susan Abernethy
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I HIRED a person over 50. You can't imagine the resistance I had to overcome. The HR manager was not impressed. She said he "won't fit into our…
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I once cried in the office.It was in a private meeting, with my two bosses — both men. I cried because I had reached my breaking point.I cried…
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Took a week off from applying for jobs (because, well exhaustion lol), came back today with 4 interviews lined up for the week! I will be removing…
Alliance for Nonprofit Management
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/725897
Strategy Consulting Network
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Association for Talent Development (ATD)
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/48422
Global Public Health - Social Determinants of Health
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2060377
Nonprofit Governance
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/131626
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1188667
JUMP, Solutions for Equity at Work
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/71498
Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1878448
The Phi Beta Kappa Society
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/67341
The NonProfit Times
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Non-Profit Marketing
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Leadership & Organizational Development
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Development and Fundraising Professionals
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Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions (Official Group)
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https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2898297