Susan Allen
Susan Allen was appointed to the Board of Visitors on July 1, 2023, by Governor Glenn Youngkin. She served as Virginia's First Lady 1994-1998 during her husband's tenure as the Commonwealth's 67th Governor. Prior to moving to the Executive Mansion, Susan and George met, married and lived in Albemarle County. She was raised in Virginia, her family moving to Albemarle after her father's service as a pilot in USMC. Susan was a University of South Carolina graduate where she studied marketing and psychology. She began her career in tourism marketing in Charlottesville before marrying George in 1986 who was practicing law and serving in Virginia's House of Delegates. She enjoyed her role assisting with constituent service and community involvement and was an avid campaigner, which helped George with his successful elections later to Congress, Governor and US Senate.
While First Lady, Susan combined her background in tourism and love for Virginia to create "Celebrate Virginia" which promoted every aspect of the Commonwealth to include historic sites, main streets, small towns and ecotourism. She traveled to Asia, Europe, Canada and Mexico with her husband on trade missions hosting events to boost tourism in Virginia. Susan also led a delegation to South Africa. In more recent years, she established the "To Know Virginia Series" that produced group tours to select sites throughout Virginia. She served as chair for the Va Capitol Foundation which focused on improving the Capitol, Grounds & Governor's Mansion and helped lead the effort to place women's statues on the Capitol Grounds in a monument titled "Voices From the Garden".
Susan is a well-known advocate for women's health issues and worked to raise awareness, funds and collaborative efforts amongst many groups in Virginia. She created the "First Lady's Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative" and chaired cancer events such as Relay for Life, Komen Race for the Cure, the Pink Ribbon Classic and served on the Parades Breast Cancer Foundation. As a proponent of women's wellness and fitness, Susan also co-chaired the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness with fitness celebrity, Denise Austin.
Susan has been a frequent speaker and consultant for candidates at all levels of public service. She chaired Women for McCain and Women for Romney in Virginia, served on the McDonnell Inaugural Committee, has been a surrogate for many candidates and was a founding member of the Jennifer Byler Institute for women in politics. She hosted a talk radio show on WDBT and has written editorials on a variety of topics.
As a published author of a best-selling children's book, "The Remarkable Ronald Reagan", Susan has enjoyed the opportunity to share Reagan's life story and his relationship with the Allen family.
Susan serves on the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation which helps support the largest volunteer rescue squad system in the country. She is a board member of American Veterans Center and participates in numerous other community charitable activities.
George & Susan have 3 grown children and 1 grandson. They are enjoying life residing in Virginia Beach where their property adjoins one of Virginia's best State Parks, First Landing, a place where opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors are abundant.