Susan Abells

President, The Abells Group Inc.

Partner, Abells Henry Public Affairs

Vice-President, Daniel Milburn & Associates Ltd.

Expertise: Governance, Stakeholder Relations, Policy Analysis, Communications

Susan has owned and operated her own consulting practice since 1997. Over the past 10 years she has worked on projects related to sustainability and land use, public health, child care, the arts and cultural industries. Her focus has been on working with governments, industry and the community to develop engagement processes that build trust and understanding among stakeholders. Susan is also an experienced policy analyst and communications specialist.

Born and raised in Edmonton, she spent the first 15 years of her career working in the arts, creating and producing Canada’s only visual arts festival from 1985 –1990, which showcased the work of hundreds of artists every summer outdoors, as well as in the halls and on the walls of downtown office towers, shopping malls and restaurants. As Executive Director of the Alberta Craft Council (1990-1997) she re-defined hand-made arts and crafts as a cultural industry, creating innovative business training and marketing programs for the organization's 600 members. Susan received national and international recognition for her work, and in 1996 was included in the Who’s Who of Canadian Women for her contribution to the arts and business.

With a keen interest in sustainable development, Susan returned to the University of Alberta and graduated with a Master’s degree in Political Science in 2004, specializing in the political economy of development. She has been a speaker and has presented papers at many national and international conferences.

Susan currently lives in Victoria.