Letters of Reference
Sue has worked with the Kappa Omicron Nu Board for two years in developing a Web course for board education, facilitating education at the Board Meeting, and recommending modifications to policies to meet the theoretical tenets of Policy Governance®. Since beginning with us in this capacity she has engaged in advanced study with John Carver and Miriam Carver. Although I was impressed with her work from the beginning, her competence is greatly enhanced now. Kappa Omicron Nu installed Policy Governance® in 1993 without the aid of facilitators (experts), and she has been extremely helpful to us in refining our policies. Sue facilitates our Web Policy Governance® course, and I am pleased with her ability to help participants extend their knowledge and make application of the theory to practice. Although I don’t have the depth of knowledge that she has, I have significant knowledge and experience with Policy Governance® and know how to recognize excellence in theory and instruction. Her educational background is obvious—she knows how to teach effectively. Because of her experience and study of traditional organizational governance, she is particularly effective in articulating the benefits of Policy Governance® and helping board members understand the need and process for change to a more effective governance model.
Although Sue has clear preference for Policy Governance®, she is realistic in knowing that some organizations are not ready for radical change. I have worked with her on the Elected Leader and Professional Development Committees of the Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) and have witnessed her leadership in developing a traditional board-education package. I recommend her for board education, regardless of the model.
The Web course on Self-Managed Mentoring ( that Sue developed for us demonstrates her ability to develop content and process for an educational program. Experiential learning is her forte. Her approach is theory-based and designed to help participants make immediate application to personal and professional situations.
My experience as a peer on MSAE committees is that Sue is both a leader and process facilitator as a committee member. She helps committee chairs and members look good by helping to facilitate good thinking and action. She is one of the best in this capacity, and if I had a choice I would want her on my team.
Sue is well read in diverse subjects and thus has a wealth of knowledge (both depth and breadth) to accompany her experience in association management and leadership. She takes seriously the need for life-long learning in this day of fast change. Her wide experience is also helpful in working with a broad spectrum of audiences. Although I have not been a participant in the CAE course, the fact that she developed and facilitates that educational program speaks volumes for her readiness for a faculty position in the Institute for Organizational Management.
Lest you think this description of my experience with Sue Stratton is too rosy, I assure you that she merits these accolades. I am blessed with having Sue among my local consultants, and I recommend her without hesitation.
Sincerely yours,
Dorothy I. Mitstifer, Ph.D., CFCS
Executive Director
The students and faculty of the US Chamber’s Institutes for Organizational Management program would be well served to have Susan Stratton as an instructor. Ms. Stratton’s unique understanding of governance policy, accompanied by her engaging teaching methods, help prepare students for the rapidly changing environments of non-profit organizations.
She possesses the ability to delivery non-profit management theory with real world application, further providing participants of Institute with the necessary foundation for success.
As a former graduate of the Notre Dame Institute program, I urge you not only to consider Susan Stratton for a faculty position, but also ask strong consideration for curriculum that deals with governance policy. The topic of governance is the single most important issue facing non-profits. Unless leaders embrace many of the emerging governance models, the future role of non-profits is in question.
Thanks you for your time and consideration.
John Mazor, CAE
President/CEO
Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau
Juneau, Alaska