Susan Scotti
Community Pillar
Susan Scotti is widely recognized for her strategic leadership, governance expertise, and sustained commitment to strengthening public institutions and community organizations in Ottawa and across Canada. She is an experienced board director, executive coach, and public sector leader whose career spans over three decades across government, business, and the not-for-profit sector.
Susan has served as Executive Vice President of the Business Council of Canada, where she oversaw the organization’s daily operations and led its policy agenda until 2022. In this role, she worked closely with senior business leaders and government stakeholders to advance national economic and social priorities. Prior to joining the Council in 2011, she held an extensive 30-year career in the Government of Canada, culminating in her appointment as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
Throughout her federal public service career, Susan held senior leadership roles in multiple departments, including Canadian Heritage, Communications, Indian and Northern Affairs, and the Privy Council Office. She provided executive leadership on a wide range of national initiatives, including culture and broadcasting policy, immigration and social integration, disability supports, seniors’ programs, Indigenous land claims, homelessness strategies, public pensions, and cross-sector collaboration between government and civil society. Her work consistently focused on improving inclusion, social equity, and system-level coordination.
Following her executive career, Susan transitioned into coaching and advisory work, supporting both emerging and established leaders, particularly within the public sector. Her coaching practice focuses on leadership development, career advancement, and strengthening executive capacity, drawing on her extensive experience in public administration and governance.
Susan is also deeply engaged in volunteer leadership within Ottawa’s not-for-profit sector. She serves as Chair of the Grants Committee and is a member of the Governance Committee at the Ottawa Community Foundation, where she contributes to funding allocation and organizational oversight that support community well-being across the region. As Vice Chair of Ottawa Chamberfest and Chair of its Governance Committee, she plays a key role in strategic planning, board development, and ensuring strong governance practices within one of Canada’s leading classical music festivals.
In addition, Susan serves as Vice Chair of Cornerstone Housing for Women and is Chair of the Vanier Institute of the Family, a national organization dedicated to strengthening family well-being through research, dialogue, and collaborative action. She has previously contributed her expertise to several prominent organizations, including the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ottawa Community Immigrant Services, Volunteer Canada, and the Ottawa chapter of the International Women’s Federation.
Beyond board governance, Susan volunteers with the Maycourt Club’s literacy program, supporting kindergarten students in developing early reading and communication skills. This hands-on engagement reflects her long-standing commitment to education and community development at the grassroots level.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and earned her Chartered Director designation from The Directors College in 2014. Through her leadership, governance, and volunteer service, she continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact on public policy, community organizations, and civic life.
