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Home / Staff and Leadership / Susan Mahaffee
Board Member
Susan S. Mahaffee is the President and Founder of People Rise LLC, a consultancy dedicated to helping business owners navigate leadership, workplace challenges, and people strategy with a practical, people-first approach. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management and an MBA in Global Business and Organizational Leadership, along with multiple HR and leadership certifications, equipping her with the expertise to help businesses build strong teams and create workplaces where both employees and organizations thrive.
With a diverse background spanning manufacturing, the ingredient industry, consumer packaged goods (CPG), waste/energy, real estate, and the steel industry, Susan has worked in and with a wide range of businesses, from global corporations to privately held companies. Her experience includes leadership roles at Mars Incorporated, Waste Management, and Office Depot, where she worked closely with company leadership and saw firsthand how people decisions shape business success. She has also advised business owners and boards on workforce strategy, leadership development, and creating workplaces that drive long-term success. This broad industry exposure gives her a unique perspective on business operations, workforce dynamics, and the challenges leaders face in different environments. Throughout her career, she’s been known for cutting through complexity, helping leaders make tough decisions, and creating workplaces where both businesses and employees can thrive.
Outside of work, Susan enjoys spending time on the Chesapeake Bay, where she finds inspiration in the ever-changing shoreline. She has a passion for beachcombing, particularly searching for sea glass—a fitting reflection of her belief in transformation, resilience, and finding beauty in the unexpected. She lives in Severna Park, Maryland with her son, Peter.
