Not your average marketing and communications professional, the knowledge and experience that feeds into the work of Geist is built upon Susanna’s unique and interesting experiences, mostly from hands-on involvement in start-up initiatives. A vibrant and outstanding portfolio of professional experience at senior and executive management levels informs the approaches Geist Consulting takes with clients. Examples include:

• Being integral to the establishment of The University of Notre Dame Australia’s new campus in the competitive higher education market in Sydney, with the critical task of attracting the first cohorts of local and international students. Building on achievements gained, later tasks included oversight of many of the aspects of running the successful campus, including student administration, student recruitment and retention, campaigns and government reporting.

• Joining The University of Western Australia with the specific task of developing a strategic plan to communicate and promote the largest and most comprehensive curriculum (product) reform for the University in its 100-year history. Working on a tight-knit team to deliver the Centenary Celebrations was another highlight of this period.

• Appointed as the first Head of Marketing, Communications and Development at Carmel School (one of Perth’s leading independent schools), with the specific tasks of establishing a brand, marketing strategy, fundraising plan and student administrative systems for the School as well as identifying and attracting new markets.

• Participating, as a consumer representative, in the development of the Western Australian Health Department’s Rare Diseases Strategic Framework (volunteer role).

• Leading the committee (board) of the Mt Hawthorn Out-of-School-Hours service, providing strategic, financial and governance oversight to the staff team (volunteer role).

• Providing communications and research support to the WA Council of State School Organisations, working on projects that amplify the parent voice and provide resources to the network of P&Cs across WA.