PHILADELPHIA, PA – December 5, 2023 – Today, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber) announced that Susan Jacobson, President of Jacobson Strategic Communications, will receive the 2024 Paradigm Award, the region’s most prestigious award for a businesswoman.
“Sue’s outstanding professional and personal achievements serve as a paradigm for success. Her deep and unwavering commitment to Greater Philadelphia during the pandemic and recovery demonstrated exceptional strength and made a remarkable impact on our region’s economic vitality,” said Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Chellie Cameron. “Throughout her career, Sue has prioritized the needs of our city and region. Greater Philadelphia is in a better position thanks to Sue’s bold leadership.”
Susan is an award-winning communicator, strategist, advisor, and President of Jacobson Strategic Communications, a leading public relations, public affairs, and crisis management firm, and the recently launched Jacobson Strategic Health. Susan and her company have won numerous awards and recognitions, including securing a spot on the Inc. 5000 three years in a row.
Prior to joining the communications sector, Susan oversaw government relations as Deputy Chief of Staff to former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell. She recently lent her expertise to the transition teams of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker.
Susan is the immediate past chair of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, the first woman to assume the position in nearly two decades. In response to pandemic-era unemployment and civil unrest, Susan helped launch and lead the Chamber’s signature response effort, “Recharge and Recover” – a groundbreaking initiative with more than 160 regional leaders focusing on short-term, actionable solutions to capitalize on the region’s strengths, rebuild the economy, and get people back to work.
“It is hard to imagine anyone who has made more of an impact on our business community over the past few years than Sue has,” said Jami McKeon, The Paradigm Committee Chair and Chair of Morgan Lewis. “She developed and then doggedly pressed forward our successful Recharge and Recover effort, did a masterful job as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, and immersed herself in virtually every effort to help Philadelphia be better, safer, stronger, more equitable and more diverse. Her passion, energy, and commitment illustrate the best of leadership.”
In addition to her leadership at Jacobson Strategic Communications and Jacobson Strategic Health, Susan also serves as Vice Chair of the National PBS Foundation Board, is on the Board of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives, and is a contributor to Forbes.com.
This year, the Chamber has established a memorial scholarship fund in memory of Temple University President JoAnne Epps, who was an active member of the Paradigm Award & Scholarship Committee at the time of her passing. The JoAnne Epps Memorial Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 to women pursuing their undergraduate degrees while working full-time at member companies, will enable a new generation of women leaders to continue Epps’s legacy of impact in Greater Philadelphia’s business and civic community.
“I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of women business and civic leaders across Philadelphia and want to dedicate it to the memory of my good friend, JoAnne Epps, President of Temple,” said Susan. “She exemplified grace and humility while having a tremendous impact on our region – a true role model for us all.”
In 2023, the Chamber awarded 21 scholarships to working women. Since 2000, the Chamber has awarded 211 scholarships to women pursuing their undergraduate degrees while working at member companies, totaling nearly $800,000.
The Paradigm Award has been given annually since 1992. Susan is joining a distinguished field of past recipients that includes Joan Waters, CEO, COFCO; Jami Wintz McKeon, Chair of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP; Wendy Hamilton, former General Manager, SugarHouse Casino; Teresa Bryce Bazemore, former President, Radian Guaranty, Inc.; Emily Bittenbender, Owner and Managing Partner of Bittenbender Construction LP; Sue Schick formerly of UnitedHealthcare; Mary Stengel Austen, CEO of Tierney; Renee Amoore formerly of The Amoore Group; and Judith von Seldeneck, Founder and Chair of Diversified Search Companies; Eileen McDonnell, Executive Chairman, Penn Mutual Life Insurance; and Donna Allie, President and Founder, Team Clean, Inc.
Susan and this year’s scholarship recipients will be honored at the Paradigm Award Luncheon, sponsored by Jefferson, on March 21, 2024. For more information, visit: chamberphl.com/signature-events/paradigm-award.
About the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia works together with members, investors, and stakeholders, to realize our bold vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. As the metro-regional chamber of commerce serving the 11-county, tri-state Greater Philadelphia region, we are the premier organization to convene and connect business, government and civic leaders to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.
Contact:
Shannon McLaughlin
smclaughlin@chamberphl.com
