Susan Ross, EDC Country Strategy Director/Portfolio Director, is an experienced program leader and expert in foundational education in schools and out-of-school settings. For over 20 years, she has led, overseen, and implemented global and U.S.-based programs and portfolios of work. She brings deep expertise in team leadership, partner cultivation, system strengthening, standards-based curriculum design, and teacher coaching and professional development. She specializes in early-grade reading and literacy; education for crisis and conflict-affected populations; and accelerated education.

As Country Strategy Director, Susan works closely with Growth + Partnerships leads to guide EDC’s Country Representatives in Africa, Asia, and Central America in identifying strategic business development opportunities. Previously, as a portfolio and project leader, she oversaw and supported youth, education, and health programs in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. She joined EDC as a technical program director on the Education Reform Program.

Previously, Susan served as Chief of Party, Country and Assistant Country, and Regional Director with CARE USA in Egypt, Bangladesh, Haiti and the Atlanta headquarters. She began her career strengthening community development and services organizations through Georgetown University and the Institute John XXIII in Managua and the DC Schools Project in Washington, DC.

Susan holds an MPPM from Yale University and an MAT from Emory University. She is fluent in Spanish and French.