Stephen Susano is an experienced executive and strategist with a successful history of advising clients on business development opportunities, market positioning and connections, regulatory and policy matters, communications, economic development, and community engagement. He formerly served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Business Partnership, an advocacy organization supported by many of the state’s leading enterprises, where spearheaded efforts to advance pro-business policies, including education and judicial-election reforms. Stephen has a deep network of relationships with key business and civic leaders along with state and local policymakers across Tennessee.
- In 2014, Stephen led the statewide “Vote Yes on 2” campaign to amend the Tennessee Constitution. He built a broad coalition of business groups, trade associations, legal advocates and community leaders in favor of the amendment. The coalition’s successful mobilization led to the amendment’s overwhelming approval, carrying 94 out of 95 counties in Tennessee.
- Prior to working in the public affairs space, Stephen had an extensive career in the financial services industry. He served in executive operating and business development roles for several investment advisers and asset management firms. Stephen has consulted with and raised capital for U.S. and foreign-based investment firms. He has negotiated distribution and trading agreements with multiple financial services companies, navigating complex regulatory regimes in domestic and offshore jurisdictions.
- Stephen received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of St. Thomas.
Get To Know Stephen
Grew up in Knoxville and now lives in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Stephen and his wife, Ana, have four children – three daughters and one son.
Serves on the Board of Directors for the Nashville Downtown Partnership and is a member of the 2018 Leadership Tennessee Class V.
Stephen is very fond of their Cavapoo, Finley.
Enjoys watching his son play baseball, and playing tennis and golf with friends.