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Susan Cussen

Vice President—Branch Campus Operations and Non-Degree Programs

Sue Cussen is vice president of Branch Campus Operations and Non-Degree Programs for the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the college’s campuses in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. She also leads operations for the Center for Food and Beverage Leadership, along with all non-degree initiatives, which span campus food and beverage operations, publishing, special events, and programming for food enthusiasts and continuing education.

Since joining CIA in 2000, Cussen has held several leadership positions, including associate vice president of branch campuses and senior director of continuing education and publishing. She came to CIA with strong foundation in marketing, communications, sales, and project management honed at companies including Container Machinery Corp. in Kinderhook, NY; Elrick and Lavidge in Clifton Park, NY; Pitney Bowes in Albany, NY; and Certified Reports in Kinderhook.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the State University of New York at Oneonta and an MBA with a marketing concentration from the State University of New York at Albany.

Cussen balances the hustle of campus life with simple joys, like gardening, hiking, and peaceful walks with her dog on her favorite Cape Cod beaches. She loves visiting the library for a new book, experimenting in the kitchen, and podcasts that make her commute a lot funnier.