Susan Schnitzer is a seasoned nonprofit executive with over 32 years of experience in financial and operational management, program development, and strategic planning. She brings more than two decades of senior leadership in the nonprofit sector, complemented by prior experience in corporate finance and project management.

Susan joined the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) in 2016 and has served as President & CEO since 2020. Over her 9.5-year tenure, including more than six years as CEO, she has led the organization through significant growth and transformation. Under her leadership, CIRI has achieved multiple years of budget surpluses, diversified its funding base, and built a more resilient and sustainable operating model.

She has guided CIRI through complex global and domestic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and humanitarian crises impacting Afghan, Ukrainian, and Haitian populations. During this time, the organization has more than quadrupled its budget, expanded its statewide presence, and strengthened the depth and integration of its services.

Susan is recognized for advancing trauma-informed, client-centered programming and for expanding services for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence beyond immediate needs to long-term stability and independence. She is also a committed advocate for human rights and access to justice, playing a key role in securing state funding and strengthening partnerships that support equitable access to services.

Over the course of her career, Susan has secured and managed more than $100 million in public funding. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Public Policy, with a concentration in International Political Economy, from Syracuse University.