Andrea Sussman
Communications philosophy: Everything communicates, so you should be intentional about everything you say and do — or decide not to say and do.
Andrea is a communications strategist with more than 25 years experience branding and naming organizations, crafting effective messages, making data accessible, and managing communications projects. She works with a range of clients and issues, including improving the quality of community colleges and four-year colleges. Prior to starting Next Chapter, Andrea was senior vice president at KSA-Plus Communications. Her experience also includes directing media relations for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF); managing communications departments for nonprofit organizations and trade associations; and managing press relations and coalition-building operations for national public education campaigns on ancient forest protection and tuberculosis control.
Andrea graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with honors. She holds a B.A. in a self-designed major that combines communications, marketing, and psychology.
Kathy Ames
Communications philosophy: It’s essential to focus on both the big-picture goals that drive your strategy and the details of how that strategy is implemented.
Kathy has more than 20 years experience helping clients communicate complex messages and information in ways that engage target audiences and inspire action. Before starting Next Chapter, Kathy was vice president, digital media, for KSA-Plus Communications, where she led a wide variety of communications projects, including planning and developing websites, planning social media strategy, creating online district and school performance reports, and more. She has worked on a range of issues, including college and career readiness and charter schools, for clients such as state departments of education, public school districts, education improvement organizations, business associations, other nonprofits, and corporations.
Kathy graduated from Georgetown University with a B.S. in biology.