Women Making History: Honoring The Legacy of Susan M. Ross

A loving friend to all.

A pillar of strength and devotion.

A strong and ethical leader.

Those were just some of the sentiments shared about Susan M. Ross, after the former leader of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation passed away nearly a decade ago.

And then there was this:

She leaves a flourishing legacy.

Those words proved to be prophetic—Ross’ legacy of leadership, compassion and vision lives on through the Susan M. Ross Leadership Institute and the lives of those she touched.

Women’s History Month offers a timely opportunity to celebrate Ross’ remarkable contributions during her 15 years as President and CEO of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

“I really can’t think of a better person to honor during Women’s History Month.” said Nancy von Euler, former Vice President of Programs at FCCF. “She’s an icon.”

Inspiring growth and development

Ross was also a trailblazer.

When selected as FCCF President & CEO in 1996, she became the first woman to lead the Community Foundation. At the time, women held approximately 30 percent of philanthropic leadership roles nationwide—a number that today stands at more than 60 percent, according to Candid.

During her tenure, Ross focused on pressing issues including improving public schools, increasing affordable housing and building the capacity of area nonprofit organizations.

This deep commitment to the community generated rapid growth. During her tenure, the Community Foundation’s assets grew from $10 million to more than $150 million, ultimately providing more than $125 million in grants.

It was under Ross’ leadership that the Fund for Women & Girls grew to the largest fund specifically for women in all of New England. Additionally, FCCF launched the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, which provides training and support for nonprofit leaders.

And she always prioritized professional development for her staff, said Karen R. Brown, a former VP of Development & Philanthropic Services for FCCF who worked alongside Ross.

In particular, staff were encouraged to participate with the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy and attend the Council on Foundation’s (COF) annual conference.

“It was at the COF annual conference that Susan’s staff developed lasting relationships with community foundation colleagues across the U.S,” Brown said. “That helped us replicate best practices and explore new program ideas.”

‘A friend and mentor’

Ross’ approach inspired a generation of women working in philanthropy in Fairfield County and beyond.

von Euler first gained insight into Ross’ inspiring leadership when she joined FCCF in 2008 as Director of the Fund for Women & Girls.

“Philanthropy is about relationships and Susan modeled that in a really powerful way,” von Euler said. “She was without ego. It was never about her, it was always about the community and helping donors realize their philanthropic goals.”

Debra Hertz, Managing Director for The Strategy Group, also benefitted from Ross’ mentorship. For several years, Hertz’ office was co-located at FCCF, providing her with regular visibility into Ross’ leadership style and growing accomplishments at the Community Foundation.

Yet it was the little things about Ross that Hertz cherishes to this day. She recalls the lunches where Ross would listen to the challenges that Hertz and Lucy Ball, Executive Director of the Lone Pine Foundation, were encountering and “then without drama or judgement offer steady counsel.”

The support Ross offered reached beyond the professional in meaningful and memorable ways.

“One day she caught me on a very bad, sad day, with my head on my desk as I cried,” Hertz recalled. “She didn’t offer platitudes or try to fix anything. She simply sat with me and let me cry. It was just what I needed. “

When Hertz learned that Ross was seriously ill, she wrote Ross’ name on a Post-It note, drew a heart around it, and kept it on her computer.

“After she died, I placed it in my desk drawer, where it has remained,” Hertz said. “When I need a little strength, I take it out and smile. Susan was a wonderful friend and mentor. Her wisdom and grace continue to guide me.”

Still Making a Difference

To continue to honor this legacy, FCCF hosts the Susan M. Ross Leadership Institute, an executive program designed to uplift leaders in the field and bring together executive directors and senior leadership from organizations across Fairfield County.

This year the Community Foundation is also excited to announce the launch of the Susan M. Ross Executive Leadership Fund’s new program—Leadership Without Compromise, a foundation-sponsored leadership cohort designed to support women leaders working in nonprofits in Fairfield County.

Center for Nonprofit Excellence Director Rebecca Cordero said that in the same spirit as other programs offered by FCCF, the aim of this year’s executive leadership program is to offer something deeper and more transformational to participants. To achieve that, the Community Foundation partnered with people committed to building and supporting a cohort of female executive directors.

“These are facilitators who understand that female leaders often carry an added emotional labor, the pressure to balance credibility and care, and the responsibility of navigating and repairing misalignment within their organizations,” Cordero said. “Our hope is that this cohort becomes a steady source of support for rising women leaders, creating space for stability, connection, and resilience, and reducing the risk of burnout and isolation.

“More than anything, I want my colleagues in leadership to experience deeper fulfillment, build meaningful professional relationships, and have more joy in the roles they’ve worked so hard to step into,” she added. “These are themes I hear time and time again when talking to those who knew Susan best.”

Applications to join the Leadership Without Compromise program will open March 16 and are due April 13, 2026. Stay tuned!