Meet Susan
Representative Susan Fagan was elected in a special election in November 2009 and served her first session earlier this year. She serves on the following House committees: Education; Local Government and Housing; Health & Human Services Appropriations; and Audit Review and Oversight.
Ten-year career at SEL working on a broad array of issues including stormwater regulations, the state death tax, agricultural zoning and property rights, health care/health insurance legislation, Workers' Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, workforce development, climate change and energy with an emphasis on a healthy economy and a competitive business environment.
Staff to the United States Senate helping constituents cut through the red tape of government. Focused on issues such as protection of the Lower Snake River dams, private property rights including a case that went to the US Supreme Court, public access to federal lands, reauthorization of the Farm Bill and the Transportation Bill. Worked hand-in-hand with the American Farm Bureau, National Association of Wheatgrowers, The Fertilizer Institute, the National Association of County Officials and a long list of local and state organizations and industries.
Foundation in production agriculture raising wheat, barley, peas and lentils including a cow-calf operation.
Former member of the Association of Washington Business (AWB) where she was a member of the board and the Executive Committee and served as chairman of the AWB Health Care Committee. Member of the Washington Farm Bureau, the Colfax, Othello, Pomeroy, Clarkston and Pullman chambers of commerce.
Quick Facts about Susan
Personal
- Born December 18, 1947, Seattle, WA
- Husband John passed away in 2007
- Five grown children: Kris, Wylie, John, Jill and Jacqueline
Professional
- Present: Member, House of Representatives, 9th Legislative District, State of Washington
- 1999 – 2009: Served as director of public affairs, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, a high-tech manufacturer in Pullman
- 1985 – 1999: Served as regional director for US Senator Jim McClure and US Senator Larry Craig, and worked on Capitol Hill for US Senator Steve Symms
- Forest landowner and manager
- Foundation in production agriculture raising wheat, barley, peas and lentils with cow-calf operation
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Business Management, Lewis-Clark State College
- Congressional Research Service Legislative Seminar, Washington, DC
- Dispute Resolution/Negotiation Seminar, Conflict Mgt. Inc./Harvard Negotiation Project, Coeur d’Alene, ID
Honors
- Association of Washington Business “Heavy Lifter Award” - 2008 (for supporting and defending a strong Washington business climate)
- “Friend of Agriculture” Award from Lewiston Chamber of Commerce - 1997 (for supporting and defending the region’s ag economy)
- Lifetime Member Award, Idaho Women In Timber – 1985 (for supporting and defending Idaho’s and the nation’s forest industry)
- AWB Judy Coovert Award 2010 (for excellence in volunteerism for the association)
Community Leadership
- Pullman Chamber of Commerce, board of directors
- Pullman Regional Hospital, former foundation board member
- Clarkston Chamber of Commerce member
- Colfax Chamber of Commerce member
- Othello Chamber of Commerce member
- Washington Farm Bureau member
- Boy Scouts of America, Inland Empire Council, steering committee member
- Northwest Children’s Home, former board member
- Idaho Tree Farm Program member
- Association of Washington Business member, board of directors, chair of AWB Health Care Committee
- Former PTA president, chairman of the Whitman County GOP, president of Idaho Women In Timber
- Member and former president, Whitman County Republican Women
- Former member of National Federation of Independent Businesses
- Member of the National Rifle Association
