Susan V. Morris, Business Strategist

Susan leverages the impact of changing demographics and lifestyle trends to help forward-thinking companies develop products, services, spaces, and experiences that succeed because they are well differentiated in the marketplace. She partners with organizations to envision the future and achieve success by “connecting the dots” and making a plan happen. She does it with integrity, originality, a commitment to excellence and contagious energy.

Susan is brilliant when it comes to building community. She loves connecting people and organizations to get endeavors off the ground or take initiatives to the next level.

Proud of her Canadian heritage, Susan was born in Montreal, spent summers in Prince Edward island at her family cottage, graduated from Queen’s University and worked for Canadian Pacific Hotels before opening the first Marriott Hotels in Canada.

In her chosen home state of Maine, Susan helps entrepreneurs connect with investors, mentors, and communities. She is an angel investor and is actively engaged in New England’s entrepreneurial ecosystem via organizations such as:

Susan publishes an annual Guide to Resources for Maine Entrepreneurs, now in its fifth edition.

Experience

Honorary Consul of Canada in Maine

Susan reports to the Consulate General of Canada in Boston and works with the Boston-based team (25 talented individuals each with an expertise) to identify opportunities for collaboration between Maine and Canada in areas including trade, investment and innovation, government and arts and culture.

Co-Founder and Principal, NewHeight Group

Developed three urban condo projects in Portland, Maine and four mixed use projects in Washington, DC. Almost all of the seven projects sold out prior to construction being completed. Together with her partner Chip Newell, Susan built a reputation for strengthening communities through thoughtful development. Susan’s ability to analyze demographic trends and consumers’ changing lifestyle choices brought focus to the creation of each project.

VP, Brand Strategy and Marketing, HQ Global Workplaces

As a member of the leadership team, merged 500 centers in 17 countries and launched a global chain of fully-staffed centers over a short 24 month period. Created product and brand standards for flexible workspace solutions to meet the changing needs of corporations and startups. HQ was acquired by Regus Workspaces, creating the world’s largest co-share network.

Principal, Renaissance Leadership

Responsible for business development and delivery of custom-designed programs for organizations focusing on leadership and team development. Provided corporate leadership development consultation to CEOs and senior management of Fortune 5000 companies.

Executive, Marriott International

Spent 13 accomplished years with Marriott in brand management, marketing, national accounts, and sales. Specific roles included:

  • VP, Brand Strategy, Sales, and Marketing, Marriott Conference Centers
    Rolled out the brand that provided dedicated, full-service meeting environments.
  • National Account Executive, Marriott National Accounts
    Oversaw Marriott’s largest global accounts, including IBM and HP, testing ways to take relationships to new levels.
  • Regional Director of Sales and Marketing
    Responsible for almost 30 diverse lodging properties. Opened the first Marriott in Canada.

Earlier in her career, Susan held positions with Canadian Pacific Hotels (now Fairmont Hotels) in Canada and Savoy Hotels in England.

Authorship & Instruction

Susan co-authored  the textbook, Hospitality Sales: A Marketing Approach with Margaret Shaw. The comprehensive book provides in-depth instruction based on the strategies of leading hospitality organizations, introducing crucial sales and marketing concepts and describing how they apply to hospitality businesses and customers.

She has also taught Real Estate Development Marketing for the Urban Land Institute and Global Hospitality Marketing for Executive Education at Cornell University.