Big News: Tracy Gary Passes the Torch!
- Susan Burns
- Oct 10, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
Dear Friends,
For over fifty years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible activists and donors, supporting their philanthropic and leadership journeys. It has truly been the honor of my life. Through the organizations I’ve founded and networks I’ve nurtured, alongside many brilliant leaders, I’ve seen the power of donor activism, especially when women donors and their families step forward to learn, engage and collaborate.
As I look ahead, I’ve decided to shift how I work, making more time for the things that matter most to me. I am excited to announce that beginning in 2026, Susan Burns will be taking the reins at Unleashing Generosity as Lead Philanthropic Advisor. In 2022, I was blessed to welcome Susan to work with me and she has brought incredible dedication and expertise to our work. Clients have been delighted by her thoughtful and upbeat approach.
Susan is an award–winning social entrepreneur and seasoned advisor who helps donors navigate complexity, clarify their passions, and identify high-impact organizations. She is the co-founder of Global Footprint Network and as CEO built it into one of the world’s leading sustainability organizations. She has since led innovative projects in impact investing, poverty alleviation, and systems change. At the same time, she is deeply rooted in her Oakland community as a singer with the Oakland Interfaith Community Choir, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth, and co-chair of the Social Justice Ministry at Imani Community Church. She brings both a global perspective and grounded care to her work with donors and nonprofit leaders.
With Susan leading Unleashing Generosity, I will have more time to focus on some exciting new projects, self-care, and community. I’m thrilled to share that I’ve just signed a book contract with Jossey-Bass (Wiley) (my 4th book with them) alongside colleagues Shannon Kollasch and Kimberly Weichel. The manuscript for “A Call to Action: Redesigning Nonprofit: Wisdom from Leaders” is due in April 2026, just before my 75th birthday, and is scheduled for release in November 2026. I will also continue supporting some long-time clients with their philanthropy and legacy planning, while dedicating more time to a number of beloved organizations such as Stagebridge, where I serve on the Board of Directors.
I hope you will join me in congratulating Susan and supporting her success as she helps our clients navigate this important moment in our country’s history. I’d love for you to get to know her, and invite you to connect with her by email, phone, Zoom, coffee, or lunch. She is available to learn more about you, your needs and plans and can share some of our recent thinking and the impactful projects we’re supporting.
Meanwhile, call upon me for legacy planning and any time you want the perspective I’ve gained from each of you and the hundreds of leaders, activists and donors who have inspired the hope I still feel today.
I’m sending you all love and courage in these times. Together we sustain one another and the strong, inter-generational movements that we nurture. Please keep up your generosity and activism!
