Suzie Connelly Named New Director of the Robert Packard Center

The Packard Center announced the appointment of Suzie Connelly as the new Director of Administration and Operations of the Robert Packard Center, effective March 1. Since joining the Packard Center in 2010, Suzie has been an integral part of the organization’s growth and success, serving in a variety of leadership roles that have strengthened the Center’s impact on ALS research and collaboration.

“Throughout her tenure, Suzie has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing the Packard Center’s mission. As Director, she brings both experience and vision to the role, with several innovative programs already in development that will strengthen collaboration, expand research opportunities, and further accelerate progress toward effective treatments for ALS,” noted the Center’s founder, Dr. Jeffrey Rothstein.

She began as Communications Specialist, where she led the Center’s communications, public relations, website, and social media strategy. She also served as Race Director for the Center’s signature fundraising event, the Fiesta 5K, increasing participation by more than 400 percent and helping raise more than $3 million during her decade of leadership.

As her responsibilities expanded, Suzie assumed oversight of the Packard Center’s grant program, developed collaborative funding initiatives with national and international ALS organizations, and helped establish the Center’s research workshop program. She continues to serve as Conference Director for the Annual ALS Research Symposium and works closely with the Scientific Director and Advisory Board to advance the Center’s research mission. In addition, she has partnered with the Packard Center Board of Governors, the Answer ALS Advisory Board, and most recently the Project Genesis team to support strategic initiatives and foster collaboration across the ALS research community.

Suzie brings more than 25 years of experience in project management and corporate communications. Before joining the Packard Center, she held positions with several of Maryland’s largest organizations, including CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, T. Rowe Price, and the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Her expertise spans strategic operations, administration, stakeholder engagement, communications, and large-scale event management.

Suzie’s commitment to the Packard Center extends well beyond her professional role. She and her husband, Tim, have long been dedicated volunteer fundraisers through their involvement with the the Packard Center’s Fiesta 5K, inspired by Tim’s family’s personal connection to ALS. Together, they are the proud parents of three adult sons.