Remembering Susan J. Ellis

With sadness we share the news that our editor in chief, colleague and friend, Energize, Inc. President, Susan J. Ellis, passed away February 24, 2019, after successfully living with cancer for over eight years. 

Besides founding Energize, Inc.  in 1977, Susan was a compelling force in bringing awareness to the power of volunteering; the effective management of volunteer involvement in organizations; and, even more dear to her heart, the importance of substantive support for volunteer engagement strategy from organizations’ administrators, executive directors, CEOs, and boards of directors.

Susan was a vibrant speaker and presenter. Many of her quotes are shared among leaders and professionals in volunteer involvement and individuals dedicated to volunteering. To share a few, she has been heard saying:

• Volunteering is so pervasive it's invisible. We take for granted all the things that have been pioneered by concerned, active volunteers.
• Men have always volunteered, they just called themselves coaches, trustees, and firemen!
• Paul Revere earned his living as a silversmith. But what do we remember him for? His volunteer work. All activism is volunteering in that it's done above and beyond earning a living and deals with what people really care passionately about.  Remember, no one gets paid to rebel.  All revolutions start with volunteers.

We know Susan inspired and influenced many wherever she traveled to speak on volunteer involvement or train organizations on volunteer management strategy. Susan’s vibrant and strong personality also leaves us with many memories about how she touched us personally.

We would love to hear how Susan made a difference in your organizations, professional development, or perspective on volunteering. Please share these thoughts or any Susan quotes on this page in the comments below.

   Additional resources about Susan and her life's work:

• Information about the Susan J. Ellis Foundation.
• Susan's obituary tribute with quotes from colleagues and friends.
• Energize's (Susan's company) tribute to Susan with many comments about Susan from colleagues and friends 
• A Tribute to Susan J. Ellis by Andy Fryar.
• A memorial of My Friend Susan, by Rob Jackson.
• Susan Ellis Matters by Jayne Cravens. 
• The Philadelphia Inquirer obituary: Susan J. Ellis, 70, internationally known expert in volunteer management. 
• The NonProft Times obituary: Volunteer Management Advocate Susan J. Ellis Dies.
• The Wall Street Journal obituary: Susan Ellis Advised Organizations on How to Manage Their Volunteers