Susan Slawson

With over 30 years of dedicated service to fostering community engagement, SUSAN SLAWSON is a visionary leader in parks and recreation. A graduate of Geneva College with a degree in Business Management, Susan combines her business acumen with a deep passion for sustainability and community development. Her instinctive understanding of community dynamics has earned her widespread reverence, trust, and respect throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Susan was sworn in under Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in 2024 and is deeply aligned with the mayor’s vision of making Philadelphia “a Safer, Cleaner, and Greener City, with Access to Economic Opportunity for All.” Her work exemplifies this mission by creating inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable park spaces that enhance public life and promote a higher quality of living. She firmly believes that accessible, diverse recreational programs can transform neighborhoods, making them more desirable places to live, work, and play. As the commissioner of Parks & Recreation for eight years prior to the merger of Fairmount Park and the Department of Recreation, Susan oversaw strategic planning and programming for over 150 recreation centers and playgrounds across every neighborhood in Philadelphia. Her tenure was marked by innovation and resilience, particularly during the economic downturn of 2008. Under her leadership, the department secured significant federal grant funding to reduce the digital divide, introducing 25 KEYSPOT computer labs with internet access across the recreation system. She also successfully raised over $4 million to keep outdoor pools operational during this challenging period, ensuring critical community resources remained available. Currently, Susan continues to collaborate closely with City Council members to plan capital projects and budgets. Her expertise in building partnerships with community organizations, neighborhood groups, and city departments highlights her commitment to operational excellence and collaborative leadership. Guided by an unwavering vision for progress, Susan’s work leaves an indelible mark on the community, inspiring a brighter, more inclusive future for all, fully embracing the promise of a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia.