President

Sue Breitkopf

Sue Breitkopf is a nonprofit leader with deep experience in organizational management and a long-standing commitment to equity, community engagement and public space as a driver of opportunity.

Her career has centered on building partnerships and programs that connect people to place—particularly in communities historically excluded from decision-making and investment. As President of the Olmsted Network, Sue brings a systems-oriented approach to leading mission-driven work that advances public parks and democratic spaces nationwide.

Before joining the Olmsted Network, Sue held senior leadership roles at Building Bridges Across the River, where she helped shape and support initiatives including the 11th Street Bridge Park, Skyland Workforce Center and Building Bridges Farms. These programs addressed systemic barriers to economic mobility, health equity and civic participation in Southeast Washington, D.C., and reflect Sue’s belief in parks as platforms for deeper social change.

At Woodley House, she led the organization’s strategic communications and engagement to expand community-based mental health services. Her earlier roles at the National Building Museum, George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts and Design and the American Alliance of Museums focused on connecting cultural institutions with broader audiences through thoughtful programming, storytelling and stakeholder alignment.

A former journalist, Sue has reported on the arts, urban development and public life for outlets including The Washington Post, Washingtonian, Urban Land and Fairchild Publications. This foundation in storytelling continues to inform her leadership style—one that values clarity, curiosity, and collaborative vision.

Sue holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Brandeis University and a master’s degree in art history from American University. She is based in Washington, D.C., where she enjoys exploring parks and museums, traveling and swapping audiobook recommendations.