Conner Prairie is well-known locally, but newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer Susana Suarez wants to make the interactive history museum become a global destination. Suarez was chosen from more than 200 applicants to oversee all marketing and communications.
“It’s very exciting, especially in light of the fact that Conner Prairie is on this wonderful growth track,” said Suarez, a Zionsville resident. “They have really exciting plans for the next year. For me, as the CMO, coming in as someone who has a communications and marketing background to be able to walk into an organization that is really poised for growth is very exciting.”
Suarez previously served on Gov. Eric Holcomb’s senior executive team. She also has served on several museum’s board of directors. Her love of history helped spark her interest in the CMO position.
“I was very happily engaged doing the work I was doing with the governor. When I first became aware of Conner Prairie, I became a member and visited often with my children,” she said. “When I heard about this opportunity there was just something that said to me this is perfect. This is what I want to do.”
She wants to work toward growing the museum’s global footprint.
“Our goal to make sure that folks outside of Indianapolis know that this Smithsonian-affiliated museum exists and what it’s all about,” Suarez said. “We not only want to create awareness but make it a destination goal for those coming in from out of state and out of the country.”
The Indianapolis Business Journal recently named Suarez one of 2017’s Women of Influence.
“People are eager to support, engage and promote folks that are hard workers and have a vision for the future,” she said.
That vision includes sharing her love for Conner Prairie with others.
“I’m very happy the executives saw what I saw – a great alignment of opportunity and preparation,” Suarez said. “I just get giddy about this place. It has so many things for so many people.”
