Please join us in celebrating Susan Overman, Chief Development Officer, at The Magdalen House! We are so excited to have her join the team!
1. What do you do at The Magdalen House, and what does a “typical” day look like for you?
A “typical day” is spent working with the other members of the Development team – really all the other teams – to keep The Magdalen House open and thriving for years to come. I have the distinct pleasure of working with our donors, helping to craft our message, planning events to raise funds, and doing whatever I can to move Maggie’s forward and spread the message of the magic that happens in this house.
2. What is your favorite line in the Big Book and why? Or what is your favorite quote and why?
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”
-Winston Churchill
These words remind me that all I really must do is the next best thing. Keep working. Keep trying.
3. What’s something you’ve witnessed at The Magdalen House that inspires or moves you?
The way the staff supports and loves one another at The Magdalen House is very inspiring to me. It is not unusual at all to hear someone say, “I love you,” or “how can I help?” during the course of the day. There is a true camaraderie among the team that is different than other places I’ve worked. I’m also very inspired by the way Lisa leads the organization. I’ve known her a long time and her passion for this mission is unparalleled.
4. How has working at The Magdalen House impacted your life?
The Magdalen House has shown me that good work, works. The good that we do to help alcoholics changes entire families. It’s very humbling to be a small part of that change.
5. What are some of your hobbies, or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
About Susan Overman
A born and raised Texan, Susan brings a wealth of experience to her role as Chief Development Officer at The Magdalen House.
She earned her stripes as a Brand Manager at The Richards Group advertising agency where she worked on a variety of accounts like The Home Depot, TGI Friday’s, and Zales Jewelry stores, managing national campaigns for these industry heavy hitters. Following the arrival of her two children, Susan cultivated a robust freelance client roster and continued to provide brand management guidance to a variety of clients around the nation.
As part of the Development team at West Dallas Community School, Susan helped advance development efforts to raise more than $4 million annually to fund a private, faith-based school serving one of the country’s most socially, economically, and educationally underserved neighborhoods. She authored all grant proposals and funding solicitation, resulting in a 77% award rate.
Relying on her advertising agency experience, she orchestrated a complete overhaul of all school marketing materials to create brand identity and communication continuity, as well as concepting separate annual branded giving campaigns for calendar and fiscal year-end efforts.
“I firmly believe EVERY person at The Magdalen House is part of the Development team,” says Susan. “There is no better ambassador for our mission than the people who seek help here, the people who give that help, and those working for the betterment of this agency every day.”
A passionate volunteer, Susan has served on various community advisory boards benefitting Lakewood neighborhood schools and parks. On the weekends you can find her reading a good book, perfecting her new bread baking hobby, or walking at White Rock Lake with her husband, Gregg.
