Susan Akerley is the Director of Business Development for the Beyster Institute at the Rady School of Management, University of California, San Diego. Located in the Institute’s Washington, DC office, Susan is responsible for leading international contracting efforts focusing on entrepreneurship training and development. In this regard, she drives new business and program development related to various U.S. government agencies, private foundations and other partners.

Susan is an experienced international development professional with a focus on strategic project management. With over ten years of experience, she has helped to develop, launch and manage programs in Sub Saharan Africa, South Asia, Eastern Europe and the Balkans. In addition to grants management, her expertise includes trade facilitation, market entry strategies, technical assistance, and association strengthening and capacity building. She has led trade delegations of both U.S. and international firms and managed export business development programs in industries such as specialty foods, toys, and information and communications technology. Susan holds a B.S. in marketing with a concentration in international business from Fairfield University.