Our Staff

Susan Pocklington, Executive Director

Susan joined the staff at Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear in 2000, holding two prior positions before becoming Executive Director in the fall of 2007. She graduated with honors in Parks and Recreation Administration from Michigan State University and did her internship in the rocky mountains of Colorado. Years later, living 20 minutes from one of the finest historic preservation programs at Eastern Michigan University, Susan was ready to enroll in the graduate program when she was hired at PHSB. Susan has had a dedicated career helping several nonprofit organizations including positions with Greenhills School Development Department, Oakland University Meadow Brook Estate, six years as Executive Director and Co-founder of the Leelanau Center for Education Adult Enrichment Programs, and assisted others with start-up ventures. Prior to joining PHSB, she was an event planner and program developer.  Originally from Plymouth, Michigan, she grew up near her grandfather’s farm, where she helped with harvesting hay and produce. She attributes her love of history to her grandfather who was instrumental in building the Plymouth Historical Museum. She was introduced to the beauty of Port Oneida in high school and has always had an affinity for historic buildings. Susan is an accomplished musician as a flutist and vocalist and has served as flutist in the Traverse Symphony and Plymouth Symphony. She enjoys hiking, biking, softball, canoeing, white water rafting, and tennis.