Susan O’Connor started working for Illinois Extension in 1998. Currently, she enjoys the Marketing and Fund Development Program Coordinator role for Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties. Over the past twenty years, she has also valued her time as 4-H Secretary and Ag and Natural Resource Program Coordinator.

Susan earned a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University in Merchandising and Business Administration. Following college graduation, she worked for K-Mart Corporation as a Softline’s Manager in Rockford, IL, Beloit, WI, and Arlington Heights, IL. After marriage and children, her family decided to relocate back to her hometown area of Polo, IL. They were fortunate to find an eight-acre farmette in Carroll County, and Susan began her career with Extension.

Illinois Extension became a family affair as her three children became involved in 4-H, she became a 4-H leader, and her husband took advantage of Master Naturalist opportunities. Susan treasures the countless friendships she has made throughout her career as an Extension employee.

On and off the job, Susan is a tireless advocate for the incredible experiences and opportunities that Extension provides, along with all its educational programming and community connections. To learn more about Extension, look at the Carroll-Lee-Whiteside impact report.