Dr. Suzette Stoutenburg is a retired Senior Principal Engineer with 30+ years of experience in large-scale program management, research, and development. She managed complex multi-million dollar programs at a not-for-profit organization, comprising software development, integration, and deployment, often involving multiple contractors, facilities, and locations. She also designed and led large research projects as well.

Suzette enjoys hiking in beautiful Western North Carolina and everything outdoors with Greg, her husband of 24 years, and their dog Finley. Upon retiring, she started painting and quickly discovered a new passion! Suzette loves to combine rich watercolors & salts in unique ways to create whimsical images designed to evoke emotion.

As a volunteer for Mountain Strong, Suzette brings experience in designing project plans, building budgets, writing grants, engaging stakeholders and contractors, identifying project metrics, and building integrated schedules to ensure that project goals are successfully achieved. As a part-time resident of Burnsville and Hurricane Helene survivor, Suzette is dedicated to helping the community recover and emerge stronger than before.