President and Founder, Sand Hill Foundation
Woodside, CA
Susan Ford Dorsey started the Sand Hill Foundation with her late husband, Tom Ford, in 1995. A family foundation dedicated to serving the communities of San Mateo and northern Santa Clara Counties, its focus is helping low income families access opportunities for economic and educational growth. For example, the foundation supports organizations that provide scholarships, health care services and vocational training for youth and families in need.
Another focus area is the environment which includes preservation of natural spaces, environmental education for youth and policies related to climate change. Working in philanthropy is a daily inspiration for Susan.
She serves on the boards of Environmental Defense Fund, The Environmental Defense Action Fund (co-chair), and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. She is also on the advisory boards of several Stanford institutes and committees that include Freeman Spogli Institute, Haas Center for Public Service, and the Humanities and Sciences Advisory Board. Some of her past board experience includes Monterey Bay Aquarium, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Menlo School, Common Sense Media.
Prior to starting the Sand Hill Foundation, Susan was the founder and president of Health Innovations, a consulting firm specializing in health care strategic planning and marketing.
Susan holds a degree in Cellular Biology from University of California, San Diego and a Masters of Public Health from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Susan is married to Michael Dorsey and together they have three children. She loves spending time with her family anywhere but especially in Woodside and Lake Tahoe.
Fellow: Michael Dorsey