City of Lawrence Hires Susie Carson as Director of Economic Development

The City of Lawrence will hire Susie Carson as the City’s new Director of Economic Development. Photo credit: Shutterstock (Song_about_summer).

Posted December 1, 2025

The City of Lawrence announced it has hired Susie Carson as the City’s new director of economic development.

Carson brings more than 15 years of experience in economic development and chamber leadership. She previously served as the vice president of membership and sponsorship investments with the Olathe Chamber for nearly 7.5 years.

Susie Carson will be the new director of economic development for the City of Lawrence. KS on January 5. Photo courtesy of the City of Lawrence.

Carson will assume her new role as director of economic development on January 5, 2026, according to a release.

She also served as the Executive Director for the El Dorado, Kansas Chamber of Commerce from 2014 to 2018 and before that served as a program director for the Greater Wichita YMCA from 2005 to 2013, according to her LinkedIn profile.

“Susie brings a collaborative approach, deep experience, and a strong commitment to community-centered economic development,” Assistant City Manager Brandon McGuire said in the release. “We are excited to welcome her to Lawrence and look forward to the leadership she will bring as we continue building a strong, resilient local economy.”

Carson is completing her Master of Public Administration at Wichita State University and is nearing completion of her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential.