Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

Susan Burgess was born in Charleston, WV, and raised in a small town nearby, St. Albans. Susan has been married to her high school sweetheart, Patrick Burgess, MD-PhD, for 42 years. They are parents of 4 children, Geoff, an attorney in London, UK (married to Kristin Breuss,) Jason, a vascular surgeon in Charlotte (married to Elizabeth Donaghy Burgess,) Gillian, an attorney with the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC (married to Grant Mandsager,) and Colin, a student in Charlotte. They are grandparents of 6. Her parents, Rachel and Shade Mecum, Jr., are residents of east Charlotte.

Susan graduated from FIU with highest honors and holds a masters degree in public health from UAB. Susan has been employed as a public health administrator and church administrator. Susan is part owner of a family bio tech company, MD Scientific, founded by her husband and brother, Shade Mecum III.

• Was elected to the Charlotte City Council at Large in 1999, and has served as Mayor Pro Tem for six years
• Member, Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education-1990-97, Chair-1995-97
• Chairperson of the NC Teaching Fellows Commission-6 years
• Chairs City Council Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee, on Transportation, Environment, and Government Affairs Committees.
• Board member, Centralina Council of Government, Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing Partnership
• President of the North Carolina League of Municipalities 2007-08
• Board of the National League of Cities, President of Women in Municipal Government,
• Past chairperson, National Democratic Municipal Conference, Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee
• Ordained elder of Covenant Presbyterian Church
• Past president, Rotary Club of Charlotte-South

Graduate, Leadership Charlotte Class VIII, Board of Trustees of National Housing Conference, Girl Scouts Hornets Nest Council, life member, board of directors and board of advisors, Women's Political Caucus,League of Women Voters, Sierra Club

Candidate Statement:

I believe that government belongs to the people. As your Council Member, my role is to represent YOU. I represent no special interests -- only the interests of the people. I work tirelessly to be YOUR voice on the City Council. Charlotte needs experienced Leadership during this very challenging time for our city.