Assistant Governor from Area 10

Susan Gates is currently the marketing and media director for The Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, CT. She has worked for companies in various media and marketing positions in both the United States and Germany. Susan expressed loving her local club and cultivating new and varied friendships. Being exposed to a multi-national, multi-cultural lifestyle, has prepared Susan for a leadership role in Rotary. In 1999 she joined her local Rotary Club and last year was asked to consider moving up to the district level. She is now assistant governor from area 10.

Susan’s pet Rotary project is promoting literacy and she is fond of the dictionary project. She also expressed interest in improving the lives of the impoverished, providing clean water and scholarships.

The Hospital for Special Care, is a long-term acute care facility for persons with MS, ALS, spinal cord injuries, acute brain injuries or have complex pediatric issues. The hospital is launching a clinical trial initiative for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) the largest in the state and only 1 of 33 in the country.

Susan talked about the hospital’s Mane and Motion therapeutic riding program, where patients spend time with horses, to improve their skills and independence. The hospital also hosts 6 times a year, a “Joy or Art” program, that features art exhibitions, jazz, wine and fun. Residents are allowed to pick art for their rooms.

Susan will be going to the Rotary International convention in New Orleans in May, 2011.