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Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council
Learn. Lead. Serve.

Susan Salyards

Animal Friends

 

Member profile details

First name
Susan
Middle Name
E.
Last name
Salyards
Organization
Animal Friends
Board Position
  • Secretary
Professional Bio
Susan is the Chief Administrative Officer at Animal Friends, a leading animal welfare organization in Pittsburgh dedicated to improving the lives of animals and strengthening the human–animal bond. Since joining Animal Friends in June 2023, she oversees the Welcome Center and Volunteer Services, People and Culture, IT, and the organization’s Sustainability Committee. Drawing on her extensive fundraising experience, Susan also leads Planned Giving and Estate Planning along with Direct Response Marketing, leveraging decades of experience in nonprofit fundraising and leadership.

Her career spans more than 25 years across the nonprofit sector, including leadership roles in animal welfare, conservation, education, community services, and the arts. Prior to joining Animal Friends, Susan served as Executive Director of the Beaver County Humane Society, where she guided transformational growth in programs, services, and revenue. She has also held senior positions with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, the Zoological Society of Pittsburgh, the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, The Ellis School, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Society.

Susan earned her Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Chatham University. She has remained deeply connected to her undergraduate alma mater, having served on the Alumnae Association board and as its President. In 2025, Chatham University honored Susan with its Cornerstone Award for Community Investment in recognition of her leadership and impact in the nonprofit sector. She has also been recognized for her professional leadership through service as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Western PA Chapter and the Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council, and she continues to mentor emerging nonprofit leaders through Westminster College’s Entrepreneurship Program. Susan also serves on the board of Footbridge for Families and on the advisory committee for Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary, reflecting her enduring commitment to service and community engagement.

Outside of work, Susan enjoys gardening, cooking, and quilting, and lives in the Sewickley area with her husband, Chris Gaber, and their American Bulldog mix, Rosie.

Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council
PO Box 14852
Pittsburgh, PA 15234

office@ppgc.net     *     412-206-1447

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