Meet Suzan Smith Doidge, 2013 Woman of Distinction

Since 2008 Suzan Smith Doidge has served as executive director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. Since then, she has grown the membership base, strengthened the board of directors and leadership, and improved events held to support local businesses. Under her leadership, Mountain Brook businesses have seen growing sales in spite of a tough economy, and sales tax revenues have increased.

Before working with the Chamber, Doidge was instrumental in bringing Southwest Airlines to Birmingham as the company’s marketing manager of its Birmingham office. She also worked with the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and was a social worker at Hillcrest Hospital.

In the community, Doige has served on the boards of Ronald McDonald House, the McWane Science Center and Childcare Resources. She has also been involved with City Stages, the Sidewalk Film Festival and Junior League of Birmingham, where she is a member and sustainer.

Her passion for community is evident in her professional life. “Community service gives you a sense of personal satisfaction that you have made a difference. Understanding community needs helps foster empathy and self-efficacy,” she says.

Doidge says being a working mom is her greatest accomplishment.

Doidge will be honored at the 2013 East-Central alabama Women of Distinction luncheon on March 8. For more information, visit http://girlscoutsnca.org/wodeastcentral.