Susan Taylor Batten has over 25 years of experience directing, evaluating and advising public and philanthropic efforts to improve outcomes for children and families. She joined the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) as President and CEO in January 2009. In this role, she leads the organization’ s philanthropic advising and programming on responsive philanthropy in Black communities for foundation leaders, donors and aligned partners. Prior to joining ABFE, Ms. Batten was a Senior Associate with the Annie E. Casey Foundation where she served as staff in the Community Change Initiatives Unit and coordinated a portfolio on equity, diversity and inclusion. In the public sector, Ms. Batten worked as a Senior Analyst for the U.S. Department of Agriculture where she directed research and evaluation on food assistance programs. In 2008, she was named Change Agent of the Year by The Schott Foundation for Public Education. She is a co-founder of the Race and Equity in Philanthropy Group and also serves on the Board of the United Philanthropy Forum.