Suzanna de Baca is a champion for human-centered, purpose-driven leadership, guiding executives through the rapid pace of change and increasing complexity of the business world. She helps leaders anticipate disruption, embrace innovation, and lead with resilience, from navigating AI and emerging technology to building high-performing, inclusive organizations.

As a CEO, board director, and executive advisor, Suzanna has spent over 30 years helping leaders turn vision into reality, including 20+ years as a financial executive on Wall Street advising multigenerational families and business owners on matters of wealth and as an award-winning media leader. She has guided organizations through growth, transformation, crisis, and succession across Fortune 250 companies, private enterprises, and nonprofits. She has served on more than 20 corporate and nonprofit boards, gaining firsthand knowledge of governance, strategic execution, and boardroom dynamics.

Suzanna’s expertise extends across industries, including finance, healthcare, media, and professional services. Her insights have been published or featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Directorship Magazine, CEO Magazine and Forbes, among others. She was recognized three times by Editor&Publisher as a “Top Publisher to Watch,” was named by Women We Admire as one of the “Top 50 Women Leaders in Media” for 2024 and 2025 and one of the “Top Women Leaders in Iowa” in 2023 and 2025, and “Most Influential CEO 2025 – Media & Communications” for Iowa by CEO Magazine.

Suzanna’s expertise extends to teaching at Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business, where she is a member of faculty in the Management and Entrepreneurship department. She earned her MBA from Harvard Business School and her BA in Art and Design with distinction from Iowa State University, blending a deep business and financial foundation with a lifelong passion for creativity and storytelling as an artist, writer and poet.

Her ability to distill complexity into achievable strategies and clear, compelling narratives helps leaders sharpen their vision, inspire their teams, and confidently navigate uncertainty. She is a Certified Executive Coach and holds the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Director Certification. 

At Story Board Advisors, Suzanna brings all of this expertise together, helping CEOs, boards, and family business leaders lead with confidence, navigate pivotal moments, and shape the story of their future on their terms.