About Susan Rose

During her more than 30 years of experience in public administration, education and community activism, Susan Rose has been committed to the advancement of women, workplace issues and civil rights. She served two 4-year terms on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors during which she led efforts to create initiatives for affordable housing and homelessness, to improve the quality of life for women and families, and to ensure the environmental health of her community. In 2004 she initiated the Safe Parking Program for homeless individuals and families.

Prior to her term on the Board of Supervisors, Susan Rose was Executive Director of the City of Los Angeles Commission on the Status of Women; served on the Fair Employment and Housing Commission, California’s civil rights agency; held positions in local government and directed a non-profit agency.

Ms. Rose was a founding member of the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee (SBWPC) and currently serves on the Board of Emerge CA, a political leadership-training program for women.  She is a member of the Santa Barbara Human Rights Watch Council (HRW) where she has focused her efforts on eliminating the national backlog of rape kits.  Susan serves on the advisory committees of the Women’s Rights Division of HRW and Women’s Campaign International, an international leadership development program.

Ms. Rose has served on the board of the local Planned Parenthood Action Fund, is a member of the Santa Barbara Advisory Board of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and a Trustee of the McCune Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing social justice to Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.  As a member of the Board of Trustees Antioch University Santa Barbara, she co-founded the women in leadership program.

Susan and her late husband Allan Ghitterman were married for 39 years, making their home in Santa Barbara since 1978. Their blended family includes 5 children, 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and their beloved dog, Toto.

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