OLHSA Leadership
Susan N. Harding
Susan N. Harding, 43, was appointed Chief Executive Officer for OLHSA, A Community Action Agency in 2016 after 20 years of service to the nonprofit. A guiding pillar to each move throughout Harding's career has been the calling to comprehensively and compassionately serve others.
In her most recent role with OLHSA as early childhood director, Harding achieved many accomplishments including securing the Early Head Start/Head Start grant for 2016 through 2021. The new grant allowed for a program redesign and the adoption of new strategies to meet community needs, including a change from half-day to full-day classes. Harding also obtained millions of dollars in additional funding for the nonprofit's services and cultivated meaningful partnerships during her time as early childhood director.
Harding's focus on strengthening communities has been prevalent throughout her time at the agency. Previous to serving as early childhood director, she was the director for community and economic services, deputy director for resource development, associate director for asset development and assistant director for the SEED pilot program, which allowed Head Start students to begin savings accounts.
Outside of OLHSA, Harding lends her support and expertise as a member of the Michigan Head Start Association legislative committee, a member and implementation subcommittee chair for the Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Collaborative and a member of the Oakland Schools Great Start Collaborative Strategic Leadership Group.
Harding enjoys helping people solve problems in a supportive way, and credits her work ethic to her parents, who were entrepreneurs. She is known as an advocate for children and families; as a strong listener to her team; and as passionate about the community and its emerging needs.
Harding is married and the mother of four sons.