SUSAN CRUCY BURKHARDT '80 

Community Relations Manager 

Hitachi America, Ltd.

Susan Crucy Burkhardt is Community Relations Manager for Hitachi America, Ltd., responsible for all community relations programs and activities in North America. In the division since 1988, she has worked on the development of the Community Action Committee-Matching Funds Program, an annual teachers' exchange program, national community soccer clinics, scholarship programs, and employee volunteer initiatives. She currently develops community relations strategies and advises Hitachi, Ltd., The Hitachi Foundation, and Hitachi Companies in North America on corporate community relations issues and practices. She also works with schools, non-profit organizations, and local government agencies.

Susan began her career with Hitachi America in 1984 in the Industrial Components Division, Robotics Group, before joining the corporate marketing group and assuming responsibility for the COMDEX trade show, 1-800-HITACHI, Hitachi America's 30th Anniversary Reflections Book, and a corporate overview and employee orientation video.

Actively involved in numerous community organizations, Susan currently holds board and commit tee positions with the Foundation for the Public Schools of Tarrytown, Westchester Association for Retarded Citizens, Westchester Community College Foundation, Corporate Community Affairs and Contributions Council (4Cs), Affinity Group on Japanese Philanthropy, Tarrytown YMCA, and the Sleepy Hollow Chamber of Commerce. She is a past chair of Junior Achievement of the Hudson Valley and a past president of the United Way of Tarrytown and the Sleepy Hollow Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Association for Women in Communications. 

At Mercy College, Susan earned a BS degree in 1980 and also has a certificate in Corporate Community Relations from Boston College. She has been recognized for her community work by the Hitachi Foundation; The President's Award, The Foundation for the Public Schools of Tarrytown; Woman of the Year, Junior Achievement of the Hudson Valley; The Theodora L. Russell Humanitarian Award and The Spirit of Achievement Award and from Junior Achievement Inc.; National Bronze Leadership Award.

Susan lives in Tarrytown, New York with her husband John who has his own law office in White Plains, New York.