Greetings! My name is Susan Koger, and I’m thrilled to be the new membership director for Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC).

I’ve joined the WIRLC team after nearly 19 years at a global membership organization for physicians. While there, I worked to build communities around shared interests; helped others thrive through personal connections and professional development; and created meaningful, transformational experiences — all things I hope to do within this powerful community of women leaders, a group that I’ve long admired (my fabulous sister-in-law, Sue, is a member).

By way of background, I’m originally from northeastern Pennsylvania, and my first job was in retail at a local boutique. I worked in the evenings after school — sometimes at the register or the fitting rooms, but I really loved being on the floor, helping shoppers find that outward reflection of their strengths and personalities.

I’ve been in Philadelphia now for nearly two decades. And as I moved through college, graduate school, marriage to a high school math teacher, and motherhood to a darling boy, my job in retail has stayed with me. The experience of buying something beautiful or practical, needed or wanted, in-store or online, can be so special. I’m in awe of how you, the women in this amazing community, make that happen every day for shoppers everywhere.

In this new role, my goal is to make your membership experience the best it can be — helping you each find personal and professional fulfillment within this dynamic group of women leaders. Until we meet at one of our events, connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out to me at any time (skoger@napco.com) with questions or ideas about membership — or about joining the Circle.

Cheers to new beginnings, great experiences, and all of you!