Susan is a collaborator who gets things done. She listens, she learns, she acts.

Meet Susan

Susan B. Harden is not a politician. She’s an educator, a doer and a dedicated public servant inspired to use her expertise in education and community engagement, as well as her background in finance and economics, to create real, actionable solutions to the challenges facing Mecklenburg County.

A 30-year resident of Charlotte, Susan has dedicated her career to public service. She is an Associate Professor in the College of Education at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, where she educates the teachers of tomorrow. She directs the college’s Civic Minor in Urban Youth and Communities and its Charlotte Community Scholars Program. She recently received Leadership Charlotte’s “Unsung Hero” award, and is a popular national speaker on social trust, service learning, education and community engagement.

Susan is a strategic thinker who takes a positive and collaborative approach to her work. A lifelong learner, she never loses sight of the big picture. She’s a decisive, action-oriented leader who cares deeply about her community.

On any given day you will find Susan:

Coaching a pre-service teacher on how to educate students with special needs
Working with a non-profit to create a meaningful internship for an enthusiastic college student who wants to give back to the community
Writing a letter of recommendation for a college student
Taking dinner to a friend
Meeting with leaders to discuss ideas for improving our community

Susan has been married to Brian Harden for nearly 25 years and they have two beautiful daughters, at UNC-Chapel Hill and Myers Park High School.

Day in the life of a commissioner, professor, and mom. Live at 9:06. @CharlotteTalks @WFAE #MeckBOCC

Tune into Charlotte Talks today at 9 a.m. to hear from Commissioner Harden and her other newly elected commissioners.

Tune into Charlotte Talks Tuesday to hear from Susan and her fellow board members. Charlotte Talks is on WFAE from 9-10 a.m.

Today was an incredible day. I was sworn in as the County Commissioner serving District 5. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible!

Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate! May this be a great holiday season for one & all.

Day in the life of a commissioner elect, professor, and mom. I am Eleanor Peacock. The murder was committed by Ms. Scarlett, in the Hall with the bat.

Day in the life of a candidate elect, professor, and mom. Happy Thanksgiving! Starting the day in Shelby at my parents house. Table set, turkey in the oven, and tree decorating has begun. Listening to Frank Sinatra. The three generations I cherish. Grateful for family, friends, health, faith, education, peace, art, truth, and community.

Day in the life of a commissioner-elect, professor, and mom. Started the day at Montclair Elementary with SouthPark Rotary providing Thanksgiving to families, midday meeting at the Chamber of Commerce, and incredible MeckMin Interfaith Service listening to Dr. Sadler and dear friend Carol Hardison this evening. Thankful to serve.

Sip with Susan returns tonight at 9 EST. We’re excited to share what’s next for a Commissioner Elect.

Day in the life of a commissioner elect, professor, and mom. Great day for college football. Go HEELS!

Service our country runs deep in my family. My grandfather received the Purple Heart and Silver Star. Thank you veterans for protecting our freedom and serving our country. Thank you to veteran’s families for your sacrifice too.

Day in the life of a commissioner-elect, professor, and mom. Life goes on. Meeting with high school students interested in becoming teachers. Hoping that some will select teaching and UNC Charlotte. #ninernation

Can’t stop. Won’t stop. It’s Election Day! My team & I are driving people who need rides to the polls. How are you involved with our democratic right to vote today?

Day in the life of a candidate, professor, and mom. Election Day! Sharing information at light rail stations. People excited for change @bakarisellersdoc.

November 6th (TOMORROW!) is the last day to vote in the 2016 Mid-Term election. Join Susan TONIGHT at 9pm on her last Sip with Susan of the campaign! We will discuss why your vote matter and how to get out and #vote! #charlotte

Your vote matters. Use your voice & choose who you want to lead you.

Join us Sunday at 9pm for Sip with Susan. She'll answer your questions around her campaign and her leadership goals. You can send in your questions early, or chime in during our chat. Our team's goal is always to be positive leaders of change for District 5, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and all of NC. #vote #charlotte

“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”

— Confucius

Charlotte is Our Home.

Susan’s skills set combines the nurturing and common sense values of a mom with the smarts of a professor. Susan knows how to bring people together to solve our community’s challenges.