‘Volunteering and helping where you are’

MORRIS – Suzy Brown dedicated her life to ensuring the people of any community she is part of are taken care of.

Most people recognize Brown as the wife of Morris Mayor Chris Brown or a member of the local school board, however Suzy Brown has a built a path completely her own.

Brown graduated in 2001 from Illinois Wesleyan University with a bachelors degree in accounting. After graduating, Brown decided she would assist on one campaign.

“I started a political campaign right out of college. I was taking a break before heading on to law school. I was just going to do one campaign and I never left,” Brown said.

She took a small break after her children were born, due to the travel, and began working at a church in Bourbonnais for about 10 years. But, she maintained her passion for fundraising, completing little projects on the side.

Her husband was the one who suggested she take on projects full time.

When the family moved to Morris, she started The Newberg Group.

According to its website website Brown,”founded TNG in 2011 out of her home office with one client! She knew there was a need among mid and state level campaigns to develop effective and efficient relationship and resource management processes. Campaigns previously unable to fund a professional fundraising team began hitting and exceeding their fundraising goals.”

Brown’s company expanded quickly, now having a full time team of seven.

The company has worked with several local individuals including, Grundy County Circuit Clerk Cori Trotter, Grundy County Sheriff Ken Briley, Grundy County Treasurer Lori Werden, and Rep. David Welter.

“One of Brown’s greatest impact is modeling a successful entrepreneur for women,” said Nancy Norton, President and CEO of Grundy County Economic development.

“She hires young local woman from the community to work for her,” Norton said. “A lot of people don’t realize the impact that she has for the community because her work is more regional, but it has a direct impact.”

While working at her company, Brown made the decision to run for the Morris Community High School Board.

“I really believe in volunteering and helping where you are,” Brpwn said. “Morris is passionate about making sure we are known and I want our city known for turning out great kids. Having a good education system says a lot about who wants to come here and the quality of life. I really feel like its the place that could have the most impact.”

Brown’s main focus during board meetings is to ensure the students are able to broaden their horizons and set them up for the best possible outcome.

In her limited free time Brown became a board member of Elevate Illinois, a non-profit organization created to help improve Illinois’ image.

With all that Brown has accomplished, she is most proud of her family and the work they have been able to complete together.

“I just love the sense of pride and community in Morris. I’m very thankful and blessed to be a part of that,” Brown said.