Susan A. Mars, of McLean, Va., has lived here locally since 2005 after living in Singapore and in Belgium before moving to the Washington area. A nurse by training, Mars’ passion revolves around supporting organization that provide opportunities for disadvantaged children to lead both a productive life and to learn to appreciate and respect their local environment and the role that zoos and parks play in inspiring future conservationists.

While residing in Singapore, she was an active board member of Caring for Cambodia (CfC), a non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of children through education and outreach.  CfC has grown from one school in 2003 to over 21 schools today serving 7,000 students. Mars served on the board of Insulated Shipping Containers, Inc. from 1990 to 2001 and currently serves on the board of Demios, LLC, a private venture capital firm which is solely focused on developing innovative microalgal products for the agricultural community through Heliae® Agriculture, a division of Heliae Development, LLC. Heliae® Agriculture delivers regenerative agriculture solutions which are sourced from nature and work to improve overall soil microbial health, structure, water productivity, and nutrient use efficiency, which helps to increase crop yields sustainably for the planet, farmers, and consumers.

Locally, in addition to being longtime supporters of the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Susan and her husband Frank are Washington Cabinet members of Mount Vernon.  Both are also passionate about supporting effective Conservation and Humanitarian organizations around the world that are making a real difference on the ground or in the water, including National Geographic Pristine Seas, Lion Guardians, African Parks, CARE, Doctors without Borders, Heifer International and the Jane Goodall Institute Roots and Shoots program.