Sue’s term on Carmel’s City Council began January, 2012. She proudly represents the needs of residents and businesses in northeast Carmel. As one of Carmel’s City Council members, Sue hopes to ensure our corporate base stays strong, our residential taxes low and our home values high by investing in positioning our community as a destination for corporations and residents seeking family-oriented amenities, education and arts, and ensuring public safety remains a top priority moving forward.
Sue grew up in northern Michigan, graduating from Roscommon High School as Salutatorian. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine from Central Michigan University in 1988. In 1990, Sue moved to Indiana, and was awarded a Master’s Degree in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1992.
Since coming to Carmel in 2005, Sue has been very active in the community. Previous professional and community involvement includes:
- Primary architect of the Carmel Mayor’s Wellness Challenge
- Board member for the Carmel Symphony Orchestra
- Board member for the Carmel Clay Republican Club
- Member and former president of Carmel-Clay Kiwanis
- Secretary for the City of Carmel’s Economic Development Commission
- Volunteer for the Carmel Dads’ Club Public Relations Committee
- Community member for the Carmel Consolidated Comprehensive Plan Review Committee
- Member US 31 Community Advisory Committee
- Alumnus of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series
Professionally, Sue serves as Manager of Human Resources and Administration for Skjodt-Barrett Contract Packaging, which is a contract manufacturer of organic baby food for major infant nutrition brands. Skjodt-Barrett opened its doors in 2011 with Sue as its first employee, and Sue is a leader helping it grow to over 300 employees by 2013.
Previously, Sue has worked in marketing, business management and consulting roles for more than 20 years. She was Director of Statewide Marketing, Partnerships & Events for IU Health, helping open IU Health North in Carmel in 2005. Sue was Manager of Marketing for OrthoIndy, assisted running a small consulting firm as VP of Admin/Ergonomist for Ergonomics Plus, and worked at Community Health Network. Sue is proud to also be a an alumnus of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, and a finalist in the Health & Life Sciences category for Indy’s Best & Brightest.
Sue’s not foreign to representing constituents. From 2000-2005, she represented the needs of over 12,000 certified athletic trainers as Chair of the Clinical./Industrial/Corporate committee for the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), and participated in the organization’s growth by contributing in its strategic planning sessions. In Indiana, she served as governmental affairs chair and helped push through important legislation for the Indiana Athletic Trainers Association, which helped protect athletes’ care in Indiana. For her volunteer efforts, she was recognized by these organizations:
- Service Award, National Athletic Trainers Association
- Athletic Trainer of the Year, Indiana Athletic Trainer’s Association
- Woman Athletic Trainer of the Year, National Athletic Trainers Association
Sue has been a frequent speaker at national, state and local trade associations on the topic of ergonomics, marketing and athletic training. Sue has also authored a textbook, is a former column editor for a professional healthcare journal and is a former columnist for the Current in Carmel.
On the personal side, Sue has been married to Joe Finkam, a Professional Engineer and business owner, since 1997. They have a young son, Drew, who attends Carmel schools. They are very much a “sports family,” involved in Carmel Dads’ Club and Carmel United Soccer Club sports. Joe, Sue and Drew also attend Grace Community Church.