Susan Dillingham Hairston: Who Am I

Growing up on Ashwood Avenue, I felt like the luckiest kid in the world — living just down the street from the new Summit Community Pool and within walking distance of the Edison Recreation Center, where we roller-skated after school. During the school year, from Jefferson School through Summit High, my teachers gave generously of their time to make sure we learned the academic skills necessary for success. In the summers, we spent our days with legendary playground supervisors, Willie Wilson to name one, under the watchful eye of Mr. Dom Guida.  Only years later did I begin to understand what it took to make all of this happen, how much effort and attention were needed to make Summit the special place that it is to live.

Getting involved in the community as an adult, I’ve learned more about the nuts and bolts of what makes this city work. Former Mayor Walter Long appointed me to Summit’s Board of Education, where I served for six years, including a year as president, getting hand’s-on familiarity with the tough decisions needed to manage our school system.  I’ve stayed involved with educational issues through service as a trustee for Summit’s PEP Foundation, as a volunteer for the YMCA Achievers program, and as an active member of the Summit African American Action Association, an advocacy group focusing on parents’ role in eliminating the achievement gap. And as a life-long member and trustee of Fountain Baptist Church, I’ve joined in many charitable programs benefiting Summit’s residents.

Now I am running for the at-large position on Common Council, continuing a family tradition of service to Summit that goes back three generations. I remember my grandmothers working tirelessly to improve the lot in the life of others in their churches and community.  My dad, Julius Dillingham, was the first African American police officer in Summit. My mother, Joyce Morgan Dillingham Miles, the most compassionate woman I’ve known, taught me through her words and example that if you complain, you also have to have a plan to make things better. My aunt, Esther Toney, is another inspiration, with her fighting spirit for children and very high expectations of Summit. I share all of this to say that community service is in my DNA and truly gives me joy.

My professional career also reflects my passion for service. Employed at a major international foundation since 1997, I am currently the Director of Grants Management overseeing the compliance monitoring of $495 million in annual grants for New York and 10 overseas offices.  Previous experience in nonprofit operations, finance and accounting, as well as a BA in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and Master’s in Public Administration from Seton Hall, honed professional skills that I want to put to use as a Council member for the benefit of Summit.

My Goals For Council

Good government is not something to be taken for granted. Voters should expect the representatives they elect to approach public office as a responsibility and a privilege, calling for the highest ethics, ability and hard work. I made the decision to run with this in mind, supported by my husband Jerome and our four children: Xena, Jayson, Simone and Erika. My goal as Summit’s at-large council member will be to pursue the collective good for all Summit residents, with all the care and diligence required.

Summit didn’t become a great place to live by accident. So I think we need to renew our commitment to thoughtful, inclusive and forward-thinking leadership to preserve our safe and diverse community, with its great schools, services, and downtown hub — the things that have kept my family here for four generations and continue to make Summit one of the most desirable communities on the East Coast.  Since financial constraints, in an environment of state and federal economic trouble, will continue to require tough choices here in Summit, I believe that inclusive, collaborative, practical problem-solving will lead to the best solutions. That’s my style, and my track record shows my effectiveness. 

I look forward to meeting as many of the people of Summit as possible in coming months, to hear your thoughts and to share my views and interest in serving as your at-large council member.  You can find more information at www.susanhairston.org, email me directly at SusanForSummit@gmail.com, or see me walking your neighborhood or at the Farmers’ Market – along with my excellent running mates Eileen Forman Ludden for Mayor, Sandy Bloom for Ward 1 and Dennis White for Ward 2. I think that together we could accomplish great things for Summit. Please vote for them (and me!) on November 8^th  to Keep Summit Strong!

Sincerely yours,

Susan Dillingham Hairston