Sue Kavanagh, ACC
Strategic HR Leadership with Executive Depth
Sue Kavanagh is a strategic human resources leader and certified coach who brings CHRO-level expertise to healthcare, non-profit, and member-based organizations. She works alongside executives and leadership teams, providing HR committee guidance on governance, compensation, and succession—ensuring that people strategies are both calculated and practical in execution.
Background & Expertise
Sue’s career reflects a unique blend of finance, technology, and human resources leadership. Beginning in Finance, Accounting, and Internal Audit, she transitioned into Technology Management roles before moving intentionally into Human Resources. This multidisciplinary background allows her to bridge organizational strategy, operational realities, and people priorities.
For the past decade, Sue has supported organizations facing complex change—guiding CEOs, and senior leaders through growth, transformation, and transition. Her work is trusted because she combines boardroom-level advisory skills with the ability to step in and execute operational solutions as needed.
She has held multiple professional designations and certifications, including:
- WorldatWork: CCP, GRP, CBP, WLCP
- Executive Coaching: Integral Associate Coach™ (Integral Coaching Canada)
- Psychometric Assessments: McQuaig and Enneagram
Areas of Impact
Sue works with organizations across the full employee lifecycle, with particular expertise in:
- Executive Recruitment & Transition
Designing and leading C-suite and senior management searches, serving as an interim leader when needed, and building succession planning frameworks. - Compensation & Governance
Modernizing pay structures and policies, conducting market reviews, and advising boards and HR committees on governance and risk. - Leadership & Talent Development
Coaching executives and leadership teams, facilitating talent management reviews, and supporting career and leadership pipelines. - Organizational Change & Culture
Developing employee engagement strategies, leading wellness and recovery day initiatives, advancing DEI, and aligning culture with strategy.
Approach & Philosophy
Leaders turn to Sue when they need clarity, credibility, and change they can trust. She is recognized for her ability to bridge strategy and execution—helping organizations modernize their people practices while staying grounded in culture and values.
Her approach is pragmatic and people-centered: she meets organizations where they are, builds practical solutions, and ensures executives, employees, and boards are aligned on the path forward.
Beyond Work
Sue is a lifelong learner, an avid networker, and a strong believer in the power of connection. She has initiated and led numerous networking and learning events, and continues to give back through volunteer work. She is the founder of Healing Broken Hearts, a bereavement conference supporting individuals and professionals navigating grief.
Having been honoured to accompany friends and family members on their end-of-life journeys over the years, Sue became certified as a Death Doula in 2024. She and her family also support a child in Costa Rica living with cerebral palsy, helping him pursue his education and future aspirations. Learn more HERE.
Outside of work, Sue treasures time with her family and friends—finding balance and perspective that inform her professional practice.
Current Volunteer Positions
Healing Broken Hearts – Founder