County Commissioner
About Susan
Proven Leadership
As the current Chair of the Indian River Board of County Commission, MY JOB and MY PASSION is to advocate for our community. I was elected to bring FRESH ENERGY and SERVICE to the people of Indian River County. And I love doing just that. During my tenure, we have addressed lagoon health by completing the Sebastian Septic to Sewer projects Phase I and II, constructing Osprey Acres and Moorhen Marsh Stormwater Facility, creating the Environmental Lands Acquisition Panel, and creating a new Natural Resources Department to ensure our lagoon and our water resources are protected. I successfully advocated for Broadband expansion in our North County area and saved the Roseland Community Building from demolition, and secured donation of a new location for Fire Station 7. Through my work on the national, state, and regional levels, I have worked to address obstacles to Affordable Housing by providing additional funding to our SHIP program and chairing the 4 County Affordable Housing Task Team, which works to bring a regional voice to the affordable housing crisis.
The County Commission has initiated many programs to plan for our future including the Indian River County Strategic Plan, Community Visioning, Urban Service Boundary Study, Utilities Master Plan, an updated Economic Development Plan, Manatee Protection Plan and the implementation of the completed Indian River Lagoon Plan. As we work to implement these strategies for our future experienced leadership is more important than ever. I am committed to creating a community where we can all thrive, where our children, my son included, can buy a home, find a job and enjoy the quality of life that we all enjoy in Indian River County.
SUSAN ADAMS grew up on a farm north of Fellsmere in Indian River County. She graduated President of the Inaugural Class at Sebastian River High School. Earning a Bachelor Degree in Marketing and a Juris Doctorate from Florida State University, Susan is the driving force managing her well-known family restaurant, Marsh Landing.
Susan was elected to the Fellsmere City Council in 2007 and served as Mayor until November 2015, promoting the goals and vision of Fellsmere. She took that vision and goal setting ability to the Indian River County Commission in 2016 serving strongly and proudly as the Indian River County Commissioner, District 1.
Susan and Jay have one son, James Henry, 14 years old and starting Sebastian River High School in the fall.
“I am running to promote the protection of our priceless natural resources, economic development, fiscal responsibility, and responsible growth. My energy, experience, and common sense are my assets to the Indian River County Commission.
PROTECTION OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES: To create a vibrant and sustainable community” to “to protect the environmental resources that make Indian River County unique.
GROWTH OF OUR ECONOMY: Diversifying the economy and creating jobs is the key to a sustainable community. Through our Economic Development Plan we will be able to support our local businesses and attract new jobs so our children will be able to work in our community.
INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION: Roads, utilities and stormwater systems are the bones of our community. We must be forward thinking in our planning, so our infrastructure grows as the county grows. I will continue to bring projects forward and work with our municipalities to build out our infrastructure.
RESPONSIBLE GROWTH MANAGEMENT: Growth will happen in our communities, but we must ensure it happens in a way that doesn’t cost our existing citizens. The plans that have been initiated by the County Commission must be followed through with and the necessary policy changes made to address and lessen the impacts of projected growth.
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF COUNTY STAFF: We must recruit the best and the brightest to help us move forward as a County. By fostering a culture of customer service and implementing policies that put the residents first, we can bring people to our organization that share the same values we do in Indian River County.
Current Positions
• IRC Board of County Commissioners – Chairman
• Mental Health Association of Indian River County - Chairman
• 4 County Affordable Housing Task Team - Chairman
• Florida Association of Counties - Board Member
• Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Committee, Florida Association of Counties - Chairman
• Small County Coalition - Board Member
• IRC Affordable Housing Committee - Chairman
• IRC Economic Development Council - Commission Liaison
• IRC Metropolitan Planning Organization - Member
• Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council - Board Member
• National Association of Counties Community, Workforce and Economic Development Policy Steering Committee - Member
• Indian River County Youth Livestock Association - Board Member
• United Way Housing Steering Committee - Member
• Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council – Member, Past Chair
• Substance Abuse Foundation of Indian River, Fellsmere STOP Committee - Member
• Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival - President
• Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce - Member
• Just Wingin’ It Youth Livestock Club - Co-Leader
Past Positions
• 2016 Woman of the Year, IRC Junior League
• Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program - Member, Past Chair
• United Way of Indian River County - Chairman
• Indian River Lagoon Scenic Byway - Board Member
• Meals on Wheels - Volunteer
• Continuum of Care, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council - Member
• Treasure Coast Community Health - Board Member
• Indian River Lagoon Scenic Byway - Board Member
• IRC Tourist Development Council - Member
• Women Elected to Municipal Government - Treasurer
• Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments - Board Member