FOCUS St. Louis is pleased to announce Susan Trautman, CEO of Great Rivers Greenway, as the recipient of the 2025 FOCUS Leadership Award. Trautman will be retiring from her role, which she has held since 2010, in May 2025.

This prestigious award, chosen by the FOCUS Board of Directors, is given annually to individuals who demonstrate committed leadership, generate a meaningful impact in the community, and encourage strong community engagement in others. The award will be presented at the 28^th Annual What’s Right with the Region celebration on Thursday, May 15, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

“Susan’s impact and leadership can be seen throughout our region, in the many miles of greenways and new projects she has helped steward,” says Leann Chilton, board chair for FOCUS St. Louis. “We’re grateful for her vision and commitment to making St. Louis a more vibrant place to live, work and play.”

During her tenure, working with more than 200 partners, Great Rivers Greenway has doubled their number of miles of greenway trail (from 68 to 135) as well as added several destination park projects. Trautman was a key champion in the six-agency public-private partnership to plan and implement the CityArchRiver project, reimagining of the Gateway Arch National Park and surrounding areas. She led the organization through tremendous growth, including securing $110 million to date from federal or state grants and developing a 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation to solicit and steward private donations to the same cause, collecting more than $50 million to date, ensuring that residents’ tax contributions are used to their maximum potential.

Trautman’s distinguished career also includes serving as the Director of Parks and Recreation with the City of Des Peres, as Planner/Principal with SWT Design, and serving the City of Clayton, Mo., as Director of Parks and Recreation and as Executive Director of The Center of Clayton.

Her recognitions and honors include the NAACP’s Ina Boon Social Justice Award, St. Louis Business Journal’s Influential Business Women Award, the Missourian Award, St. Louis Magazine’s A-List, and the Missouri Athletlic Club’s Women of Distinction. She has served on various boards, including St. Louis Regional Health Commission, Beyond Housing, Urban Land Institute Advisory Board and American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. She served on the Board of Directors for the National Recreation and Park Association and served as 2015-16 Chair. She is also a 1991 graduate of the Women In Leadership program.

All in the community are invited to join us to recognize Susan Trautman, along with all the recipients of this year’s What’s Right with the Region and FOCUS Alumni Awards. Early-bird tickets are now on sale!

 28th Annual FOCUS St. Louis What’s Right with the Region Awards Celebration
Thursday, May 15, 2025 · 5:00-8:00 p.m. · Touhill Performing Arts Center

This year’s What’s Right with the Region Co-Chairs are:
Kathy O’Neill                                                 Andy Struckhoff
President, St. Louis Market                              President
CommunityAmerica Credit Union                  PGAV Planners