- August 14, 2026
The SMA Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan Capone Rode as its new executive director. Susan officially joined the Foundation on July 13, beginning her role with the organization's standard onboarding and orientation process.
Susan brings more than 20 years of nonprofit and business leadership experience, with extensive expertise in philanthropy, donor stewardship, strategic partnerships, marketing communications, board engagement, and program operations. Throughout her career, she has successfully helped organizations strengthen fundraising strategies, build meaningful donor and community relationships, and expand their impact through mission-focused leadership.
As Executive Director, Susan will lead the Foundation's efforts to further its philanthropic mission by growing charitable support, cultivating strategic community partnerships, engaging donors in meaningful ways, and advancing initiatives that enhance behavioral healthcare services throughout the communities SMA Healthcare serves.
"We are excited to welcome Susan to the SMA Healthcare Foundation," said Ivan Cosimi, CEO of SMA Healthcare. "Her depth of experience, collaborative leadership style, and passion for mission-driven work make her exceptionally well suited to lead the Foundation into its next chapter. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our organization and the communities we serve."
Susan's appointment follows a comprehensive search and interview process involving Foundation leadership, senior executives, and members of the Foundation Board. Her collaborative, empathetic approach and commitment to building strong relationships stood out throughout the selection process.
"Alone we can do little, together we can do much – Helen Keller," said Susan Capone Rode. "I am deeply honored to join the Foundation and look forward to working alongside our dedicated team and community partners to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and expand access to transformative care for all!"
The SMA Healthcare Foundation raises philanthropic support to advance SMA Healthcare's mission of delivering exceptional behavioral healthcare services throughout Central Florida. Through the generosity of donors, corporate partners, grant makers, and volunteers, the Foundation helps fund innovative programs, capital projects, scholarships, and initiatives that improve access to mental health and substance use treatment while supporting hope, healing, and recovery for individuals and families.
