Local leader Susan Coleman has received the 2023 Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award. With successful stints in the Fredericksburg-area banking and medical industries, Coleman, now a life coach, was applauded for her career journey and dedication at last week’s 29th annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium at the University of Mary Washington.
The event – a beacon of empowerment, inspiration and resilience for professional women from diverse backgrounds for nearly three decades – took place Thursday, Nov. 2, at UMW’s Stafford Campus. Named for the late Mary Washington professor who helped found the colloquium, the Metzger award goes each year to someone who upholds high standards and achieves success both personally and professionally.
Early in her career, Coleman set herself apart as a leader in the financial sector, serving in pivotal roles as a business development officer, branch manager and vice president at Wachovia Bank. Her responsibilities included overseeing branch offices throughout Richmond and Fredericksburg.
As her professional journey continued, Coleman’s impact extended to marketing, business development and staff development across various organizations, including Bankers Title of Fredericksburg and National Bank of Fredericksburg, where she provided regional executive leadership and oversight in multiple local territories. Additionally, she served as chief executive officer of Salem Fields Community Church, motivating pastors, directors and managers through leadership development, mentoring and coaching.
Taking a significant turn toward community health, wellness education and marketing, Coleman held several key positions during her tenure at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. She served there as regional site coordinator for the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, and as director of professional development, education and volunteers, marketing and communications, and business health.
She also ventured into life coaching, becoming a credentialed John C. Maxwell leadership coach, speaker and teacher, and forming Susan J. Coleman Coaching Services, where she guides individuals toward financial freedom, leadership development, career advancement and personal development.
Rappahannock United Way President Janel Donohue, who nominated Coleman for the Metzger Award, praised her unwavering commitment to doing the right thing, fostering open and truthful communication, and persevering with a positive attitude during challenging times.
A graduate of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Fredericksburg, Coleman continues to serve as a mentor in the program. She has contributed thousands of hours to community service, engaged with local churches and organizations, and demonstrated a dedication to lifelong learning.
UMW Associate Provost of Career and Workforce Kimberly Young, who co-chairs the colloquium with Executive Director of Human Resources Beth Williams, said she hoped Coleman’s story and the day’s theme of resilience will leave a lasting impact on attendees.
“It’s because people lifted me up that I could lift up others,” Coleman said as she accepted the award. “To each woman in this room, thank you so much.”
About the Women’s Leadership Colloquium at UMW
The mission of the Colloquium is to create conversations and connections for a lifetime of learning and leadership. The Colloquium prepares women for and supports women in leadership positions. Highlights are an annual conference, monthly coffee conversations and a monthly blog. The Colloquium attracts managers, administrators, educators, business owners and leaders of public, private and nonprofit organizations. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Learn more about the Women’s Leadership Colloquium and the Patricia Lacey Metzger Award.
