Suzanne Krudys
Institution: Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States
Title: Special Counsel and Director of Operations
Location: Washington, D.C.
Do you have any other Jesuit institutional connections?
My two boys attended Georgetown Prep High School in North Bethesda, Maryland. Additionally, I am on the board of Magis Americas and serve as their treasurer.
What does your job entail?
I oversee all regulatory, compliance and corporate governance for the Jesuit Conference; serve as legal counsel to the president and socius; and oversee most of the operations of our office. In other words, whatever needs to be done.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Living out my faith as an integral part of my work. Working for an organization that encourages my growth as a person.
What are some of the lights and shadows you’ve experienced as a woman working in partnership with a men’s religious order?
As a woman working in a governance structure of the Society, it is interesting to be both involved in so many important matters while also being on the outside of those matters.
How does Ignatian spirituality shape your approach to work?
I approach my work in a way that reflects my beliefs, recognizing that my faith and work are linked. My work here at the Jesuit Conference is not just a job whereby I complete tasks and facilitate processes. My work is my vocation, one in which I am in service to those that I work with, work for and lead.
How could the Jesuits and the church as a whole foster women’s leadership more effectively?
The Society should fully embrace GC 36’s call for collaboration. That is more than just “working together”; it also involves examining how decisions are made in the Society and seeing if decision-making and consulting structures could be more collaborative.
What’s one of your favorite quotes about leadership or the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
Delegate and trust. Be kind and be responsible.
