Staff

Mark Susnis

Mark Susnis is Vice President of Programs and Curriculum at the Institute for Defense and Business (IDB). In this role, he provides strategic leadership for IDB’s executive education portfolio, overseeing a team of Program Directors and guiding the development and delivery of learning experiences that bring together senior leaders from across the military services, federal agencies, industry, and academia.

Mark leads the integration of insights gained through IDB’s collaboration with defense and industry partners, including GE Aerospace, The Boeing Company, Raytheon, and Vulcan Elements, translating lessons from across sectors into relevant executive education. He guides the translation of research, evidence-based practices, and emerging trends into executive education curricula, ensuring IDB’s learning experiences remain relevant to the evolving challenges facing leaders across the national security enterprise. He sets the vision and direction for the learning design lifecycle, from needs analysis and learning objectives through curriculum design, faculty engagement, program delivery, impact measurement, and continuous improvement. His work is focused on creating practical, outcomes-oriented learning experiences that strengthen leadership, collaboration, and organizational performance across the national security enterprise.

Prior to joining IDB, Mark served for 25 years as an officer in the United States Army, retiring at the rank of Colonel. His military career provides him with extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the defense and federal environments.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northern Michigan University with a concentration in U.S. history, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Management from Webster University, and a Master of Arts in National Security Strategy from the United States Army War College. He also earned the Master Instructional Designer certificate from the Association for Talent Development (ATD).

Mark serves on the Board of Directors of the Hanover Tavern Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. He and his wife have one daughter. Outside of work, he enjoys raising chickens and cheering for the Chicago Bears.