Remembering Susan Gordon

January 5, 1954 – May 26, 2025

Susan Gordon joined Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2012 at a time of dire need for the organization. What was intended to be a short, three-month role to provide stability during JALC’s transition to new leadership turned into more than 12 years of service over which she transformed the organization’s finance function. 

Susan was more than just a stellar leader; she threw herself into JALC’s mission. She enthusiastically gave her time and resources and abundant human feeling to JALC’s Essentially Ellington program, in particular by supporting perennial contender Osceola High School from Kissimmee, Florida.

In an act of extraordinary generosity and commitment, Susan directed the majority of her compensation back into the institution. If you wish to honor her love of jazz, we’d be grateful for your support and decision to honor Susan’s memory. She’ll be dearly missed.

Susan Gordon was a foundational pillar of our institution. She was much more than our CFO. Her vast experience and considerable technical expertise were only surpassed by her belief in our mission. She carried us through the pandemic with an uncommon tenacity and optimism. She loved our education programs, especially Essentially Ellington for high school students. Susan was its most passionate volunteer, cheerleader, and advocate. The Orchestra always looked forward to seeing the extended Gordon clan in Chicago. I always told her she was “my guardian angel.” She was that for all of us. We love and miss her.
—Wynton Marsalis