EDUCATION
University of New Hampshire
PhD, 2015
Sociology
University of New Hampshire
MA, 2006
Sociology
Lesley University
MEd, 1981
Educational Leadership
BRIEF BIO / PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS
Dr. Susan Fox served as President and CEO of WIHD from 2016 to 2026, leading the organization through a decade of growth, innovation, and transformation. Under her leadership, WIHD expanded its impact for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and advanced plans for the organization’s new building, helping position WIHD for future generations. Prior to joining WIHD, Dr. Fox held leadership roles in higher education and public service, including serving as Director of New Hampshire’s developmental disabilities services system and as a leader at the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for community inclusion, person-centered supports, and policies that help individuals with disabilities achieve full and meaningful lives in their communities. Dr. Fox will serve as an advisor to the CEO, supporting leadership transition efforts and helping to ensure a seamless transition for the organization through the fall of 2026.
RESEARCH INTERESTS/ACTIVITIES CATEGORIES
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL AND EDUCATION
- Improving Access and Participation for Individuals with I/DD across the Lifespan
- Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination in Individuals I/DD across the Lifespan
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS
Fox, Susan (2017 and 2018). “The Intersection of Aging and Disability.” Class presentations at LEND and Health Policy and Management classes, NYMC.
Fox, Susan (June 2015 and 2016). “Family Advocacy in NH.” Presentation to MPH class at Northeastern University, Boston, MA.
Fox, Susan. (June 2015). “The History of Community Based Services in NH.” Training of MCOs. Bedford, NH.
Fox, S. (April, 2015) “NH Panel on Aging, Planning, Housing, and Economic Development.” Panel presentation at Franklin for a Lifetime community planning meeting
Fox, S., D. Johnson, and S. Terrell. (March, 2015). “Person-Centered Planning and Self Direction Guidance.” UCEDD TA Institute. Bethesda, MD
Fox, S. and Kate Crary. (March 2015) “Person Centered Planning: Pre-Conference Session.” American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Meeting. Manchester, NH.
Fox, S. and Rabalais J. (April 2014). “Kinship Matters.” American Society on Aging Annual Conference: Aging in America, San Diego, CA.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Hahn, J.E., Fox, S., and Janicki, M.P. (2015). Aging Among Older Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Setting National Goals to Address Transitions in Health, Retirement, and Late-Life. Inclusion, December 2015, Vol. 3 (4), pp. 250-259.
Hahn, J.E., Gray, J., McCallion, P., Ronneberg, C., Stancliffe, R. J., Heller, T., Guiden, C. H., Fox, S. & Janicki, M.P. (2016). Transitions in aging: Health, retirement, and later life: Review of research, practice, and policy. In Critical issues in intellectual and developmental disabilities: Contemporary research, practice, and policy (pp. 149-174). Washington, DC: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Fox, Susan W. (2015). “Life Interrupted: The Experience of Informal Caregivers of Aging Family Members.” Dissertation published at the University of New Hampshire.
Sundar, V., Fox, S.W., & Phillips, K.G. (2014). Transitions in Caregiving: Evaluating a Person-Centered Approach to Supporting Family Caregivers in the Community. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 57(6-7), pp. 750-765. DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2013.847885
Cotton, P. and Fox, S. (2011), Navigating Choice And Change In Later Life: Frameworks For Facilitating Person-Centered Planning. Durham, New Hampshire: University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability.