About
Susan Bigelow

Believing in a strong national defense, Susan was honored to work on the Peacekeeper Missile test program and Peacekeeper Rail Garrison development program. In Spearfish, Susan was hired as the first economic development director. Susan and her late husband John moved to Wyoming in 1996 for her second economic development position as the director for two organizations serving Crook, Weston, Niobrara, Converse and Campbell Counties. After Susan helped Gillette College win a competitive federal grant to fund industry-focused training, the Northern Wyoming Community College District/Sheridan College hired her to secure federal funding to expand technical training across the district. 

In her role as Vice President of External Relations and Economic Development, Susan’s diverse portfolio at times included the Sheridan College Foundation, the Wyoming Theater Festival and Sheridan College at Spear-O-Wigwam. She was instrumental in hosting and assisting Weatherby in their relocation to Sheridan. Susan secured grant funding for the Weatherby manufacturing facility, the Kennon Products building, the Children’s Development Center and the WYO Performing Arts and Education Center in addition to multiple awards for programs and equipment at Sheridan College.

In 2018, Susan opened her own consulting company, Bigelow Grant Writing Services, LLC. Over her career she has helped secure over $85 million in state and federal grants for Wyoming projects.

Susan’s education includes an Associates of Arts and Sciences from Laramie County Community College, a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering, a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with an emphasis on Community College Leadership. Susan also earned three professional certifications: Certified Fund Raising Executive; Certified Economic Development Professional; and Economic Development Finance Professional. She earned a certificate in Catholic Social Teaching from the University of Dayton.

Susan is a past president of the Wyoming Economic Development Association, a 2003 graduate of Leadership Wyoming, and a longtime member of Rotary International. She also served on boards for local advocacy and economic development organizations and currently serves on the board for The Hub on Smith.

Susan has served as a committee member of the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce where her company, Bigelow Grant Writing Services, LLC, is an active member. 

Susan is a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church where she serves on the board and teaches adult faith formation classes. 

She was a committee precinct woman in the Republican Party and represented the Sheridan GOP at the 2016 State Convention.

In 2023, Susan and a dear friend co-founded the Care for Caregiver Workshop series for the community hosted at Holy Name Catholic Church. In 2024, Susan helped other churches in Wyoming replicate this worthwhile and compassionate program that serves caregivers and their loved ones. 

In addition to project development, grant writing, spending time with family, and volunteering in the community and at her church, Susan enjoys skiing, hiking and biking in the Big Horn Mountains. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandsons often join her for outdoor adventures. Susan is an avid reader and member of several book clubs. She also enjoys gardening, playing the piano and traveling with her dog Migo.