Susan Lacz

A recognized leader and sought-after public speaker in the Catering and Special Events Industry, Susan Lacz is passionate about her work. Susan was the key note speaker at the 2007 Catersource Trade Show. She has spoken for the WISE Conference at Syracuse University, Marymount University and the International Catering Association (ICA). In October 2008, Susan was a featured speaker at Chatham University’s
“Think Big” Conference.

Susan is a Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Ridgewells. She joined the company in 1986 and purchased it with her business partners in 1997. Over the past 12 years, Susan has been instrumental in the expansion and growth of the company’s portfolio. In December 2002 she and her partners formed Haute on the Hill by Ridgewells, a union company responsible for the House of Representatives catering services. That division has since expanded its services to the Pentagon, the Naval Academy and the National Defense University. In March 2008, Purple Tie by Ridgewells was formed to provide professional service staff to clients.

Over the years, Susan and Ridgewells have received a number of industry and professional awards, including Bethesda Magazine’s Best Caterer of Bethesda 2007, 2008 and 2009; the International Special Events Society (ISES) Esprit Award 2008 for Best Event with a Legacy; ISES Award 2009 for Best Off-Premise Caterer; ISES Award 1999, 2002-2005 for Best Cuisine; Special Events Magazine Spotlight Awards 1998 for Best Off-Premise Caterer and 1999 Caterer of the Year by Event Solutions Magazine. Susan was awarded for her leadership in the business community by the Washington Business Journal in 2004 Women Who Mean Business. In May 2008, Susan was also honored for her charitable work by Miriam’s Kitchen with the Bowls of
Compassion Award.

Susan currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Washington Board of Trade, EagleBank, the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital (GSCNC) and Imagination Stage. She also serves on the Executive Committee for Imagination Stage and the Board of Trade, the Women’s Advisory Board for the GSCNC and the Board of Visitors for Marymount University. She is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the Economic Club of Washington, DC.

Susan is a single mother residing in Chevy Chase with her two sons.