Susan was the Administrative Assistant for Lori Oberheide for many years before Lori’s retirement in September. She supported her in all things, including silly photo booths during the End of Year Party.

After more than 21 years serving as a source of consistency and comfort at ESD 112, Susan Rahl is retiring at the end of January. Susan, who currently serves as administrative assistant for Communications & Public Engagement and Insurance Programs has loyally served the ESD since December 1998. In the course of her career, Susan has worked across the agency, including in Administration, School and Agency Operations, Human Resources, Insurance Programs, and Communications. She has served on numerous committees, such as the Safety Committee and Administrative Assistant Leadership Team.

Susan is beloved by many, and when asked to reflect on her career at ESD 112, colleagues were eager to share their sentiments.

Susan in 2002, just a few years after she began working at ESD 112.

“Our administrative support is the backbone of this agency and Susan has supported many of our department’s and their successes for more than two decades. I am thankful for her dedication, hard work and deep care for ESD 112 and wish her all the best in her retirement future.” – Tim Merlino

“Susan is an absolute wealth of knowledge, information and solutions. I am so thankful to have had her support in my time at the ESD. When there’s a problem, Susan always works to find an answer, she takes pride in a job well done and her dedication to this agency is second to none. She has worked diligently to train her successor and set our department up for continued success, and for that I am very grateful. I’m excited for Susan’s new retirement chapter – she has certainly earned it.” – Monique Dugaw

“I found a kindred spirit in Susan as soon as I heard we shared a Montana heritage—she and my mother both grew up in Billings and I was born there. You can take the girl out of Montana. But you will never take Montana out of the girl. So, I recognize and respect her independent, no-nonsense, figure-it-out-and-get-it-done attitude. Susan, here’s to finding new challenges to tackle and adventures to catch hold of! I have no doubt you’ll embrace each one!” – Heidi Barnes

“Susan is outstanding at brainstorming solutions. She never says no but instead looks for ways to make it work!” – Rose Yandell

Susan as “Alice” from the Brady Bunch during Hootenanny, 2015.

“Susan has been cheerfully and reliably keeping the [conference room] schedule for a long time now – I will miss her greatly.” – Dan Sorensen

“Susan has been the heart of the department and will be incredibly missed. She’s been my ‘go-to’ whenever I had a question…and if she didn’t know the answer, she’d always help me find it!” – Laura Martin

Susan is looking forward to spending more time with her youngest grandkids who live in Portland.

“Susan has always been there for me both professionally and personally. Susan was willing to answer my questions—even during her busiest of times—and she never hesitated to help. She has this amazing ability to organize and facilitate team meetings with both friendliness and efficiency!” Jenna Buescher-Hill

“Susan has been an integral part of Insurance Programs for many years, handling Executive Committee arrangements, overseeing Visa and travel payments for staff, issuing contracts and POs, and arranging legislative functions.  She will be missed!” – Peggy Sandberg

“Susan has been an incredible resource to learn from. The depth of her knowledge of the ESD, the districts we serve, and programs and processes here is immeasurable. She will be greatly missed!” – Allison Klump (Susan’s replacement)

Susan’s last day is this Friday, January 31, if any staff would like to stop by and wish her well in retirement.

Susan helped plan and throw many parties at the agency over the years, which is why she had no desire for her own retirement party! Here she is with Tonya and Jodi at Evelyn’s retirement party in 2016.