Sue Galatz: Academy of Distinguished Engineers - 2017

Although her undergraduate degree is in chemical engineering, throughout her career Sue Galatz has used that strong foundation to build on her natural talents as a business leader. Galatz’s first job after graduating was at Tektronix, where she focused on engineering management and corporate strategy. In 1991, she moved to Mentor Graphics to drive change in the company’s business model, operations, and supply chain. Her career at Nike began in 1996. She has held several director-level positions with the company, but the accomplishment she is most proud of is helping to shape a social movement at national and international levels.

As strategic planning director at Nike, Galatz helped galvanize organizations worldwide to encourage children and adults to get moving. She led a team that forged partnerships with the Clinton Global Initiative, Michelle Obama’s "Let’s Move! Active Schools” program, the United Nations Development Program, and other organizations to unleash human potential. "It was really exciting to see how you can drive awareness to a critical global issue — physical inactivity — and work with others to make a difference,” said Galatz. "Over 100 organizations around the globe were involved in it, and we continue to see impact.”

In her current position, she is focused on intrapreneurial efforts involving customization. "I love bringing new ideas to life,” she said. "I’m still amazed at the breadth of what my engineering degree gave me. I’ve always been interested in the engineer as the ‘architect’ or ‘conductor’ that brings multiple disciplines together to drive change.”"I’m still amazed at the breadth of what my engineering degree gave me.”