Your team.
Every Seven November client team is led by the principal, with subject matter experts lending capacity and insights as needed.
Susan Pierson-Brown, Principal
I founded Seven November because I know smart communications can change the world by connecting people and resources to the issues that matter. It is work that inspires me every day.
The majority of my career has been spent as a trusted advisor to leaders in business and philanthropy. Before founding Seven November, I was the senior communications advisor to billionaire philanthropist Paul G. Allen and served as head of communications for Vulcan, Inc. as well as the Paul G. Allen Family Foundations. I directed communications integration among the investment companies in the over $30 billion Vulcan portfolio, was accountable for all of Mr. Allen’s global communications and served as his sole spokesperson to the media. Additionally, I have 20+ years award-winning public relations experience designing significant change initiatives for leading brands including Nike, Microsoft, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Time Warner and have served on the account and leadership teams of national agencies SS+ K and WE Communications.
Through Seven November I partner with leading foundations, educational institutions and purpose-driven organizations to bring more awareness and resources to advancing change in the world. My consulting clients include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Skoll Foundation, Casey Family Programs, the Lemelson Foundation, College Track, Blue Sky Funders Forum, the University of Washington, many high-net-worth philanthropists, academics and socially responsible corporations. I have served on the boards of nonprofits advancing educational equity including Treehouse and the Seattle Children's Museum, and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care in King County, Washington.
I write and speak on communications strategy, thought leadership and media relations, and am ever hopeful I will finish my first book “The Strategy of Influence.”
Our Collaborators
The Company We Keep.
To best align resources to individual client needs we maintain a deep bench of talent, and we match those people and organizations as needed. Partners include experts in stakeholder engagement, polling, social media data analytics, qualitative research, graphic design, writing, editing and more.
CAVU Research
CAVU Research helps social ventures increase the impact of their investments through a deeper understanding of the people they serve and domains they target. CAVU principals design, administer, and interpret customized research programs to understand the view of the stakeholder, test messages and programs, and drive narrative change.
Skipton Creative
Alice Skipton of Skipton Creative is a skilled writer obsessed with the strategic power of storytelling. Alice collaborates with Seven November clients to tell their compelling stories of change and build story banks infused with tested messaging.
Stephanie Ellis-Smith
Stephanie Ellis-Smith, founder of Phila Engaged Giving, is a leader with 20 years of experience in the philanthropic sector. She has held every seat at the social sector’s table: non-profit CEO, social enterprise COO, trustee, mentor, and civic activist. For Seven November, Stephanie facilitates engaging workshops and listening sessions that involve and respect all viewpoints.
Kate Rose Communications
Kate brings a decade of experience telling the story of companies including Google, KIPP Public Schools, and YouTube to social impact organizations through her consultancy, Kate Rose Communications. Her philosophy is rooted in active listening to deeply understand an org's mission so that the story they tell inspires communities to take action. Seven November collaborates with Kate on communication audits, digital presence analytics, messaging platforms, and communication strategy.
Asha Hossain Design
With more than 20 years in the design and marketing industries, Asha Hossain brings a vast array of knowledge and experience to the team. Since launching Asha Hossain Design 16 years ago, she has worked with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small independent businesses and nonprofits. Asha designs compelling graphics and visuals that elevate Seven November’s clients’ stories.