Susan Seaman (‘96, Journalism) is the mayor of Eureka and program director for Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). After graduating, she worked as the Program Information Director for KEET-TV for 15years, developing promotional materials, planning events, producing television shows and developing outreach programs to support children's programming. For a few years, she and her husband owned a small market in Fieldbrook, where she developed an interest in the role of small business in the community. She started working for AEDC to promote small business and economic growth. After three years serving on the City of Eureka's Economic Development Commission, she ran for mayor and won in 2018.
Under her leadership, Seaman introduced the Eureka Family and Children Initiative. This initial five-year plan will focus on making Eureka a more supportive environment for families and young children.
Besides sitting on boards and advisory committees, including HSU’s Center for Community Based Learning and MBA Advisory Group, she volunteers with community projects. Currently, she is a Big Sister of a 17-year-old in the North Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She also delivers food to seniors through Food for People’s Senior Brown Bag Program.
