Ms. Susan Alderson is the technical director and senior civilian at Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA), providing strategic vision and advocacy to its 400+ members. MCTSSA provides organic testing, engineering and warfighter support in all command-and-control systems, equipment and processes. A native of Oceanside, Calif., Alderson’s 25-year career has utilized her background in technology coupled with her leadership skills to support numerous essential military developments and operations.
Alderson is active in her church by volunteering at summer camp, the food pantry and as an elementary-level teacher. She volunteers with community organizations like Quilts of Love, which makes quilts for local hospice and hospitals. As a member of the Fire Fighter Lookout Association, she helps restore, maintain and staff historic fire lookouts in San Diego and Riverside Counties.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from San Diego University, a master’s degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California, and a certificate in Anti-Submarine Warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School.