Susan Pryor Willson, a 5th generation Coloradan, was born and raised in Denver. She attended Denver Public Schools, graduated cum laude from the University of Colorado with a degree in English Literature, and earned her JD from Northwestern University School of Law. While raising 3 children, she began a volunteer career which continues to this day. Among these activities she has served on the Boards of the Junior League of Denver, Catholic Community Services (President), Denver Public Schools Improvement and Accountability Committee (Chairman), Large District Accountability Committee, Colorado Cancer Research Program, Denver Children’s Home (President), and participated in Leadership Denver as well as Denver Rotary.

Susan practiced law for 21 years at Sheridan Ross, an intellectual property firm, dealing with the international aspects of patents and trademarks. Professionally, she served on the Board of the International Trademark Association and on the Board of the Brand Names Education Foundation. She recently retired from the Board of the Friends Foundation of the Denver Public Library, after serving for nine years. She has 6 grandchildren, ages 6-14. Susan and her husban John celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in April 2024!