Remembering Joanne Genova Sujansky, Ph.D. CSP (Certified Speaking Professional)
Consultant, speaker and author 

Joanne G. Sujanksy, Founder and CEO of KEYGroup lost her courageous battle with breast cancer on December 10, 2009.  She was 59 years old.  Her legacy lives on with the company that she catapulted to worldwide notoriety.  KEYGroup continues to deliver excellent workshops, sessions, executive coaching, assessments and keynotes.  Please contact Kelly Hanna at KEYGroup for more information.

Dr. Joanne G. Sujansky, an internationally known consultant, speaker and author, was the founder of KEYGroup®, a thriving firm that specializes in human resource consulting, speaking and personnel assessments.  Over the course of her 35-year career Dr. Sujansky traveled the world inspiring organizational leaders to create dynamic, productive and rewarding workplaces.

Joanne Sujansky died on December 10th surrounded by family and friends, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 59.

After completing her doctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh, Joanne was appointed to management and director-level positions within the human resources departments of Presbyterian University Hospital and Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh (both now UPMC). In 1980 she started her own consulting practice, which expanded quickly in size and scope. Today KEYGroup™ serves Fortune 500 and non-profit organizations around the world.

A popular and much-in-demand speaker, Joanne traveled the globe extensively delivering keynote addresses to audiences in more than 30 countries. She was well known for the infectious energy of her speeches and her ability to instill her audiences with enthusiasm and appreciation. Joanne is estimated to have spoken to more than a hundred thousand people over the course of her career. She was a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest earned designation of the National Speakers Association, recognizing a commitment to ongoing education, proven speaking experience, and ethical behavior. NSA only awards the designation to individuals who have completed a comprehensive set of criteria.

Joanne was also a dedicated member of the American Society of Training and Development. After serving as president of the local Pittsburgh Chapter and ASTD Region 3, she was elected to the national presidency of ASTD in 1985, becoming one of the youngest presidents ever elected to serve that 31,000-member world-wide professional organization. In 1988 Joanne Sujansky received the Gordon M. Bliss Award, the highest honor bestowed by ASTD for service to the profession.

She has authored or co-authored more than 14 books on leadership and change, including the Power of Partnering, The Keys to Conquering Change, and Training Games for Managing Change. As a passionate promoter of her “hometown,” Pittsburgh, she wrote and published the book Pittsburgh Will Steel Your Heart in 2007, later selected as an official publication of Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary celebration. Her most recent book, Keeping the Millennials with co-author Dr. Jan Ferri-Reed, was released by publisher John Wiley and Sons this past spring.

Long considered an expert resource in several areas, Joanne was regularly called upon by publications such as TIME, Selling Power, USA Today, Investors Business Daily, New York Times, Industry Week and Forbes to provide guidance on leadership practices and productive workplace cultures. In addition she has made numerous guest appearances on radio and television programs, including “Pittsburgh Today” and “Our Region’s Business.”

In the wake of Joanne Sujansky’s passing KEYGroup® will continue to be directed by Dr. Jan Ferri-Reed, with Chuck Sujansky serving in the capacity of CEO. Clients will continue to enjoy the same high level of service and expertise they have come to expect from KEYGroup’s several member staff and associates. Questions may be directed to 724-942-7900 or via email to this address.

Along with her husband of 33 years, Chuck [Charles] Sujansky, Joanne is survived by three children, Cara Olshanski (Alex), Justin and Jenna; and two grandchildren, Luciana and Sofia.

Tributes may be left at this website.