Experienced executive LaBelle to lead Office of Corporate Relations

Susan LaBelle, a veteran private sector executive and economic development leader who has taught in the UW–Madison master’s in biotechnology program, has been selected to head the university’s Office of Corporate Relations (OCR).

LaBelle’s professional background includes nearly three decades working in the health care and health products manufacturing industry, including serving as global vice president for marketing at drug development services company Covance from 2003-11. She has a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Northern Illinois University, and earned her master’s in marketing and management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

LaBelle says she is looking forward to leading the Office of Corporate Relations and becoming part of the economic development team at the university.

“UW–Madison is a rich economic development resource for not only the Dane County area, but Wisconsin and our region as a whole,” LaBelle says. “I welcome the opportunity to work with faculty and staff across the campus to create partnerships between the university and the business community, and ensure the university remains a powerful driver behind the economic health of the state.”

OCR was established in 2003 to serve as the university’s liaison to business and industry. The group helps businesses access talent recruitment, professional development programs, research and development, technology licensing, startup creation and globalization expertise. Charles Hoslet, associate vice chancellor for government and corporate affairs, previously led the office.

“We are fortunate to have a person with Susan’s depth and breadth of experience aboard. Her extensive experience in the private sector and her deep involvement in regional economic development will serve the university well in this important role,” Hoslet says.

LaBelle currently runs a firm, SM LaBelle Consulting, providing strategy and marketing to companies, nonprofits and higher education institutions. She also teaches in the UW–Madison biotechnology master’s degree program.

LaBelle has also been involved with MadREP (formerly known as Thrive), the regional economic development organization serving the eight-county region surrounding Madison, since its inception in 2005. She served as the organization’s interim leader in 2012.

LaBelle’s first day at the Office of Corporate Relations is Feb. 24.