Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Liz Fussell LLC
Location: Port Allen, Louisiana, United States
Liz M. Fussell, EdD, Chief Executive Officer at Liz Fussell LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Educational Leadership and Nonprofit Management.
Dr. Fussell’s career is defined by her commitment to organizational improvement, leadership, and service within the nonprofit and educational sectors. In 2025, she assumed the role of chief executive officer at Liz Fussell LLC, where she collaborates with nonprofit executives to foster effective relationships with their boards and ensures alignment with organizational missions. Dr. Fussell’s work is characterized by a dedication to helping organizations achieve collective success, drawing on her expertise to enhance financial performance, strengthen structures, and develop superior products and services. Her ability to implement strategic adjustments and drive positive change has been a hallmark throughout her professional journey.
Before her current position, Dr. Fussell served as a monitor and support specialist at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2024 to 2025. In this capacity, she provided oversight and guidance to ensure program effectiveness and compliance, honing her skills in evaluation and support. Between 2021 and 2024, Dr. Fussell was the director of Baton Rouge services, WIPA project director and CWIC at Lighthouse Louisiana. She led initiatives to empower individuals with disabilities through employment support and benefits counseling, demonstrating her passion for advocacy and inclusion.
Dr. Fussell’s tenure as the administrative program director for the state of Louisiana from 2020 to 2021 involved overseeing critical programs that addressed community needs, where she applied her leadership acumen to streamline operations and improve service delivery. In 2020, Dr. Fussell contributed as a consultant in program development for The Arc Livingston, leveraging her experience to design impactful programs tailored to the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the executive director of The Arc of East Ascension from 2018 to 2020, Dr. Fussell focused on expanding services and enhancing organizational effectiveness. She previously served in the same role at The Arc of Iberville and West Baton Rouge, now The Arc-Iberville and The Arc Baton Rouge, beginning in 2013.
Having spent most of her career at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, from 1990 to 2013, Dr. Fussell was the executive director of the institution’s FUTURE Postsecondary Education Program. There, she pioneered inclusive postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, earning recognition for her innovative leadership.
Dr. Fussell earned a Bachelor of Science in rehabilitation counseling from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 1985, a Master of Science in rehabilitation counseling at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1992, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from East Tennessee State University in 2010. She also holds a rehabilitation counseling certification from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification and a nonprofit board member essentials certificate from Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Fussell has maintained active membership in professional organizations, including the Worldwide Women’s Association, reflecting her commitment to professional development and networking in the field. Meanwhile, Dr. Fussell’s civic activities include serving on the education committee of the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce and volunteering with organizations such as Tankproof and Samaritan’s Feet International. She also began serving as an executive member of Leap Academy in 2024, a business mentor with the Global Mentorship Initiative in 2025 and an advisory board member at Loyola University New Orleans in 2025. Previously, Dr. Fussell held the titles of secretary, vice president, and president of the Louisiana Conference of Executives between 2013 and 2020.
Dr. Fussell’s contributions have been recognized through several honors, including the President’s Award from The Arc of Louisiana in 2017. Her enduring legacy is marked by transformative leadership, steadfast advocacy for inclusion and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference wherever she serves. Dr. Fussell attributes her professional accomplishments to authenticity and an unwavering passion for helping others.
Looking ahead, Dr. Fussell remains dedicated to ensuring nonprofit leaders receive comprehensive support so they do not feel isolated when facing challenges or pursuing goals. She also aims to help boards better understand their responsibilities so they can actively contribute beyond attending meetings. Ultimately, Dr. Fussell seeks to enhance the experiences of those served by nonprofits by improving service quality and fostering greater happiness among recipients.
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