Program Leadership
Suzanne Kennedy, Director of the Office of the Chairman, Head of Philanthropic Giving for IAC
As Director of the Office of the Chairman, Suzanne manages the daily operations of Barry Diller’s office, directing an administrative team that supports his personal and professional worlds and overseeing special projects. As Head of Philanthropic Giving for IAC, Suzanne helped launch the IAC Foundation, and directs the strategy and implementation of IAC’s philanthropic initiatives and community engagement efforts, including volunteerism and grantmaking.
In 2019, Suzanne created the IAC Fellows program, a pioneering initiative connecting students from historically under-resourced communities with academic and leadership opportunities. Following this, she established the IAC Scholarship and Hardship Relief Funds to provide additional support to the IAC Fellows.
With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Suzanne has worked with nationally-recognized youth and workforce development organizations. She has designed and led the implementation of various social service and education programs, such as the Ali Forney Center’s Career and Services Program, which offers career and educational counseling, job placement and career advancement for the LGBTQ youth, the creation of the “Tutor for a Day” program at Reading Partners, and the launch of the Innovation Lab at Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children.
In her free time, Suzanne volunteers as a ballet and dance movement therapy instructor for children at Hudson Guild and young girls at Groove With Me. She uses her creative movement work to build her students’ capacities for adaptability, virtuosity, connection, communication to unleash potential, increase choices and enjoy the freedom to lead lives of personal value. Her classes have performed at the Apollo Theater and throughout NYC. She is a certified Kundalini and children’s yoga instructor and donates her services to several international aid organizations as well as locations throughout NYC.
Suzanne serves on the Executive Committee for Human Rights Watch and is a board member of the West Side Community Fund and the Hudson River Park Trust Business Council.
Addison Traina, Senior Program Manager, IAC Philanthropy
Addison drives the strategic development and execution of the IAC Fellows Program and supports data-driven investment decisions in IAC’s charitable partners. She also manages IAC Charitable Foundation’s Scholarship Program that awards scholarships to high-achieving students in underrepresented communities. She is dedicated to exploring new ways that IAC can leverage its resources to support education, inclusion, and opportunity in New York City and beyond. She is Co-Chair of Women@IAC, an employee resource group.
Addison began her career working at United Way of New York City, accelerating revenue from corporate partnerships, foundations, and government coalitions. She then joined a nonprofit consulting firm where she provided clients with strategies and tools needed to build sustainable, high-performing organizations. She previously served as the Board Chair of a dance nonprofit that aims to make the creative process of choreography more accessible to dance-enthusiasts of all backgrounds, means, and locations.
Ashleigh Alexander, Corporate Social Responsibility Associate Program Manager
Ashleigh plays a critical role in the success of the IAC Fellows Program, contributing to its development and execution. She also actively supports IAC Charitable Foundation in achieving their philanthropic goals. She is excited to join IAC in continuing to positively impact its surrounding local and global communities.
Ashleigh began her career in the clinical social work sector, supporting justice-involved young persons and adults in navigating the criminal justice system and obtaining resources needed thereafter. She then joined the administration of a community day school for students with language-based learning disabilities, providing a range of administrative and programmatic support.
Ashleigh serves on the junior board of a multi-service community-based nonprofit focused on providing resources for members in need within the Chelsea community. Her overarching mission is to empower young people by providing spaces and resources for their holistic development - enabling them to reach their fullest potential.