Biography

---

Susan Prokop joined the Advocacy Program at Paralyzed Veterans of America in February 1997. The Advocacy Program addresses issues that PVA members encounter outside traditional veterans' programs such as disability rights, transportation, voting accessibility and fair housing challenges. Prior to arriving at PVA, Susan was a health policy analyst with the American Society of Internal Medicine from 1989 to 1997. Before that, she served six years as a legislative staffer with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) where she managed issues of concern to veterans and senior citizens. At PVA, Susan is responsible for issues relating to Social Security, employment and housing. She is a cochair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Employment and Training Task Force and Task Force on Veterans and Military Families.

A native of Arlington, Virginia, she graduated from Georgetown University with a B.A. in Government and received a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Virginia. Susan has been involved in programs affecting persons with disabilities in her community through service on the Arlington Community Services Board and as a member of the Board of Community Residences, Inc. She was appointed by Governor Mark Warner to Virginia's Statewide Independent Living Council in 2003 and served as chair of the SILC from 2004 to 2006. Governor Tim Kaine reappointed Susan to the SILC in October 2006 for another three year term. In November 2006, Susan was honored by the Arlington, Virginia Human Rights Commission for her advocacy work in disability rights.

Susan lives in Arlington with her husband, James Turpin. Together, they own a small vineyard in Nelson County Virginia called Democracy Vineyards.