Bradenton, FL – July 25, 2025

Welcoming Our New Board Members: Sue Birrell and Lauren Fuller

The Manatee Literacy Council is proud to welcome two outstanding community leaders, Sue Birrell and Lauren Fuller, to our Board of Directors. Both bring a unique blend of professional expertise, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. We are excited for the depth and energy they will add to our mission of empowering adults in Manatee County through literacy.

Meet Dr. Sue Birrell

Sue Birrell brings an extraordinary depth of experience in education and nonprofit service. She holds an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University, an M.A. from Harvard University, an M.Ed. from Nazareth College of Rochester, and a B.A. from Elmira College, credentials that reflect her lifelong dedication to learning and leadership.

Professionally, Sue is well-versed in educational programming, data analysis, product evaluation, grant writing, and mentoring. She retired from Curriculum Associates in 2019 but has continued her passion for education and community service. Her post-retirement involvement includes serving as a guide at the Ringling Museum, volunteering in third-grade classrooms at Manatee Elementary, and tutoring students at State College of Florida.

Sue also serves as President of the Waterlefe Literacy Society and brings a deep understanding of nonprofit operations and educational advocacy to her role on our board. When she’s not volunteering, you’ll find her reading, biking, kayaking, or exploring new places, as a well-rounded leader with a heart for lifelong learning.

Meet Lauren Fuller

Lauren Fuller joins the board with nearly three decades of experience in the financial sector. As the Assistant Vice President and Financial Center Client Services Manager at Liberty Savings Bank’s Lakewood Ranch location, Lauren oversees daily operations and leads her team with professionalism, care, and a customer-first mindset. She is known for cultivating strong, lasting relationships with both clients and community partners—an approach that aligns perfectly with our values at Manatee Literacy.

Beyond her career in banking, Lauren has been a dedicated community advocate for more than a decade. She has served in several leadership roles on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Manatee County, where she contributed strategic guidance and financial insight to support affordable housing and community development initiatives.

Lauren’s blend of business acumen, community spirit, and leadership experience will be a tremendous asset as we strengthen partnerships and build a sustainable future for our organization.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Sue Birrell and Lauren Fuller to the Manatee Literacy Council Board of Directors. We’re honored to have their leadership as we continue expanding access to literacy, opportunity, and empowerment for adults across Manatee County.

Get Involved. Be Part of the Solution.
Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply help spread the word, you can help change lives through literacy.