After 11 years at the helm of the Century City Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Susan Bursk plans to retire at the end of the year. A committee has been set up by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and is currently seeking her replacement. Century City News spoke with Bursk, where she reflected on the highlights of her tenure, her plans for the future and what she’ll miss most about Century City.
What prompted your decision to retire?
Susan Bursk: I’ve had a lot of changes in my personal life the past few years. The timing seemed right. We don’t know how much time we have left on this good earth and there are things that I haven’t really done. I haven’t really taken a vacation in 11 years and I have a new granddaughter.
What are some highlights of your time in the position?
We’ve had some great firsts. We put together a book on the history of Century City in 2009. We talked about how Century City developed from the back lot of 20th Century Fox studios to the evolution of it [currently], and to the future of it.
Another highlight was putting together some of the councils we’d never had before like the Arts Council. We’ve now done two public art exhibitions. Also, working with Metro and bringing the subway here. And of course the friendships that I’ve made and the people that I’ve met.
What do you love about Century City?
I love everything. I was born and raised in a five-mile radius of Century City. I’ve seen it develop from the early 60s to where it is today and I’ve been a part of it in many different ways. When I worked for City Councilman Jack Weiss, Century City was part of my area that I oversaw. I was part of it when 9/11 took place. I had a great hand in working on the reconfiguration of Santa Monica Boulevard.
I love that it’s very much a community, like a little town, all the people that are part of it. There’s a closeness.
Century City is small but mighty. One of my board members used to say it casts a very large shadow. It’s a huge economic engine for the City of LA and we’re only four blocks. It’s unique. It’s a jewel within the city.
Anything you regret not having accomplished?
I’m a government and community liaison for the Business Improvement District in Century City and will continue doing that on a part-time basis. So some of the things I wanted to do with the Chamber I can continue doing with the BID, including more branding and having more physical identification for Century City. I want everyone to know who we are and what we do. It really is an entertainment Mecca in many ways. We have a very active studio [Fox] that’s still making great shows.
What do you see as the future of the Chamber?
I hope it continues to represent the interests of the community. It has been a unifying voice since it began in 1969. I think it’s really added to Century City’s prominence. It’s been the community voice for civic involvement [including in] helping to bring the subway here. It’s not just for the community in general but the Westside and the region. I think the Chamber plays an important role and I hope it continues to do that.
What are you going to miss most about the job?
Probably the people. It’s always about the relationships you’ve made. I feel so fortunate to have met and worked with so many terrific people. They all care about the community, but I’m looking forward to not having to get up for early meetings or stay for late events.
Any parting words?
I feel profoundly grateful for having this opportunity. I think our members are fabulous. They give so much of their time and volunteer in so many different ways. We couldn’t do what we do without them. It’s really been a privilege.
