We wish to congratulate Gross McGinley partner, Susan Ellis Wild, on being named as one of Lehigh Valley Business’s Women of Influence for 2016. Susan’s achievement was celebrated at an event on May 11th hosted by Cedar Crest College. With over 400 attendees, the event recognized 28 women for their achievements and contributions to their employers and the community. An independent panel was used to judge the nominees and select winners based on their experience, community involvement, and leadership.Susan is an accomplished attorney and litigator recognized throughout the Lehigh Valley region. At Gross McGinley, she works with some of the firm’s most prestigious clients and cases. Within the firm, she is a respected partner who drives business and client care. She has been active in community and civic affairs her entire adult life. She currently is on the Board of Directors of Civic Theatre of Allentown, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, and Buy Fresh Buy Local Lehigh Valley.Susan has set an example for women in the law and in professional leadership generally, as an attorney for more than 30 years. She embarked on a litigation career at a time when few women tried cases in courtrooms. Having attained success as a litigator, Susan has mentored younger lawyers for many years, both formally and informally. She frequently acts as a sounding board for lawyers throughout Pennsylvania who seek her advice about advancing their careers. Most recently, she was part of a three-attorney panel of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s (PBA) Women in the Profession Committee, counseling younger female lawyers about balancing motherhood and their legal careers.As Managing Partner at Gross McGinley in 1988, she was instrumental in creating and refining a generous maternity leave policy for women employees.In addition, Susan set an example for women everywhere by running for local political office in 2013, when she ran for Lehigh County Commissioner from District 2. During the course of that campaign, she was endorsed by the Women’s Campaign Fund in Washington, DC, although that organization generally does not endorse candidates in political races at the local level. She was also endorsed by Judith Ruhe Diehl, who was the first elected woman commissioner in Lehigh County. Susan’s political race served as encouragement to women everywhere that they have the potential to become leaders in their communities.