Dr. Susan Homes has served as Deputy Executive Director for Professional Learning with the Illinois Principals Association since 2017. Prior to joining IPA, she spent 34 years in education as a teacher, college instructor, technology leader, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.

Throughout her career, Homes has received numerous honors, including the E.L.I.T.E. Award, Illinois Computing Educators Technology Educator of the Year, Illinois nominee for ISTE Technology Educator of the Year, the Illinois Salute to Education Award, an Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel Award, and the International LERN Award for Business/Industry Training and Innovation.

An educational optimist, Homes is passionate about developing exceptional school leaders and believes extraordinary educators have the power to transform lives. She has authored or co-authored more than $50 million in state and federal grants, is a frequent presenter at regional, state, and national conferences, and serves as a consultant and facilitator for leadership development initiatives.

Homes earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, and Saint Louis University, where she received her doctorate.