Meet a DCMer: Susan Impalla
Dancer, traveler, music lover, and fitness fan—there is more to Susan Impalla than her nearly 20-year history with DCM. Get to know our Director of Client Engagement and Chief Analyst.
How long have you been with DCM and what is your title?
My title is Director of Client Engagement and Chief Analyst, and I’ve been with DCM around 18 years.
Where are you from originally?
I am from a small town called Glen Rock, NJ, which is a suburb of NYC.
What was your career path before coming to DCM?
I started as a professional dancer, which inspired me to explore the field of arts administration. Before DCM, I worked in marketing for a few small ballet companies in New Jersey. I fell in love with that field and quickly realized that I wanted to continue working with non-profit arts organizations. I stumbled into DCM, which allowed me to combine my passion for the arts and desire to work with a variety of organizations beyond ballet companies.
What’s your favorite thing about working at DCM?
The people and the work that we do. Even though I’ve been with DCM a long time, I find every day is exciting. There is so much variation between our clients and our work that it never gets boring. I’ve met so many people through this job, both at DCM and with our partner organizations, and have learned so much from all of them.
What’s one thing that’s changed about our work since you started with DCM?
The industry has gone through so many changes across technology, the market, and our clients. Going through the pandemic forced us to innovate in order to meet our client’s needs and keep our business functioning and relevant. I think we were always innovative, but this tested that notion and we proved ourselves in that moment. We were able to pivot and grow as a company, which is no small task.
We all know you’re a big fan of fitness and music! What’s your favorite music to work out to?
I love techno! I listen to a lot of live DJ sets from festivals and shows. I’ve been listening to Chris Liebing and Daft Punk lately. My husband and I have been getting into pop mariachi (mariachi bands that do pop covers) and ska, also. I’m on my way to becoming a spin instructor, so it’s forcing me to explore music in a new way to create playlists for classes that are accessible and inspiring.
You’re also an avid traveler! What are your most memorable trips? Any travel recommendations for 2025?
From all the places I’ve visited, my favorites are Bali (Indonesia), New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Mexico. This year I’m planning trips to Spain, Alaska, and Honduras. My tagline for travel is always “Pack your patience and sense of humor!”
What’s your perfect day?
My perfect day is simple: it’s summer, my husband is cooking, and I’m drinking some wine. I’m enjoying my family, which is my husband and my two kittens Boogie and Buzz, and we’re listening to music.