Susan Abbott

Senior Consultant & Advisor | Digital Democracy, Media Development, Civic Tech | 25+ Years Global Experience | Research | MEL | Strategy | Facilitation Dr. Susan Abbott is a globally recognized consultant, advisor, and thought leader working at the intersection of digital democracy, independent media, and civil society strengthening. With more than 25 years of experience across five continents, she helps donors, NGOs, and mission-driven organizations navigate democratic challenges, counter disinformation, and design impactful programs. As founder and principal of Cross-Pollinate Consulting, Susan delivers research, evaluation, facilitation, and strategy services that foster more resilient and rights-respecting information ecosystems. Her work emphasizes localization, gender equity, and a human rights-centered approach to development. Her clients include USAID, State/DRL, Sida, Open Society Foundations, Internews, IREX, International Media Support, Free Press Unlimited, Access Now, Social Impact, and the Center for International Media Assistance, among others. She has conducted fieldwork and supported programs in countries such as Hungary, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Syria, Jordan, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Zimbabwe, and led numerous multi-country initiatives focused on civic space, digital rights, and information integrity. At USAID, Susan most recently served as the Information Integrity and Resilience Advisor in the Office of Global Trends and Technology, where she provided technical leadership on counter-disinformation programming, media literacy, AI ethics, and donor learning. From 2012 to 2021, she led over 40 high-impact consulting assignments, including MEL systems design, co-creation facilitation, donor strategy, and complex evaluations. She is widely known as a natural convener and trusted facilitator, having led international consultations on the future of media development, public interest media funding, and digital governance. She co-led the Global Democracy Coalition during the Summit for Democracy and currently serves as co-chair of the Media Sector Development Working Group of IAMCR. Susan holds a Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Westminster. Her dissertation examined 30 years of donor influence on media systems in Africa and Central and Eastern Europe, contributing to the field’s understanding of foreign aid and democratization. Susan is currently available for consulting assignments or full-time roles related to research, evaluation, MEL, program design, or strategy. She is based in Denver, Colorado, and works globally.