Meet our Celebrities: Susan Ross

Susan Ross has always called Durham “Home,” and through her business, she has been a driver for innovation and progress in our non-profit community. Susan has attended the Carolina Theatre her whole life, often attending with her father, H.C Cranford who served on the board for many years.  

Her business partner and lifelong friend, Mary Moss shared that: ‘Susan was in every play all through school.  She was never shy and always knew her lines. …We were not the dancers, but later in life she turned it up a notch -she loves to be on the dance floor – we both do!’  

We cannot wait for Susan to show us her moves in the theater where she saw her first movie. We talked with Susan so she could share more about herself. This is what we learned: 

You have an extensive career helping non-profits across the triangle with fundraising and development efforts. What led you to that passion and how has it fulfilled you?  

My whole career has been dedicated to helping nonprofits flourish through the funds raised, first at Duke for three decades and then with moss+ross for the last 16 years. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have made a living through jobs that made a difference to so many people in the Duke and Durham communities. 

As a co-founder of moss+ross, you’ve worked with so many nonprofits in the Triangle and beyond. How do you see the Carolina Theatre shaping Durham’s non-profit community?  

 This centennial year is the perfect time to pause and appreciate what a tremendous resource the Carolina Theatre is to Durham. In addition to its entertainment value, I love what it means in terms of historic preservation, nonprofit partnerships and community building. 

What role have you seen the Carolina Theatre play in the community? Looking ahead to the next century of the theatre, what is your hope for the future of the theatre and Durham?   

Generations of children have had their first exposure to live theatre at the Carolina Theatre, and I hope that never stops. I am glad that the Theatre is looking for ways to extend its influence beyond the physical building in the future, which means even more folks in our area will be touched by art through its work. 

 You grew up in Durham and have attended the theater countless times at different stages in the theater’s history. What is your fondest memory of the Carolina Theatre? 

My father was part of the group that reopened the Carolina Theatre in the 1980s. Despite his conservative leanings,  Dad helped navigate political winds in the ‘90s to keep the NC Gay and Lesbian Film Festival from being shut down as “pornography.” I was so proud of him for standing up to those who wanted to control the Theatre. 

Have you ever danced or performed on the stage at the Carolina Theatre? If not, how does it feel to mark this off your bucket list?  

No, I haven’t, so this is a big deal for me. I haven’t performed anywhere since the senior class play at Hillside in 1974. Funny, one of my bucket lists has been to watch a performance from the boxes at the Carolina Theatre, but I never even considered being on stage. 

Who is your dancing icon?  

I fell in love with great dancing to great music back in high school watching the Temptations. Songs like that make everyone want to join the fun! 

Susan will be paired up with Willie Hinton, and we can hear the rhythm and beat of Motown coming from their rehearsal rooms! 

Come celebrate with us at the Carolina Theatre on May 21 to support our talented dancers, reconnect with old friends, and make new ones. We will be serving up delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts, groove to lively tunes from local bands and enjoy the incredible entertainment from our performers.  

Buy your tickets now for an unforgettable performance by Susan and Willie!