Susan Kokkinen
Senior Programs Coordinator for Mohave County’s Senior Nutrition Program and Site Supervisor for the LHC Senior Center.
She and her husband, Steve, who is the Manager of Application Services for the City of Lake Havasu, moved here over 8 years ago from Spokane Washington where they lived for 23 years while raising their children. Susan has over 20 years’ experience working with vulnerable populations. Her diverse background encompasses a wide array of responsibilities related to the provision of social and legal services programs for vulnerable adults and families, including, veterans, seniors,
individuals, and families experiencing homelessness, those grappling with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders, and those experiencing food insecurity.
While in law school, she worked in the University Legal Assistance clinic, providing legal representation to those in need, with a focus on vulnerable adults. While still a student, she brought a lawsuit against an area group home that was abusing their residents. The group home was subsequently shut down. After graduation, she worked with adults with differing abilities in group and individual supported employment. Susan also worked for Spokane County for over 3 years at their Fair & Expo Center. She went on to become Director of a large food bank in Spokane Washington, where she served for 5 years before relocating to Arizona, where she accepted a position with Arizona@Work as an Adult and Dislocated Worker case manager.
Prior to coming to work for Mohave County, Susan worked for Catholic Charities for 5 years in a variety of positions, including Veteran Services Case Manager, Senior Program Manager-Shelter Services, and Database Supervisor. Susan graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Government/Political Science. Susan has served on a variety of committees and boards, including the Lake Havasu City Task Force, WACOG’s Advisory Council, Community Action Board, and Governance Board, Arizona Balance of State Mohave County Homeless Continuum of Care, and the Second Harvest Inland Northwest Spokane County Outlet Committee. She maintains a steadfast belief in the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, underscored by the importance of fostering relationships and encouraging engagement among all groups in our community.
In her free time, Susan likes to spend time with family, enjoying pool time, and exploring all the beauty of our area. She is an avid reader and loves to grow her own food in her garden, which has been quite the challenge adjusting to the warmer climate.