It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of KEYGroup founder and CEO Joanne G. Sujansky. Dr. Sujansky died on December 10, 2009 surrounded by family and friends, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 59.

Over the course of her 35-year career Joanne Sujansky traveled the world inspiring organizational leaders to create dynamic, productive and rewarding workplaces. Her vision, energy and dedication resulted in 14 books, countless articles on leadership and innumerable keynote addresses. Joanne was one of the leading management consultants of her generation and she will be deeply missed by clients and associates alike.

After completing her doctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh, Joanne held management- and director-level positions across several different industries. In 1985 she started her own consulting practice, which expanded quickly in size and scope. Today KEYGroup? serves Fortune 500 and non-profit organizations around the world.

A popular and in-demand speaker, Joanne traveled the globe extensively delivering keynote addresses to audiences in more than 30 countries. She was well known for the infectious energy of her speeches and her ability to instill her audiences with enthusiasm and appreciation. She was a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest earned designation of the National Speakers Association, recognizing a commitment to ongoing education, proven speaking experience and ethical behavior. NSA only awards the designation to individuals who have completed a comprehensive set of criteria.

Joanne was also a dedicated member of the American Society of Training and Development. After serving as president of the local Pittsburgh Chapter and ASTD Region 3, she was elected to the national presidency of ASTD in 1984, becoming one of the youngest presidents ever elected to serve that 31,000-member world-wide professional organization. She was later selected to receive ASTD’s Gordon M. Bliss Award, the highest honor bestowed for service to the profession.

She has authored or co-authored more than 14 books on leadership and change, including the Power of Partnering, The Keys to Conquering Change, and Training Games for Managing Change. As a passionate promoter of her “hometown,” Pittsburgh, she wrote and published the book Pittsburgh Will Steel Your Heart in 2007, later selected as an official publication of Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary celebration. Her most recent book, Keeping the Millennials with co-author Dr. Jan Ferri-Reed, was released by publisher John Wiley and Sons this past spring.

Long considered an expert resource in several areas, Joanne was regularly called upon by publications such as TIME, Selling Power, USA Today, Investors Business Daily, New York Times, Industry Week and Forbes to provide guidance on leadership practices and productive workplace cultures.

KEYGroup will continue to be directed by President and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Jan Ferri-Reed. As always, KEYGroup’s talented roster of consultants, trainers and associates will continue assisting clients in improving productivity, lowering hiring costs, and increasing retention to reduce employee turnover. In addition, we will also continue to produce our popular eZine KEYNotes with vital tips, suggestions and insights to help our friends and clients maximize their human resources.

We are grateful for the many expressions of sympathy, support and kindness that we’ve received through this difficult transition. Please direct any questions to KEYGroup at 724-942-7900 or via email to khanna@keygroupconsulting.com.

In response to numerous requests, memorial donations may be made to Susan B. Komen Cancer Research, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265, or to the National Speakers Association -- Pittsburgh, Joanne Sujansky Scholarship Fund, 86 Hall Ave., Pittsburgh 15205.