Susan Eustice, the familiar and longtime spokesperson for the Salvation Army, died this weekend after a brief illness. Eustice was director of public relations and communications for the Salvation Army Western Division, covering Nebraska, western Iowa and South Dakota.
Her work was instrumental to the success of the Salvation Army's outreach efforts. During her 21 years at the Salvation Army she founded or co-founded several of the agency’s longest-running programs, including the D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon, which has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to local youths; the Back to School Backpack Drive, which has provided more than 200,000 backpacks to families in need; and the Adopt-a-Family Radiothon, which has helped about 2,100 area families with Christmas gifts.
In addition to her work with the army, Eustice was a leader in the field of public relations. She was a past president of the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communications. Eustice also was a former president of the Omaha Press Club, where served on numerous committees.
Susan Eustice leaves behind her husband Bill, and three children. Services are pending.