Susan C. Waltman (AB ’73, MSW ’75) is a shining example of service and commitment demonstrated by over 40 years of mentorship, philanthropy and an influential career in health law and public health.

Waltman is special counsel for the Greater New York Hospital Association, which represents the interests of 160 not-for-profit and public health systems and hospitals across the New York region. Waltman previously held the position of executive vice president of legal, regulatory and professional affairs and general counsel for the association, where she has worked since 1987.

Prior to joining GNYHA, Waltman was general counsel at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and worked at the Philadelphia law firm of Drinker, Biddle and Reath. Waltman also taught health law courses at New York University School of Law and Brooklyn Law School.

Waltman has given her time and expertise through many high-impact volunteer roles across campus, including serving as a member of the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees and in turn the Foundation’s Emeritus Trustees Leadership Committee as well as a member of the UGA Research Foundation Board of Directors. In addition, she served on the advisory boards of the university’s Honors Program — now the Jere W. Morehead Honors College — and College of Public Health.

Each summer since 2006, Waltman has hosted the Honors in New York Internship Program. She appreciates the eagerness and curiosity of each student about the health care system, public health and the clinical and financial challenges facing hospitals. Waltman stays in touch with many of the interns, often writing recommendations for those seeking graduate school admission, scholarships and professional opportunities.

In addition to her service to her alma mater, Waltman has extended her generosity through giving. She established scholarship funds in the College of Public Health, the Law School and as part of the Georgia Commitment Scholarship Program. She also created the Public Health Outreach Support Fund and the Honors in New York Internship Fund at the Honors College and regularly supports the Let All the Big Dawgs Eat Scholarship Fund and the Fund to Advance Diversity and Inclusion among other funding priorities across campus. For decades she has nurtured a growing culture of UGA philanthropy among alumni in the New York region by hosting lunches and dinners, including regular holiday dinners, and by attending UGA alumni activities.

Waltman has been recognized with a Blue Key Honor Society Service Award, a Graduate School Alumni of Distinction Award and the Honors College’s Jere W. Morehead Award. She was named a Columbia University Alumni Medalist and has served on the Dean’s Council of Columbia Law School for many years.