Suzanne Hempel

Suzanne Hempel is a North Tonawanda native who graduated from North Tonawanda High School with a cosmetology license. She worked as a hairdresser in the local community for 14 years.

Ms. Hempel also dedicated her time to the local school system, serving as a Classroom Assistant in Special Education for 19 years. A dedicated member of her community, Ms. Hempel also served in an official capacity as an elected member of the City of North Tonawanda Common Council for two years, where she spoke with and listened to residents in the hope of making the City of North Tonawanda a better place to work and live.

For the last 12 years, Ms. Hempel worked side-by-side with Senator Ortt, serving as his Administrative Assistant and District Director. During her five years with Senator Ortt, previously the Mayor of North Tonawanda, Ms. Hempel helped bring to fruition several community programs, including the Home Town Heroes Banners, which still line the City streets of North Tonawanda.

Ms. Hempel was also instrumental in securing a piece of metal from the Twin Towers for the North Tonawanda 9-11 Memorial. With coordination between the City and North Tonawanda High School, a beautiful memorial honoring all those who lost their lives during the horrific event was constructed.

In the final seven-and-a-half years of her career, Ms. Hempel served as District Director for Senator Ortt, where she was tasked with not only organizing the District’s Office operations, but also serving the residents of the 62nd Senate District.

Some of the charity and community organizations that Ms. Hempel has served on include the Carnegie Art Center board and the Ladies Auxiliary Knights of Columbus, where she served as past President and is still currently an active member. She has also taken part in many charitable events like local food drives, Boxes of Hope, and organizing a drive-through book giveaway to kids of all ages. Each year, she continues to participate in making blankets for veterans, nursing homes and the Children's Hospital.