Meet Susannah Kiehl, a leader whose energy and expertise are making waves at Lynch, and far beyond.
When Susannah joined Lynch in March 2025, she brought a wealth of federal audit and advisory experience, and a clear passion for helping teams and clients succeed. As the driving force behind the Financial Advanced Solutions Team (FAST) and the Audit service lines, Susannah leads with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Outside of Lynch, she’s equally dedicated to her industry and community, serving as the Society Defense Financial Management (SDFM) Mount Vernon Chapter President, SDFM Washington Chapter PDI Facilities Chair, Calvary Women’s Services Hope Gala Host Committee Member, and Washington DC Walk to End Alzheimer’s Executive Leadership Team Member. She was named one of Arlington’s Top 50 Women Leaders for 2025. In 2026, she earned a Women We Admire award and recognition from Influential Women as one of today’s most inspiring and accomplished professional women.
How did you get started in consulting? How did you come to work at Lynch?
After many years in the Federal audit world, I wanted a career change and still utilize my skills and experience. In joining Lynch, I have been able to do such and have had the opportunity to lead Lynch into new areas, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the setup of the FAST.
Looking back, was there one experience in those early days that really opened your eyes to the kind of impact you could make?
I reflect back to some advice I received from a former colleague at my first job - you own your career. You determine the impact that you want to have and what you want people to remember about you.
If you could sit down with someone brand new to consulting, what would you tell them?
You are not expected to have all of the answers – do not be afraid to ask questions.
As AI keeps evolving, what is the human element that is critical for success?
AI can process enormous amounts of data, recognize patterns, and optimize decisions, but it does not possess experience, moral responsibility, empathy, or accountability. Those remain uniquely human strengths. As AI grows, human wisdom becomes more—not less—important. Success will belong to those who combine technological power with ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, and thoughtful stewardship.
You wear a lot of hats—leading key service lines at Lynch while also giving your time to professional and community organizations. How do you find balance among these responsibilities, and what helps you stay grounded and focused along the way?
Maintaining a successful work-life balance can be challenging at times. I look forward to doing the things that I enjoy most in life – going to music concerts and sporting events, travelling, and being an art enthusiast turned artist.
Bridging financial strategy and operational innovation.
