As the director of human resources, environment and safety for Able Manufacturing & Assembly, Joplin, Mo., Susan Adams has led the company's RenewAble sustainability initiative since 2007. She is active in Joplin, serving as a director for the Southwest Missouri Workforce Investment Board and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. She chaired the Chamber's board from 2010-2011.

Susan is a steering committee member for the Regional Sustainability Alliance, formed in 2010 by Freeman Health Systems; Missouri Southern State University, Crowder College's MARET Center, Empire District Electric Co. and Able Manufacturing. RSA's kickoff event was a Bi-Product Synergy Symposium in April 2011, featuring speakers from the U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development, the Center for Resilience at Ohio State University and Harley Davidson Kansas City.

Her volunteer activities include the Southeast Kansas Nature Center, Wildcat Glades Audubon Center and Missouri Master Naturalists.