Ms. Franklin is Co-Founder of Franklin Companies, an industry leader in the development, construction, and management of multi-family and luxury senior living communities. She oversees many aspects of the operation of Franklin Park including brand, design, and first impressions management, as well as the company’s community outreach and philanthropic presence. Ms. Franklin’s outreach efforts frequently culminate in unique experiences for Franklin Park’s residents including on-site concerts and events as well as cultural outings.
In June 2014, Susan and her husband, Aubra, were awarded the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year designation for Central Texas. This annual award recognizes entrepreneurs who have a proven track record of innovation that has resulted in exceptional success in their industries. Ms. Franklin’s leadership of Franklin Park was honored in December 2014 with a cover article for the statewide launch of Texas MD, NSIDE Medical Magazine. She was also selected as the NSIDE Texas Magazine Gala Honoree for 2014. Mrs. Franklin is a 2016 Creative Arts Inductee of the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame and was profiled in the January 2017 cover story of San Antonio Woman Magazine.
In addition to her responsibilities at Franklin Park, Ms. Franklin gives enthusiastically of her time and talents to support many non-profit organizations. Her desire to elevate both the appreciation and the accessibility of the fine arts in San Antonio inspires her passionate service to multiple cultural standard-bearers. Ms. Franklin serves the Bexar County Performing Arts Center Foundation as a member of the Building Committee and as a Founders’ Network Co-Chair. She also serves on the Gala, Annual Giving, and Governance Committees.
In addition to her contributions to the Bexar County Performing Arts Center Foundation, Susan also serves on the boards of Musical Bridges Around the World and Arts San Antonio. Her commitment to the fine arts extends beyond board service as she has graciously opened her home to host notable musicians such as Nobuyuki Tsjuii, the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist, Emmanuel Borok, world-renowned concert master of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Anya Grokhovski, Musical Bridges artistic director and concert pianist, and Lilya Zilberstein, acclaimed pianist. Ms. Franklin also serves as a Guild Member for New York City Ballet. She is a Noble Patron of the Charity Ball Association of San Antonio and a Golden Circle supporter of the Texas Biomedical Research Institute.