ALLIANCE, Ohio – Susan (Pelini ’86) McGalla, former public company CEO and business owner, will present the Commencement address during Mount Union’s 2018 Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 12.

McGalla earned a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from Mount Union in 1986.

Upon graduation, she started her career at Joseph Horne Company, an upscale department store, where she served in marketing and managerial positions.

Beginning in 1994, McGalla spent 14 years with American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. McGalla began as a merchandise buyer and advanced through the company to become the president and chief merchandising officer in 2003. She led the growth of the company from $300 million to $3 billion in revenue with industry leading profits and four brands.

Upon her departure in 2009, McGalla became a private consultant in the retail industry where she consulted with Wall Street analysts, investment fund managers and specialty retailers. 

McGalla then became chief executive officer of The Wet Seal, Inc. in 2011. She served as the CEO of the public company for two years. She led the reinvention of two brands, recruited a best in class leadership team and positioned the company for growth.

In 2013, McGalla founded P3 Executive Consulting, LLC. She provided advisory services to the financial and Wall Street community, which included buy-side and sell-side analysts and investment fund managers. Her services included branding, marketing and product merchandising, as well as strategy execution, talent management and operational efficiencies.

In 2015, McGalla joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as the vice president of business strategy and creative development. She reengineered strategies and business lines to heighten the brand positioning of the Steelers and developed revenue-generating initiatives resulting in over 40% growth. She just recently wrapped up her time with the Steelers, leaving in March 2018.

Active in her community, McGalla serves on numerous public and philanthropic boards and councils in the Pittsburgh area and nationally.

Commencement will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Peterson Field House of the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex.