A New Chapter and a Familiar Voice: Welcoming Susan Burns Back to Sarasota Magazine

A note from Sarasota Magazine CEO and DreamLarge founder Anand Pallegar.

Susan Burns

Image: Gigi Ortwein

At Sarasota Magazine, our commitment to storytelling has always been at the heart of who we are. We believe in the power of journalism, in celebrating the richness of our community, and in crafting compelling narratives that help us better understand the place we all call home. 

Today, I’m incredibly proud to share some exciting news that continues this legacy while also ushering in a powerful new chapter for our magazine. 

Please join me in welcoming back Susan Burns as the editor-in-chief of Sarasota Magazine.

If you know Susan—and many of you do—you understand why this announcement feels like a homecoming. Susan began working for Sarasota Magazine in 1987 and was the founding editor of 941CEO magazine. From 2018 to 2022, she led Sarasota Magazine as editor-in-chief with extraordinary vision, editorial excellence, curiosity and care. Susan’s voice is woven into the fabric of our community, and her ability to find meaning, magic and relevance in local stories is nothing short of inspiring. 

Susan’s return isn’t just about looking back—it’s also about moving forward with renewed purpose. With Susan at the helm, we’re embracing an exciting future—one in which Sarasota Magazine continues to serve as a cultural compass, a platform for conversation and a champion for this incredible city.

Of course, this moment also gives us the opportunity to thank Cooper Levey-Baker for his contributions as editor-in-chief. Since 2022, Cooper has brought a fresh editorial voice to our pages and guided the magazine through a period of meaningful transformation. Under his leadership, we celebrated new perspectives, overcame hardships and earned the honor of being named the 2024 “Magazine of the Year” by the Florida Magazine Association. We’re grateful for his time and wish him the very best in his next chapter at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

This editorial transition reflects the values that guide us every day: creativity, collaboration, and community. With Susan’s return, we’re reaffirming our belief in the strength of local storytelling and the importance of connecting people through shared experiences.

There is so much to look forward to—and we can’t wait to write the next chapter with all of you.

With gratitude,

Anand Pallegar
CEO, Sarasota Magazine
Founder, DreamLarge