Susan McGalla

Susan McGalla began her career at Joseph Horne Company, where she worked in various marketing and managerial positions from 1986 until 1994.^[10] She joined American Eagle Outfitters later that year.^[10] McGalla started her career at American Eagle as a divisional merchandise buyer for women's clothing^[10][11] and worked at the company in various managerial roles until she became the company's president and chief merchandising officer (CMO).^[12] She had worked as president and CMO for the company's flagship American Eagle brand prior to her becoming president and CMO of the entire company.^[11] As company president of American Eagle, McGalla oversaw the launch of the company's aerie and 77kids brands.^[3][11]

McGalla left American Eagle Inc. in January 2009^[11] and became a private consultant for the retail and financial investment industries.^[3] She was appointed to the Board of Directors of HFF Inc. in October 2009.^[13] McGalla succeeded Ed Thomas as chief executive officer of Wet Seal Inc. in January 2011.^[4] In the beginning of her tenure as CEO of Wet Seal, Inc, McGalla was pregnant and worked both remotely before starting full-time in August 2011.^[14] She was terminated "effective immediately" by the board in July 2012 after the company reported 11 months of declining sales.^[4][15] Following her departure from Wet Seal Inc., McGalla founded P3 Executive Consulting. She is Vice President of Business Strategy and Creative Development for the Pittsburgh Steelers.^[16]

McGalla was born and raised with her two brothers in East Liverpool, Ohio. Her father was a local football coach.^[17] She received a bachelor's degree in business and marketing from Mount Union College,^[3] where she serves on the college's Board of Advisors.^[18] She is married to Stephen McGalla, a wealth manager.^[3][7]