Susan Ford

Here is a detailed SEO-style biography of Susan Ford Bales (Susan Elizabeth Ford), born July 6, 1957 — often known simply as Susan Ford.

Susan Ford – Life, Work & Legacy

Explore the life of Susan Ford (born July 6, 1957) — photojournalist, author, and daughter of President Gerald Ford. Learn about her White House years, writing, advocacy, and impact.

Introduction

Susan Elizabeth Ford Bales (née Ford), born July 6, 1957, is an American author, photojournalist, and public figure. She is the only daughter of U.S. President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford. Growing up under unique public scrutiny, she has navigated roles as a photographer, writer, advocate for health issues, and past chair of the Betty Ford Center’s board. Her life blends private legacy with public service.

Early Life and Family

Susan Ford was born in Washington, D.C. on July 6, 1957.

She spent portions of her adolescence in the White House years (1974–1977) when her father was president.

She attended Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland.

Career & Work

Photography & Journalism

Susan trained in photography and became a photojournalist. Newsweek, Ladies’ Home Journal, and through the Associated Press.

She also freelanced and worked with various media outlets.

Writing & Mystery Novels

Later in her career, Susan co-authored mystery novels, drawing from her White House experience and family insights. With Laura Hayden, she published:

• Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery (2002)

• Sharp Focus: A First Daughter Mystery (2003)

These novels weave fictional White House intrigue with a protagonist whose life mirrors aspects of hers.

Earlier, as a teenager, she also wrote a column for Seventeen magazine on life in the White House.

Advocacy & Service

Susan has been active in public health, especially related to breast cancer awareness and substance abuse recovery, areas deeply connected to her mother’s legacy.

She joined the board of the Betty Ford Center and in 2005 became its chair, succeeding her mother in that role.

Her role included speaking engagements, public advocacy, and stewardship of the center's mission.

Personal Life

Susan Ford married Charles (Chuck) Vance, a former Secret Service agent, on February 10, 1979.

She then married attorney Vaden Bales on July 25, 1989.

She has two daughters, Tyne Mary Vance and Heather Elizabeth Vance.

In 2010, Susan experienced sudden cardiac arrest while exercising—an event she discussed publicly—and afterward had a stent placed and now lives with a pacemaker.

Personality, Values & Legacy

Though she grew up in the public eye, Susan has maintained a balance between private identity and public role. Her writing, photography, and advocacy often reflect her dual perspectives as a daughter of a president and an individual in her own right.

Her shift into public health and advocacy aligns with her family’s tradition of service. As chair of the Betty Ford Center, she has continued her mother’s mission on addiction recovery and treatment.

Her decision to write mystery novels set in the White House suggests a creative way of processing her unique upbringing and sharing stories with a broader audience.

Known Quotes

While Susan Ford is not especially known for a large trove of famous standalone quotes, some of her public remarks and sentiments suggest her values and outlook:

• She once said that being part of the Ford family “turned years she spent in the White House into good use” in creating fiction.

• In public talks, she has emphasized the importance of speaking openly about health, recovery, and the need for destigmatizing addiction and illness.

Lessons from Susan Ford

1. Transform personal history into creative work
   She turned her unique White House upbringing into mystery novels that blend fiction with personal insight.

2. Use privilege for advocacy
   Rather than remain silent, she leverages her position to bring attention to health, addiction recovery, and public welfare.

3. Maintain multiple identities
   Susan has balanced roles as daughter of a president, author, public figure, mother, and private individual.

4. Resilience in adversity
   Her health scare and public life demonstrate how one can survive challenges and continue to contribute positively.

5. Steward legacy while forging your path
   She did not simply rest on her family name; she built her own body of work in photography, writing, and service.

Conclusion

Susan Ford Bales is more than a presidential daughter: she is a creator, advocate, and steward of public mission. Her life bridges history, art, and public health. Through her photography, novels, and leadership in the Betty Ford Center, she has crafted her own legacy—rooted in family but reaching outward in service.