Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Suzie Humphreys, CPAE Hall of Fame Speaker

With deep respect and fond remembrance, we at NSA Austin honour the legacy of Suzie Humphreys, who passed away on November 14, 2025 at the age of 87. Her remarkable contributions to broadcasting, speaking and service continue to inspire us all.

Suzie began her professional life in Dallas-area radio and television. Early on she worked as a secretary in Dallas, and from there stepped into entertainment and journalism. In the early 1970’s she became co‐host of the live morning show News 8 etc. on WFAA Channel 8, which aired live five days a week without cue cards or teleprompters and earned wide local acclaim. 

She later spent time in radio broadcasting alongside legend Ron Chapman, a time she described as “magical”. 

Suzie worked as a motivational speaker and author, passionate about real-life stories, humour and authenticity. In 2002 she was inducted into the National Speakers Association’s CPAE (Council of Peers Award for Excellence) Speaker Hall of Fame, a lifetime honour recognizing her speaking and contribution to the speaker community. She also entered the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2004, underscoring her status as a broadcasting trailblazer. 

As one of our chapter’s earliest members (joining in 2011 when NSA Austin was forming), Suzie helped lay the foundation for our community of professional speakers in Central Texas. Her willingness to engage, mentor, and share from her journey enriched our chapter’s culture of service and speaking excellence. Her legacy reminds us that speaking isn’t just about the spotlight, it’s about honesty, connection, and constant learning.

Suzie’s story reminds us that careers aren’t always linear; the winding path of television, radio, live audiences, and speaking engagements all blended into her unique voice. She showed how saying “yes” to opportunities, leaning into both humour and challenge, and staying true to one’s real-life story can lead to impact. 

For all of us at NSA Austin, we honour her as a peer, a pioneer and a friend of our chapter. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, her many friends, and all the lives she touched through her voice, her humour, and her message.