About
Suzanne Arkle
President + CEO
Suzanne Arkle is the President and CEO of ZANN, a management-consulting firm that advises clients on DEI strategies for small business growth, workforce development and participation on mega projects. Her clients include large public sector institutions, prime contractors, consultants and D/S/M/W/ACDBE business enterprises. She provides strategic advice to senior leadership about all aspects of project planning and implementation related to increasing and measuring D/S/M/W/ACDBE business growth and participation in major infrastructure projects. Through these services ZANN has directed the goals and utilization of over $3.9B for small businesses on projects valued at over $14B. More … >
Our Philosophy
An organization’s long-term success is dependent on how well it understands and reflects the markets it serves. That alignment fuels innovation and sustained growth.
Meet Your Consultants
Gin Hooks
Director, Strategic Partnerships
Gin focuses on small business outreach, needs assessments, creative problem solving, and process facilitation among industry partners and ZANN. Her approach is steeped in the ZANN philosophy that to sustain continuous growth, an organization must understand and reflect the target market and stakeholders. Her work helps organizations strengthen programs, improve processes, and foster long-term growth.
Linda Kelly
Manager, Economic Opportunity
Linda brings over 30 years of experience in procurement, workforce development, community engagement, and compliance across both public and private sectors. She specializes in guiding emerging businesses through small business certification processes and funding opportunities. Linda also helps shape outreach strategies through stakeholder meetings and surveys, and champions inclusive policies that expand small business participation in construction and infrastructure projects.
Victoria Lopez Avila
Manager, Strategic Partnerships
Victoria leads Building Small Businesses, ZANN’s innovative program for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). She brings a lifelong connection to the construction industry and professional experience to match. Raised in a family of builders, she naturally followed their footsteps and now works to support small firms navigate public contracting. She connects participants with targeted coaching, financial resources, and procurement opportunities, namely around projects like the CTA’s Red Line Extension. Her work bridges the gap between policy, community, and opportunity, ensuring emerging businesses are positioned to compete and thrive in the industry.
Julius Brooks
Manager, Strategy + Business Development
Julius brings over nine years of experience in Business Consulting, Public-Sector Strategy, and Program Management. His expertise includes legislative policy, economic development initiatives, contracting programs, stakeholder engagement, and government compliance. His work flows into his other career, as he currently serves in the Washington National Guard as a Warrant Officer, advising commanders on strategic planning, operational execution, and organizational development.
Kimberly Mills
Senior Compliance Officer
Kim specializes in contract compliance, helping organizations strengthen small business programs and drive measurable growth. She leads initiatives that expand participation and create meaningful economic opportunities for partners. Through her leadership, ZANN has become a national SME in compliance.
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