Susannah M. Whipps is the Independent representative for the 2nd Franklin District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, serving her sixth term as the only independent in the state legislature. A seventh-generation resident of Athol, Massachusetts, she is co-owner of Whipps, Inc., a family business that designs and manufactures equipment for the water and wastewater industry, employing 70 people. She was first elected to the Massachusetts House in 2015 after initially serving nine years on the Athol Board of Selectmen starting in 2005, and has won multiple elections, including the 2024 general with 66% of the vote. Notable achievements include recognition from the Children’s Advocacy Center and The Children’s Trust for work on child sexual abuse prevention, the NQCC Spotlight Award for restoring the Athol Historical Society building, and chairing the Town of Athol 250th Anniversary Committee. She serves on committees including Joint Committee on Aging and Independence, Higher Education, Housing, Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Municipalities and Regional Government, Elder Affairs, and State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and is part of the Statewide Taskforce on Child Sexual Abuse Prevention.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- Johnson & Wales University – A.O.S. in Culinary Arts

- Fitchburg State University – B.Sc. in Interdisciplinary Studies

By age 25, she had opened two successful restaurants before joining the family business in 2000.

Political Experience:

- Elected to Athol Board of Selectmen , serving nine years

- Massachusetts House of Representatives, 2nd Franklin District

- Extensive community involvement, including president of Athol Historical Society and Friends of Athol Council on Aging, member of Heywood Hospital Community Investment Committee, Town of Athol Vacant & Abandoned Building Committee, and Charter Review Committee

- Volunteer for organizations such as American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, Athol Memorial Hospital, American Red Cross, and United Way