Susan Backus is the vice president for regulatory and scientific affairs at the North American Meat Institute. In this capacity, she is responsible for nutrition and health activities, which include staffing the Health and Wellness Advisory Committee. Backus also manages staff responsible for environmental issues; international affairs; workforce; and product market and promotion on behalf of the Beef Checkoff.

Backus serves as President of the Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education providing strategic planning and implementing research program efforts. The Foundation administers safety research funding on behalf of the Beef Checkoff and National Pork Checkoff. She joined the American Meat Institute in June 1997 and began working in the Foundation in 1999.

She also serves as the executive secretary of the Shelf-Stable Food Processors Association, which is managed by the Meat Institute

Backus received a Bachelor of Arts in history from West Virginia University.