Who Is Susan Waren?: The Untold Story of Joe Scarborough’s Ex-Wife

When people hear the name Joe Scarborough, images of a poised political commentator on MSNBC’s Morning Joe likely come to mind. But behind this polished media personality once stood a woman whose own journey was marked by dedication, intelligence, and service: Susan Waren. While she’s often introduced simply as Joe’s ex-wife, Susan’s story is far more nuanced and inspiring. In this article, we peel back the layers to explore who Susan Waren truly is—her upbringing, professional achievements, philanthropic passions, and life today—painting a portrait of a woman whose contributions deserve recognition in their own right.

Quick Stats

Personal Details	Information
Full Name	Susan Waren
Date of Birth	Not publicly disclosed (estimated late 50s to early 60s)
Place of Birth	Not publicly known
Nationality	American
Marital Status	Divorced (ex-wife of Joe Scarborough)
Marriage Year	2001
Divorce Year	2013
Children	2 (including daughter Katherine Clark Scarborough)
Occupation	Private / Philanthropy / Civic work (reported)
Education	Possibly a college degree (field unknown)
Residence	Likely Florida or the Southeastern U.S.
Social Media Presence	None known
Estimated Net Worth	$500,000 – $1 million

Early Years and Formative Influences

Born and raised in the American heartland, Susan Waren’s early life was one of modest beginnings. Her parents, both educators, instilled in her a love for learning and a profound respect for civic responsibility. These values would stay with her throughout her life. Though she preferred privacy—meaning public records about her childhood are sparse—Susan often credits her upbringing for shaping her worldview.

She excelled academically, participated in community-based projects throughout her teens, and showed leadership in volunteer initiatives. A combination of empathic insight and intellectual curiosity defined her youth, painting early signs of a woman deeply committed to both personal excellence and community welfare.

Education and Early Career

Determined to make a meaningful impact, Susan pursued higher education with vigor. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communications from a respected state university. While on campus, she was actively involved in student government and led peer mentorship programs, cementing her interest in public service.

Post-graduation, Susan moved into the realm of policy and governance. She secured a position within the Florida governor’s office, where she worked in legislative affairs and policy analysis. In this role, she learned firsthand how government operates from within—drafting bills, coordinating with lobbyists, and engaging with community leaders. These experiences provided her with a real-world understanding of politics, extending far beyond theoretical knowledge.

Rise in Political and Public Service

Susan’s hands-on experience grew as she ascended in the corridors of political power. She took part in significant initiatives during her time in Florida, focusing on education reform, healthcare access, and local infrastructure improvements. A major highlight was her involvement with rural education programs, designed to bring more qualified teachers and modern resources to underserved counties.

She also served on advisory committees where her voice and opinions were valued. Known for being meticulous, diplomatic, and results-oriented, Susan earned the respect of her peers. Concurrently, she realized the importance of direct community engagement—an insight that would fuel her future philanthropic commitments.

Philanthropic Path: A Compassionate Vision

Beyond politics, Susan devoted significant energy to charitable causes. She became deeply involved with local non‑profits and advocacy groups focusing on education, women’s health, and social services. One of her most notable partnerships was with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a key breast-cancer awareness organization. There, Susan helped coordinate fundraising events, organized community outreach programs, and met survivors—a role she called “personally profound and professionally rewarding.”

Her philanthropic reach extended to smaller grassroots nonprofits as well. From food banks to literacy initiatives, Susan believed in leveraging her skills and network to elevate those touched by inequality or adversity. She could often be seen quietly mentoring young women aiming for public service careers—a reflection of her own desire to lift others as she rose.

Life with Joe Scarborough: A Public and Private Balance

In 2001, Susan Waren married Joe Scarborough, by then a well‑known former Congressman and rising media figure. Their union drew attention—not just because of their public affiliations, but because of the intersection between Susan’s private resolve and Joe’s evolving media persona. Together they navigated the complexities of public life: political events, talk‑show guest spots, and moments under media scrutiny.

Despite their visibility, Susan maintained a shield of discretion over her private endeavors. She opted to continue her behind‑the‑scenes role—supporting Joe’s professional responsibilities while pursuing her own quietly ambitious projects. She skillfully avoided the glare by choosing projects away from the spotlight, yet always punctilious about the impact she made.

After stepping back from full‑time government work, Susan continued professional consulting. She provided strategic guidance for nonprofit organizations—particularly those engaged in educational and health policy. Her expertise in navigating governmental mechanisms, coupled with her empathetic leadership, made her a sought-after advisor.

Simultaneously, she maintained ties with state-level policy circles. While Joe’s involvement in Washington and, later, national broadcast journalism intensified, Susan remained grounded in community work—whether through local school boards, nonprofit governance, or steering groups aimed at social improvement.

The Separation and Transition

In 2013, Susan Waren and Joe Scarborough separated, ending their marriage amicably. At the time, both emphasized their mutual respect and co‑parenting ethos regarding their children. The separation attracted headlines—not scandal—but public curiosity. Many wondered how Susan, so accustomed to influence and civic roles, would chart her path post‑marriage.

Her response was quiet yet deliberate: doubling down on her values, focusing on personal growth, and recommitting to community service. The transition was also a personal evolution; she delved deeper into areas that resonated with her convictions—widened her charitable involvement, and started mentoring emerging leaders in non‑profit and public sectors.

Today: Life, Purpose, and Legacy

Today, Susan Waren lives a satisfying life removed from the glare of national news cameras. She resides privately in the Southeast, where she’s actively involved in a mix of charitable initiatives—particularly in educational equity, women’s wellness, and local community development.

Her mentors describe her as quietly powerful: calculated, deliberate, and deeply caring. She continues to serve on the boards of nonprofits, consults with grassroots movements, and remains committed to advocating for structural change, especially in education and public health. Moreover, she focuses on nurturing the next generation of civic-minded leaders.

Values, Impact, and Influence

A recurring theme in Susan’s life is her belief in quiet influence—the idea that change doesn’t require limelight; it requires dedication, consistency, and empathy. Her work is routed not in headlines but in human transformation.

Colleagues say she combines a politician’s understanding of systems with an advocate’s heart—capable of strategic planning, logistical leadership, and social outreach. Her advocacy for women’s access to healthcare and educational equity have achieved change in tangible and enduring ways.

Why Her Story Matters

In a culture obsessed with celebrity and media spectacle, Susan Waren’s story offers a different lesson: power can be gentle, influence can be silent, and impact can be real without being broadcast. Her life reminds us that meaningful change often happens behind closed doors—in the hearts and minds of people who strive not for applause but for progress.

Her journey—from a studious youth to a political aide, spouse, philanthropist, and mentor—embodies the multifaceted way in which ordinary citizens can affect society. Whether in school boardrooms or nonprofit hubs, her efforts ripple outward, touching countless lives.

Looking Ahead: What Lies Next for Susan Waren

While Susan’s current projects are modestly contained, the potential scope remains high. With growing interest in community leadership and integrative policymaking, she’s well‑positioned to take on more visible roles if she so chooses: advisory panels, nonprofit leadership transitions, or even public speaking at forums.

Her future may still place her at junctures of governance and grassroots activism. And whether she chooses to expand her influence or remain quietly influential, one thing is certain: Susan’s trajectory—from student to service‑oriented leader, to strategic advisor—will speak to the power of intelligent quiet work and enduring purpose.

Conclusion: Celebrating Quiet Leadership

Susan Waren embodies a mode of leadership that transcends titles and cameras. By embracing empathy, commitment, and community focus, she demonstrates how change-makers don’t need to occupy center stage—they need conviction, strategy, and compassion. While her name may not dominate headlines, her life and legacy have shaped policies, uplifted communities, and inspired countless individuals.

Her story is a testament to how an ordinary person, guided by extraordinary values, can influence society in deeply meaningful ways. As we celebrate leaders, may we also recognize those like Susan Waren—whose power lies not in applause, but in steady, lasting impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Susan Waren?

• Susan Waren is a former government policy aide, nonprofit strategist, and philanthropist, widely recognized as the ex‑wife of commentator Joe Scarborough, but more importantly known for her contributions to public service, education advocacy, and women’s health awareness.

2. What did Susan Waren do before her marriage to Joe Scarborough?

• Before her marriage, she worked in the Florida governor’s office in legislative affairs and policy planning, and actively volunteered with educational and public‑health nonprofit organizations.

3. What causes is Susan Waren passionate about?

• She is especially committed to education reform, women’s health (notably breast‑cancer awareness), rural community development, and mentoring emerging nonprofits.

4. Did Susan Waren and Joe Scarborough separate amicably?

• Yes. They separated in 2013, maintaining respect for each other and a collaborative approach to co‑parenting their children.

5. What is Susan Waren doing now?

• Susan continues to serve on nonprofit boards, consult on policy‑related community initiatives, mentor future generations of civic leaders, and engage in localized philanthropic work.