Swanson chosen as new Issaquah Schools Foundation director

By BY NICOLE JENNINGS Issaquah Reporter Staff Writer • March 29, 2017 1:30 am
Swanson chosen as new Issaquah Schools Foundation director

The Issaquah Schools Foundation announced Wednesday that Liz Swanson has been named its new executive director.

Swanson comes to the Issaquah Schools Foundation with over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including executive and board leadership, fundraising, planning, stakeholder relations and operations.

Swanson most currently served as executive director of Eastside Friends of Seniors, and previously held leadership roles with Ardent Consulting, the American Cancer Society, the University of Washington-Bothell, Seattle Children’s Museum, Kansas University Endowment Association, Medical Foundation of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Ohio State University.

“We believe Liz will be a strong addition to the Issaquah Schools Foundation and will help us to continue to ensure that all students in Issaquah achieve the promise of their potential for many years to come,” said Matt Coyne, the chair of the foundation’s board of directors.

Swanson has been an active community leader on the Eastside for many years, which include board and volunteer roles with 501 Commons Executive Corps, Rotary Club of Bellevue, Eastside Baby Corner, AFP-Eastside Chapter and the Moyer Foundation. Swanson holds a Bachelor of Science in management and marketing from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and is a graduate of Leadership Eastside.

She is also a published author, having written several pieces on leadership transition and nonprofit board success.

Swanson resides in Sammamish with her husband and children, and has been a parent in the school district for over 16 years. Her son, a Skyline High School alumnus, is currently at Washington State University, and her daughter is currently at Skyline High School.

The Issaquah Schools Foundation works in partnership with the Issaquah School District to drive resources to help students reach the promise of their potential. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the foundation is looking forward to creating limitless opportunities that inspire students on their personal path to success.

The foundation is a connector, transforming the passion of parents, businesses and community members into investments that help students succeed and make Issaquah schools among the best in the state.