IRVINE, CA – Orange County United Way has announced the hiring of Jeff Swanson as its Senior Vice President of Philanthropy.
Formerly Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Orange County Community Foundation, the widely respected Swanson brings nearly 25 years of experience and an impressive track record to his role at United Way.
“Jeff has the expertise and skills needed to lead and enhance United Way’s comprehensive development program and will be a valuable addition to our executive team,” said Max Gardner, President and CEO of Orange County United Way, which is in year two of its 10-year communitywide action plan to tackle the most pressing education, income, health and housing challenges facing Orange County’s residents.
“At such a pivotal time in our organization’s growth,” Gardner continued, “we’re confident that Jeff’s leadership and strong development background will accelerate our strategic fundraising efforts while enhancing relationships with our corporate and community partners.”
In his most recent role at the Orange County Community Foundation, Swanson developed and managed the philanthropic development program at one of the nation’s fastest growing community foundations. Last year alone, he guided contributions of $79 million to the Community Foundation while successfully managing relationships with numerous nonprofit, philanthropic, community and industry leaders.
Swanson is looking forward to this next challenge and is well positioned to build on an already strong foundation at United Way.
“I’ve long respected United Way’s bold vision and philanthropic leadership as well as the significant impact that its FACE 2024 plan is already making in the community,” said Swanson. “With a visionary Board of Directors, talented staff, extensive network of corporate and individual philanthropists and a strong network of community partners, we have all the ingredients in place to significantly impact the lives of local children, individuals and families in need.
Swanson’s experience also includes successful development and advancement work in higher education. His past roles include Associate Vice President of Development at Cal Poly Pomona, Assistant Vice President for Advancement at La Sierra University in Riverside, Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations at Claremont Graduate College and as a grant writer at Loma Linda University & Medical Center.
In addition, Swanson has been awarded a Milton Murray Foundation for Philanthropy Fellowship, is a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving from the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies and recipient of a Certificate in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard University.
Currently serving as president of the Orange County Advisors in Philanthropy, Swanson is past president of both the Orange County Planned Giving Roundtable. He has also served as a member of the Orange County Estate Planning Council, the Council of Foundations, the National Center for Family Philanthropy and the National Committee on Planning Giving.
Swanson’s educational achievements include a Bachelors of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Loma Linda University as well as a Masters of Arts degree in Education & Administration from La Sierra University.
Swanson is married with two sons and enjoys live music, theater, traveling and spending time with his family.
For more information about Orange County United Way, please visit the Orange County United Way website.
NEWS CONTACTS:
Katherine Ransom, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Orange County United Way 949.263.6176, [email protected]
Michael Suydam
21Strat 949.981.5008, [email protected]
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY:
Since 1924, Orange County United Way has been working to improve lives and strengthen our community by mobilizing the caring power of Orange County and focusing on the building blocks for a good quality of life: Education, Income, Health and Housing. By investing in Orange County children, families and individuals, we help them create pathways to self-sufficient lives. In short, we help people help themselves. Through our 10-year community-wide action plan, FACE 2024 (an acronym for Fund, Advocate, Collaborate, Educate), we collaborate with local businesses, community organizations, governmental agencies and individuals to make a long-term measurable difference in the lives of local individuals and families. To learn more or to join our movement, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
