Elizabeth Swanson

About Elizabeth Swanson

Accomplished public, nonprofit, and philanthropic leader who has spent her career leading transformative efforts to improve the lives of young people. Extensive experience managing large teams and budgets (in excess of $5 billion annually), and a nimble executive with a track record of catalyzing policy and practice change at the federal, state, and local levels. Team and coalition builder, with experience leading complex organizations, launching public-private partnerships, and starting new nonprofits. Skilled public speaker, with a passion for equity and cross-sector policy impact. Energized in times of transition, growth, and political complexity.

Experience

1. CEO

   A Better Chicago

   May 2019 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   A Better Chicago is a venture philanthropy that invests in the most promising non-profits that help children escape poverty. We\'re a supercharger. We harness best practices from the public and private sectors to identify, support and scale programs that have the greatest potential to drive impact and help young people thrive in education, career, and life. To date, we have deployed more than $83 million and now reach almost Chicago youth annually. We are the strategic partner for donors who want to make pivotal, well-researched investments that lift the outlook of our city.

Education

• University of Chicago

  MPP, Public Policy

  2000 — 2002

• Amherst College

  BA, English and American Studies

  1992 — 1996

Skills

• Project Management
• Youth Justice
• Staff Development
• Policy
• Program Evaluation
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Youth Development
• Strategic Planning
• Higher Education
• Volunteer Management
• Grants
• Program Management
• Strategy
• Education Policy
• Non-Profits
• Public Policy
• Public Speaking
• Fundraising
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Juvenile Justice
• Policy Analysis
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Leadership Development
• Program Development