Beth Swanson

Beth Swanson is a dynamic leader in the public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, dedicated to improving the lives of young people. As CEO of A Better Chicago, she oversees the organization’s efforts to fight poverty by investing over $83 million (to date) in innovative, youth-serving nonprofits, reaching more than 75,000 young people annually. Under Beth’s leadership, A Better Chicago has become a critical, strategic partner for donors who want to make pivotal, well-researched investments that lift the outlook of our city.

Previously, Beth was Vice President of Strategy and Programs at The Joyce Foundation, Deputy for Education under Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and Executive Director of The Pritzker Traubert Foundation. Earlier in her career, Beth also worked at Chicago Public Schools with CEO Arne Duncan as director of the Office of Extended Learning Opportunities and then leading the district’s Office of Management and Budget.

Beth holds a B.A. in English and American Studies from Amherst College, and a master’s in public policy from the University of Chicago.