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 $50 million in innovative, youth-serving nonprofits, reaching more than 60,000 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 guiding an annual portfolio of $50 million, providing strategic direction across six program areas, and working on foundation-wide innovation initiatives. Prior to Joyce, Beth served as Deputy for Education for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, working with education, non-profit, business and community leaders to define the city’s education policy agenda. Her portfolio included Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges of Chicago, Department of Family Support Services, Chicago Park District and Chicago Libraries.

She previously served as Executive Director of the Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation and worked for Chicago Public Schools with then CEO Arne Duncan, serving as Director of the Office of Extended Learning Opportunities and leading the Office of Management and Budget.

Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and American studies from Amherst College, as well as a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago.