Bethany Swonson is a third-generation military brat who has lived in 17 different communities from Pre-K to postsecondary. Her family’s commitment to public service formed her professional ethos to produce high-quality work to improve both individuals and communities.

She has been serving in the private, nonprofit and government sectors. Currently, she is serving as deputy chief of staff for the Florida Department of Education and executive director of the Florida Education Foundation, a statewide 501(c)(3) that is a Direct Support Organization of the Florida Department of Education.

Her personal and professional opportunities have helped form a passion and skillset in what she believes is one of the most essential aspects of life and business, connecting people to enhance their lives positively, and as a result, the places they live.

Previously, Bethany has served as the director of legislative affairs for the Florida Department of Education, as Leadership Florida’s Member Services and Resource Development Manager, and before that, she was an account manager at a top-tier, public relations and advertising firm, The Zimmerman Agency, managing three global accounts.

Bethany is a graduate of the Florida State University, where she received her Bachelors of Science in Public Relations and a Masters in Nonprofit Management at the University of Tampa. Most importantly, however, she holds the titles of daughter, sister, aunt, friend, Guardian ad Litem and Floridian. She plans to use all her titles to advocate and improve the education system in Florida.