The Highline Schools Foundation on Monday, Nov. 9 announced that Executive Director Fred Swanson will step down from his role effective Dec. 4, 2026, to pursue a new career opportunity.
Since joining the Foundation in May of 2022, Swanson has helped transform the organization’s reach and impact, strengthening its role as a vital community partner in supporting students, educators, and families throughout Highline Public Schools.
While we don’t yet know what his new gig is, Swanson told South King Media that he is “moving to a new position in Seattle – more details to come.”
Under Swanson’s leadership, the Foundation doubled its organizational revenue, modernized its fundraising and donor engagement programs, and significantly expanded its support for students and families. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to building meaningful partnerships, finding innovative ways to leverage community resources, and ensuring that students, families, and educators have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
“Fred is a rare leader who brings extraordinary talent, genuine warmth, and an enormous heart to everything he does,” said Jennifer Hefford-Anderson, Chair of the Highline Schools Foundation Board of Trustees. “His deep roots in the Highline community, passion for students and families, and remarkable ability to bring people together have made both our Foundation and our community stronger. He leads with purpose, creativity, and humor, and his impact will be felt for years to come. We are incredibly grateful for his leadership, and he will be deeply missed.”
Among Swanson’s many accomplishments is the expansion of the Foundation’s partnerships with Highline Public Schools’ family engagement and social work teams, helping connect students and families with essential resources so students can arrive at school ready to learn and families feel seen and supported.
He also led the transformation of the Foundation’s signature fundraising event from Oktoberfest to Winter Warm Up, creating a celebration that more directly reflects the organization’s mission to meet basic needs and support neighbors throughout the Highline community.
During his tenure, the Foundation delivered on experiences and supports that might otherwise have been out of reach for students—from adaptive bicycles that allow children with physical differences to ride alongside their classmates, to supporting Highline Drill’s first trip to nationals, student music competitions and college tours, and innovative school programs like the PSSC Car Show and Carnival and student-run coffee stand.
“One of the greatest privileges of my time with the Foundation has been getting to know the incredible people who make up the Highline community,” Swanson said. “From our educators and school staff to our students, families, and community partners, there is so much good work happening across this district. Being able to listen, build relationships, and find creative ways to bring resources and support to that work has been an incredible gift. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees will begin a search for its next Executive Director, with a focus on building upon the organization’s strong foundation and continued commitment to serving Highline students and families. Additional information about the search process will be shared in the coming weeks.
“Fred leaves behind an organization that is stronger, more connected, and well-positioned for the future,” added Hefford-Anderson. “While his presence will be greatly missed, the Foundation’s mission and commitment to our students remain steadfast. We look forward to building on this momentum as we enter our next chapter.”
About Highline Schools Foundation
Highline Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students, educators, and families throughout Highline Public Schools. Through community partnerships, fundraising, scholarships, classroom and school grants, and programs that address basic needs, the Foundation works to remove barriers to educational opportunity and ensure all students have the resources and support they need to succeed.
The Executive Director position is now posted. Learn more and apply at www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org.
