Board Member Spotlight: Erik Swanson

Erik Swanson is passionate about education – from his years teaching art at institutions across the DC area, to his current role as the director of Montgomery College’s Institute for Part-Time Faculty Engagement & Support, he has contributed his talents to supporting teachers and learners. After learning about Reach from a colleague, he felt that a role on Reach’s board helped put this passion to a new use and joined as a board member in 2025. Since then, he’s been an active member of the board and Reach’s development committee, helping plan outreach, marketing, and fundraising activities.

• What about Reach or MKHC’s work made you interested in joining the board?

I feel fortunate to have been asked to participate with [Reach]. It fits perfectly into my passion for education. Unfortunately, life is unfair, but one of the best ways to counteract that is through education. Reach acts as a local safety net, offering health care, housing, emergency financial help, senior support, and English classes for immigrants. It is a noble mission and important to support.

• What impact do you think Reach services or the clinic has on the community?

The services of Community Reach of Montgomery County are numerous and are the fabric that helps hold communities together. The organization provides basic-needs support and services to low-income and marginalized residents in Rockville and Montgomery County so they can be safer, healthier, and more stable. There is no downside.

• What are you hoping to get out of your time on the board?

I am hoping to be of value to Community Reach. I would like to support the organization as much as I see it supporting the community.

• What is something you see as a benefit to volunteering?

Putting into action values I hold is necessary and rewarding. There is satisfaction in endeavoring to live a life that may help someone else.  

• Is there any cause or issue that you’re passionate about?

I am passionate about leveling the playing field for everyone to get a fair shot to succeed to the utmost limits of their abilities.

• Tell us about yourself – how long have you lived in Montgomery County? What are your favorite ways to spend time?

I have worked in Montgomery County for nearly 20 years. If I’m being honest, my favorite way to spend time is eating, eating, and more eating. I love exploring any and all restaurants with friends and family. Sharing meals and conversations is a true pleasure for me.

• What is a fun fact about you that we can share?

Even though my undergraduate degree is in painting, I have worked on numerous illustration projects as a colorist, and I’ve taught every type of class in the art arena (including color theory)… I am color blind. Crazy, I know, but I have a system worked out.

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