​Welcome, Jeff Swanson: Leading Jefferson Healthcare Foundation into a New Chapter

Jeffery Swanson, MA, CSPG, has joined Jefferson Healthcare as the new Foundation Director, effective November 10, 2025. Jeff brings extensive expertise in annual giving, planned giving, campaigns and major gifts, and he will play an integral role in connecting the community with Jefferson Healthcare's mission. He has spent the last 29 years leading successful fundraising teams at Chinese Hospital, Adventist Health, Loma Linda University Health, Orange County Community Foundation, Cal Poly Pomona, and more. A graduate of Loma Linda University, with a BA in History, Jeff received his MA in Education & Administration from La Sierra University School of Education.

A Sense for Adventure
Originally from Michigan, Jeff grew up exploring the rivers, lakes, and woodlands of his birth state. His parents instilled in him a mindset to explore and try new things. This affinity for exploration, whether it be a new restaurant or historical site, a hidden beach or trail, scuba diving or dragon boat racing lives on. It is that same sense of adventure that led Jeff to Jefferson Healthcare after successful philanthropic leadership stints in higher education and nonprofit organizations. While his roles across education and healthcare shared similar responsibilities, both involved connecting people with their philanthropic passion. “I really love healthcare and helping people make an impact,” Jeff says. “I am never going to cure someone personally, however, the ability to attract meaningful support for the work of our physicians, nurses and support staff ensures that caregiving happens.”

Connection to Community
“I knew I could make a difference here after one visit, and the tipping point is the leadership in place ready to support the next step for the Foundation.” One meeting with Foundation board president Patty Rhoden and Jefferson Healthcare CEO Mike Glenn sealed the deal. "The way Patty talks about her community and board, and Mike about his team and the vision for the future," Jeff adds, "just the excitement they foster, and then to really see the amazing facilities and the level of care in our community, it all came together."

It was a sincere discussion that convinced Jeff that his next adventure would lead to Jefferson. For Patty, the feeling was mutual. Patty was initially impressed by Jeff’s wealth of experience and expertise and was hooked by his relentless devotion to connecting people with the mission of care here at Jefferson Healthcare. “Jeff has this unwavering passion for philanthropy that is truly inspiring. His genuine commitment to connecting with others shine through in everything he does,” Patty said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have him leading our foundation, and I have no doubt that under his leadership, we will continue to make a positive impact on the health of the people we care for in our community."

Investing in People
There is, of course, a numbers-oriented objective to fundraising, and Jeff is well aware of that. "A strong, growing Foundation ensures that innovative programs are launched, new medical services are initiated, and the overall level of care in the community rises," he adds, "One gift makes a difference, and generosity multiplied over time is an unstoppable force for good."

Entrepreneur and philanthropist W.K. Kellogg once said, "I'll invest my money in people". That is the bedrock of the Jefferson Healthcare Foundation, holding contributions in trust for investment in the health of the community. The Foundation represents the gratitude of patients and families served by Jefferson Healthcare and stewards their generous investment to benefit others.

For Jeff the objective is clear, "I want to help a grateful patient or donor find the perfect gift, one that matches their passion and ability. Often, that means helping someone find meaning in the face of loss, or leaving a legacy that ensures care continues for the next patient in need. For someone to take that step and say, ‘I have lost a loved one, and I want to support others facing a medical challenge’, this is the pay it forward moment where Mr. Kellogg's phrase rings true.”


My Health, My Community, My Foundation
Aside from being on the lookout for the next restaurant to check out or breathtaking spot to uncover (he is accepting recommendations for both), Jeff’s first order of business is establishing himself as a resource to the people that Jefferson Healthcare serves. "Our Foundation needs to be ingrained in the community it serves," Jeff says, “I'm excited to meet you. Together let’s find out where community, health, and foundation align."