Introducing our new Executive Director, Colin Swanson
Colin Swanson, Mainspring’s new Executive Director
To our wonderful Mainspring community,
I’m pleased to announce that Colin Swanson will serve as the next Executive Director of Mainspring Schools.
Colin has been part of the Mainspring community for nearly a decade, first as a parent and most recently on the leadership team as Managing Director. During the hiring process, the Board of Directors was drawn to Colin’s unique combination of personal experiences and professional background.
Colin was a foster parent before adopting her son. Three of her foster children became Mainspring students. Like other Mainspring parents, Colin has navigated the social services and healthcare systems required to care for her family.
Professionally, she brings decades of financial management experience and was instrumental in solidifying Mainspring’s processes and financial health. During her career, Colin has consulted with corporate and nonprofit organizations across the globe on financial data management, reporting and budget preparation.
In addition to her business acumen, Colin is an award-winning and published creative writer. She has been a professor and lecturer at numerous universities, including The University of Texas, Southwestern University, and Texas State University.
Colin has a B.A. from Smith College, an MFA from the University of Texas and an MBA from the College of William & Mary.
As a trusted resource for Mainspring children, families, team members and partners, Colin will provide a seamless transition from outgoing Executive Director Jason Gindele, who will wrap up on Monday, December 19.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am thrilled to welcome Colin to her well-deserved new role and look forward to her leadership of our 81-year-old community institution.
Congratulations, Colin!
Sincerely,
Tim Weston
Chair, Board of Directors
A Message from Jason Gindele, Executive Director
I am absolutely delighted that Colin Swanson has been named the next Executive Director of Mainspring Schools.
Colin and I have known each other for nearly 10 years, and when I took this role in 2017, I quickly approached Colin about bringing her business acumen, lived experiences and huge heart to the staff. I was thrilled when she came aboard.
The foundation of any good organization is financial stability, and Colin’s business background will ensure that the mission of Mainspring will continue to thrive. But as everyone who knows her will attest, she is so much more than that. Colin is thoughtful, thorough, communicative, trusted and passionate about the work being done every day at Mainspring. And she’s a downright good person.
The little school doing big things is in good hands. I look forward to seeing Colin and the entire Mainspring community (including me!) continue this wonderful work for years to come.
Sincerely,
Jason
