Laura Swann, Ed.S.

Biography

Laura Swann, Ed.S., NBCT, serves as Director of the Office of Workforce Development at the University of West Florida, where she leads strategic workforce initiatives that connect students, employers, and regional industry partners through experiential learning, workforce engagement, and talent pipeline development. She oversees the UWF Talent Catalyst Program, a workforce initiative designed to provide students with long-term, paid internships, mentorship, and professional development aligned with regional workforce needs.

Laura’s career spans education, workforce development, leadership training, coaching, and public policy. Prior to her work in higher education, she served as an instructional coach and educator with Fairfax County Public Schools, where she developed high-performing teams, facilitated professional learning, and implemented research-based instructional practices that led to significant student achievement gains. She also designed and led a STEM Coaching program focused on peer coaching and leadership development, contributing to published research in the field.

Before entering education, Laura worked in education policy and grant initiatives for a Fortune 500 company, a nonprofit organization, and on Capitol Hill. Across every stage of her career, she has been passionate about developing people, building strong partnerships, and creating innovative systems that foster growth and opportunity.

Laura is an experienced facilitator and leadership trainer with expertise in professional development, communication, coaching, emotional intelligence, and team development. She has facilitated leadership growth using methodologies including Cognitive Coaching, DISC, StrengthsFinder, and Fierce Conversations.

She holds an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia, a Master of Education from Marymount University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Emory University. Laura is also a National Board Certified Teacher.

A Pensacola native, Laura is deeply invested in the growth and future of the Northwest Florida region and is passionate about building meaningful connections between education, workforce development, and economic opportunity.