Laura Swanson is the Executive Director of the Enterprise Center at Salem State University. The Enterprise Center is an entrepreneurial support organization that serves as a hub for regional business growth. It is an accessible community for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking professional growth and business development on the North Shore. As Executive Director, Ms. Swanson is responsible for over 70+ business programs offered by the Enterprise Center, as well as the management of the Center’s 53,000 sq. ft. building that houses approximately 40 tenants. She has been with the Enterprise Center since 2008 and previously served as its Chief Operating Officer. Before coming to the Enterprise Center Laura worked with orthopedic practices for 20+ years and had her own business, where she provided consulting and project management services for physician owned practices.

Laura also heads up the work of the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development, a regional economic development organization that supports 30 communities north of Boston. She works closely with Salem State University in its entrepreneurship programs for students and serves on the President’s Leadership Cabinet and the Bertolon School of Business Advisory Board. She is a member of the Workforce Skills Cabinet Northeast Regional Planning Team and the City of Salem’s Economic Development Recovery & Revitalization Task Force. She also hosted a weekend radio show North Shore Conversations on 104.9FM.
Laura has played a very active role in the City of Salem and North Shore community for many years. She was a member of the Salem City Council, serving as a Councilor-at-Large, as well as a Commissioner for the Salem Parks and Recreation Commission. She currently volunteers her time to numerous organizations that include the North Shore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Essex Heritage Board of Trustees and Bishop Fenwick Parents Council.

Laura graduated magna cum laude from Salem State University in 1996 with a degree in History. She lives in Salem with her husband and their two daughters.