College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Workforce Development division has hired a new Director of Business and Manufacturing Programs. Marc Swinney has been selected to lead the College’s short-term training and apprenticeship programs that range from electronics and welding to business communication and accounting software. Marc’s responsibilities include creating and implementing training certificate programs that build student’s knowledge and skills to meet business and manufacturing industry workforce needs.
“I couldn’t be happier to welcome Marc to our team,” says CWI Workforce Development Executive Director, Christi Rood. “For 20 years he has shown excellent ability both in leadership and educational training. His diverse skill set and experience make him a tremendous asset to the College.”
Swinney, who resides in Eagle, boasts a background in military and industry training, educational management, and marketing and public relations. Most recently he managed and marketed eyecare professional training programs for Essilor USA, the worldwide leader in eyeglass lens manufacturing. Swinney’s professional career began in the United States Air Force, where he spent 12 years in various leadership roles culminating as a Director of Training for an intelligence ground station in Northern California. He was responsible for ensuring personnel were trained to work time-critical real-time collection and reporting missions. Swinney continues to serve part-time with the Idaho Air National Guard at Gowen Field in A-10 intelligence operations.
Following his active duty military service, Swinney was the Executive Director for Friends of Children and Families in Boise who deliver Head Start programs for Ada and Elmore counties. His experience also includes working for an online and print advertising company, Idearc Media, Inc. as their corporate web site manager, and an automotive industry consumer protection and marketing strategy provider, EFG Companies, serving as the digital marketing and product planning manager.
Swinney attended the U.S. Air Force Academy where he received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He also holds a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma. Swinney would like to eventually resume working toward a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho.
Swinney is married to Dusti Swinney, a human resources professional. The couple has two kids; Connor (11) and Zach (9). Swinney says he and his family spend their free time playing and coaching Lacrosse and chasing after a pair of one-year old Golden Retrievers, Kyra and Koufax. The family also enjoys at least one backpack trip each year in Idaho’s mountains and attempting to keep things growing in their yard.