Chuck Swanson graduated with an MBA from the University of Iowa in 1976.  He was a student in 1972 when Hancher Auditorium opened, and his love for the organization was ignited immediately.  In 1985, Chuck returned to the University of Iowa as Hancher’s business manager and he became the organization’s executive director in 2002.  His long Hancher tenure is marked by many cherished memories, including the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve on the project team that designed and built the current Hancher Auditorium following the loss of the original facility to flooding in 2008.

As Hancher’s executive director, his priorities include bringing world class artists together with University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff; K-12 students from around the community and state; and people of all ages and from all backgrounds.  In collaboration with the exceptional Hancher staff, he endeavors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are touched by Hancher’s robust and diverse programming, using the arts as a way to encourage learning, creativity, engagement, and empathy.  He is committed to ensuring Hancher is a place where everyone feels welcome.