Bellwood native and current Tyrone resident Faith Swanson joined the Tyrone Area School District administrative team this summer as the district’s new business manager.

Swanson is a Bellwood native and graduate, but she has Tyrone roots, and taking a job at TASD is like a homecoming for her.

“My mother grew up in Tyrone, and it was a second home to me growing up. Nothing like having grandma’s spaghetti after church and then getting 25 cents to go get penny candy at Gardner’s on Sundays,” said Swanson.

Swanson’s children, Eli and Aliyah, are currently students at TASD. Swanson says that she’s always been proud of the district and all the programs it has to offer.

“I am excited to become a part of the place that has helped shape my children through their education,” said Swanson. “I love the staff here, they are dedicated and kind. I have been welcomed from day one. Anytime I have the opportunity to help a fellow staff member and make their day a little easier, that is what I enjoy the most.”

Swanson received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Penn State University and her master’s of education in school business leadership from Wilkes University.

Swanson began her career at Bellwood-Antis School District from 2000 to 2014, first as the district’s payroll clerk, then as the earned income tax collector, and finally as the administrative assistant for business and human resources.

During her time at Bellwood Antis School District, she and her husband Ken opened a tax business on Pennsylvania Avenue. As the business grew, Swanson resigned from BASD to work at the tax office while also serving as business manager for the Central Pennsylvania Digital Learning Foundation.

In August of 2014, she became the interim business manager at Northern Cambria School District. Then in 2015, Swanson was hired at Huntingdon Area School District.

This summer she accepted the position at Tyrone following the retirement of former TASD business manager John Clark.

“My goals [at Tyrone are] to continue to work on streamlining processes, work with administrators on budgeting, and enhance transparency district-wide,” said Swanson. “Also, as we work through [funds allocated to schools for COVID relief], making sure that we responsibly allocate the funds to respond, react to, and plan for our continued Covid response.”

When she’s not at work crunching numbers, Swanson enjoys watching Penn State football, attending concerts, and Broadway shows. This winter, she plans to see the musical Hamilton for the first time.

She and her husband Ken also like to hike, garden, and spend time by the pool together whenever they can. Swanson can also be seen regularly at Tyrone sporting events cheering on her children.

“I enjoy watching my daughter Aliyah [cross country and track] and my son Eli [football, wrestling, and baseball] at their athletic events, especially now as an official Golden Eagle,” said Swanson.