Lauren Swartz

Lauren Swartz has a diverse work experience in international trade and business development. Lauren currently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer and President at the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. Prior to this, they served as the Deputy Commerce Director, International Business & Global Strategy for the City of Philadelphia, where they successfully attracted foreign companies to invest in the city and increased trade and employment opportunities. Lauren also held the role of Deputy Director at Food Export USA- Northeast, managing strategic alliances and overseeing operations to grow export sales for U.S. based clients.

Before these roles, Swartz established their own consulting business, specializing in international trade and business development for the food industry. Lauren executed various projects related to international business development missions, marketing plans, and promotions. Additionally, they worked as a Business Manager & Creative Food Writer at Tria Philly and as an International Marketing Program Coordinator at the Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA-Northeast. Swartz also has experience in program coordination in the European Union Politics, Business & Economics Department at DIS - Denmark's International Study Program.

Lauren Swartz obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Randolph College from 1999 to 2003. Lauren also completed high school at Western Albemarle High School. Additionally, they obtained certifications in Management Leadership Advantage & Supervisory Certificate, Levels 1 and 2 from the Mid Atlantic Employers Association in 2011 and 2012 respectively.