Balancing work and life is a challenge many women face, but Courtney Bergey Swanson has found her path through creativity.
For many women, juggling responsibilities like childcare, sick kids, and figuring out dinner – beyond frozen chicken nuggets – can be overwhelming. “It’s a huge balance,” Courtney emphasized.
Courtney lives in Rochester, Minn., with her husband James, (a nurse at Mayo Clinic and currently finishing his graduate studies), along with their three-year-old daughter Suvi, and a baby boy on the way.
Courtney’s LinkedIn profile encapsulates her life philosophy: “I grew up on a farm just south of Lanesboro, Minn., so I believe that after years of exploring the cornfields, building tree houses, and feeding baby calves, I was destined to become the hardworking, curious, creative problem-solver that I am. In my years of experience, I have found that using creativity to invigorate communities and neighborhoods is what I am most passionate about. To me, this work is about strengthening economies, developing communities, empowering people, and sparking positive change.”
Courtney attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art, Art History, and Art Education.
Her professional journey began when she was offered a full-time position as Director of Advancement with Lanesboro Arts after completing an internship with the non-profit organization. She was quickly immersed in grant writing, community engagement, working with the city, and improving public spaces. “I started to speak the language of economic development and community development through the lens of art,” she recalls.
“If we can make our small towns beautiful and interesting places to live and places to visit, that is good for business, it is good for attracting new businesses, it is good for attracting new families. People want to live in a place where they feel they belong, there is things to do, pretty things to see, places to walk,” a philosophy she holds to this day. For example, Courtney works closely with Spring Grove, and one of their successful projects involved transforming an empty space in downtown into a vibrant pocket park. Now instead of an unused area, there are chairs and tables, strings of lights, and a stunning mural, creating an inviting atmosphere for all.
This role ignited her passion for rural economic development and community planning, which ultimately led her to join CEDA in 2016.
Courtney Bergey Swanson serves as the Vice President of Development and Collaborative at CEDA (Community and Economic Development Associates), a non-profit organization in Southeast Minnesota, Courtney plays a key role in fostering community growth. When Courtney started at CEDA, the company employed about half of the 45 employees it has today.
In her work, she shared that she really loves strategy and thinking strategically about what is possible and how you get there, even if it sounds kind of crazy. She also explained that you have to think creative. She also discussed the importance of communities as well as individuals being authentic.
Mentorship has been essential to her career, with John Davis, her director at Lanesboro Arts, being a key influence. “He really helped me see my professional potential.” Another mentor, Leah Lovelace was one of her professors at Luther College and a founder of ArtHaus in Decorah. Leah has been a guide both professionally and personally, and as a mother. “I have always looked up to Leah and how she has integrated joy and creativity into every aspect of her life,” Courtney shares. She added that she likes mentoring people and helping them discover their working style.
Working from home a few days a week has also been a game-changer for Courtney, giving her the flexibility to balance her career and family life.
In her downtime, Courtney enjoys quilting, gardening, reading and cooking. These activities provide her with a creative outlet and help her recharge.
One of her favorite books is “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker, which describes how to host groups of people and provides useful tools. “I lead a lot of leads a lot of work meetings, team meetings, and community meetings, and I’ve learned how to create a space where people feel safe.” She also loves hosting parties. and the book “Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect” by Will Guidara has been especially helpful.
Courtney’s advice for the next generation of community planners is to ask for help, guidance, and support. “The number one skill is being able to talk to people – communication, listening, and deeply understanding the opportunities and challenges that businesses have. We can teach you how to do economic development. We can teach you to look at financial sheets. We can teach you to apply for grants. But you need the drive to be a self-starter, go out and talk to people, and not be afraid to try new ideas.”