How to Vote
In accordance with the Swarthmore College Alumni Association Constitution and Bylaws, we invite all alumni to vote to ratify each nominee.
- Vote "For," "Against," or "Abstain" for each individual nominee.
- We have pre-populated "Abstain" for your convenience.
- This is not a competitive election. Each candidate who receives a majority of “For” votes will join the Alumni Council.
- You may vote “For” all ten candidates, and we hope you do!
Voting will run through July 31.
Anonymized and personalized ballots will be emailed to all alumni with a valid email address on file. To ensure you receive your ballot, please visit the new Alumni Portal to review and update your contact information.
- Daniel Banko-Ferran '17
Pronouns: he-him-his-himself
I am an economics professor at Haverford with a love of teaching, research, and the liberal arts. I grew up in the town of Swarthmore, graduated from the College in 2017, and enjoy group runs and choir singing. I am affiliated with Georgetown University’s Better Government Lab and currently work on a project with the City of Philadelphia evaluating their Zero Fare program, a free public transit access program for eligible individuals living in the city. I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 2025.
I would like to join the Alumni Council because my background as a researcher has trained me to identify problems, synthesize evidence, and communicate findings, so I hope to be of service in raising alumni concerns to the College.
- Brian Bell '99
Pronouns: he-him-his-himself
I have spent over two decades leading technology and strategy across global organizations and currently serve as Vice-President of Strategy & Planning, Global Technology & Analytics at Church & Dwight, where I lead digital transformation and technology investment strategy. As an Economics major, Swarthmore strengthened the analytical foundation that has been a critical asset throughout my career while deepening my commitment to community, inclusion, service, and pursuing bold ideas that create meaningful impact.
I want to serve on the Alumni Council to strengthen connections across generations of alumni and students while helping others benefit from the transformative Swarthmore experience.
- Ana Chiu '06
Pronouns: she-her-her-herself
I live by the motto “Think Globally, Act Locally”. Professionally, I am a Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility at PVH Corp (owner of the Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger fashion brands). I strive to improve working conditions in factories and decrease the environmental impacts of apparel production. I also volunteer in my neighborhood’s parks, schools, and civic groups. I am a proud native New Yorker, and every day I take my children to explore the world within the five boroughs.
I would like to join the Alumni Council to foster community between alums and students, perhaps in an interesting and small-scale settings like volunteering.
- Sudarshan "Suds" Gopaladesikan '14
Pronouns: he-him-his-himself
I'm Technical Director for Newcastle United in England's Premier League. I worked at Microsoft before switching to soccer, with stops in Portugal and Italy. One of my favorite things about Swarthmore was the diversity of stimulus on campus — that, plus a liberal arts education, honed my adaptability across languages, cultures, and contexts. Think Moneyball: evidence-based decision-making on team performance. I love sport because it's a microcosm of life, filled with emotion, teamwork, and competition. I live in Newcastle, UK. If any alumni want to chat about following a passion, I'd love to be a sounding board.
Community and close relations drive lifelong happiness and I would like to join the Alumni Council to help alumni feel connected and that the college is there for them.
- Adam Koplan '95
Pronouns: he-him-his-himself
I am the Director of Performing Arts at Westminster, a K-12 independent school in Atlanta. Prior, I was founding artistic director of The Flying Carpet Theatre, which premiered 24 productions and toured 19 states and Europe. My writing commissions include 1001 Nights with Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez for 20th Cent. Fox. My directing credits include The Pitmen Painters, Perfect Arrangement, and The Dancing Handkerchief at Theatrical Outfit. My production of 1001 Nights won two ATL Suzi awards for best youth production and ensemble. Alpin Hong: Chasing Chopin appeared at Lincoln Center and toured nationwide. I have taught as adjunct professor at Emory's Department of Theatre and received my M.F.A. from the University of Washington, B.A. from Swarthmore.
I want to join the Alumni Council because Swarthmore felt like home from the day I arrived and I'd love to share that feeling of warmth and welcome with all alums, especially those embarking on careers in the arts.
- David Nahmias '14
Pronouns: he-him-his-himself
Currently living right outside of Washington, D.C., I am a health AI research scientist at The MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit that operates federally funded research and development centers in support of the federal government. My focus is on ensuring safe and effective application of AI in the bioscience research and healthcare space. Before that I was a research scientist as the US FDA working on intelligent medical device development and regulations. Outside of work I continue to play volleyball as I did as part of the club team at Swarthmore. At Swarthmore I majored in Engineering and Mathematics and later obtained my PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
I want to join the Alumni Council to help keep Swarthmore alumni connected and continue to give back to the community.
- Rebecca Putnam '23
Pronouns: she-her-her-herself
I majored in computer science and art history at Swarthmore and work as a Management & Program Analyst in Smithsonian’s Office of Digital & Innovation. I also volunteer as the DC lead of the Young Alumni Ambassador Program.
At Swat, I was a captain of the women’s soccer team and worked in Admissions as a Tour Guide, Information Session Presenter, and Senior Fellow. I was Co-President of the Women+ in Computer Science Club, served on the Advisory Council to the CS Department and Student Life Committee, was a member of Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, and co-founded the Swat Pickleball Club!
I want to join Alumni Council because I am eager to support young Swat alums in finding community and to help build and sustain genuine intergenerational connections within the alumni network at large!
- Kevin Quigley '74
During my career, I worked with mission-oriented institutions in promoting human development, expanding educational opportunities, and advancing international service. These institutions included governmental and non-governmental organizations, foundations, and universities. I served as president of Marlboro College leading the merger with Emerson and the president of the National Peace Corps Association. I have served on numerous university and non-governmental boards. After September 11, 2001, my wife, Susan Flaherty, and I thought that there should be a place near the National Mall honoring the values of peace, understanding, and international service. That dream is coming closer to reality.
I want to join Alumni Council because I want to connect with other alumni, learn from today's students, and support the College that gave me so much in these challenging times.
- Renee Willemsen-Goode '03
Pronouns: she-her-her-herself
I am an educational leader with more than two decades of experience advancing academic excellence, instructional leadership, and data-informed school improvement. After Swarthmore, I returned home to New York City and earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. I currently serve as Deputy CEO at Family Life Academy Charter Schools, where I lead initiatives in curriculum development, assessment, teacher development, and organizational growth. I am passionate about creating equitable learning environments that empower students, strengthen educators, and foster lasting educational impact. I live in Brooklyn, NY with my husband and two children.
I want to join the Alumni Council because I want to give back to the community that shaped me by helping alumni build lasting connections, expand opportunities, and deepen their engagement with the College.
- Deb Winer '83
Pronouns: she-her-her-herself
I am a writer and theatre artist specializing in creating revues and concerts. As a leading expert on the American Songbook and Broadway, I curate and host a bi-monthly music series at Jazz at Lincoln Center. My plays have been produced Off-Broadway and regionally. As the author of several books, my work has appeared in the New York Times, and on PBS, NPR, etc. I have also scripted/consulted for the US Olympic/Paralympic Committee, ADL and other nonprofits. My comedy-adventure podcast, Flash Force: Middle Aged Women Superheroes Save Democracy, featuring an all-star Broadway cast, lives on major platforms.
I would like to join the Alumni Council to help keep Swarthmore alumni connected and continue to give back to the community.
Interested in Joining the Council?
The Alumni Council serves as the governing body of the Swarthmore College Alumni Association. Council members lead initiatives that support alumni engagement, student connection, and service to the College.
Member Expectations and Governance
- The full Alumni Council meets two times on campus each academic year.
- Review the Council Member Roles and Expectations for details on service.
- Our Constitution and Bylaws can be found here.
- View our Alumni Council Directory to see our current membership.
If you’d like to nominate yourself or a classmate for future consideration, please email the Alumni Council Nominating Committee at acnominations@swarthmore.edu.
